When Hanuman First Met Ram

While searching for Sita, Ram and Lakshman came near Mount Rishyamuk. The monkey king Sugriv lived on that mountain with a few friends. His elder brother Bali was angry with him, so Sugriv was always careful.

When Sugriv saw two shining warriors coming with bows and arrows, he got worried. He said to his wisest minister, Hanuman, "Go and find out who they are. Has Bali sent them?"

Hanuman thought, "If I go as a monkey, they may not tell me the truth." So he took the form of a Brahmin holy man and went to the two brothers.

Hanuman bowed with great respect and asked in a sweet voice, "Who are you both? You look like princes, so why are you walking through this forest?"

Ram was very pleased to hear Hanuman speak. He said to Lakshman, "Look, Lakshman. He has said so much, but not a single word was wrong. His voice is sweet, and the way he speaks is clear and beautiful. He must have studied the Vedas and the scriptures well."

Then Ram introduced himself. "We are the sons of Raja Dasharath of Ayodhya. I am Ram, and this is my brother Lakshman. We came to the forest to keep our father's word. Here, a rakshas has carried away my wife Sita, and we are searching for her."

The moment he heard the name "Ram", Hanuman recognised his Lord! His heart filled with joy, a thrill ran through his body, and he could not speak. He showed his true monkey form and fell at Ram's feet. Then he said, "Prabhu, I did not recognise you. Please forgive me."

Ram lifted him up and hugged him close. There were tears of love in his eyes. Ram said, "Hanuman, do not feel small. You are twice as dear to me as Lakshman."

Then Hanuman carried both brothers on his back to Sugriv, and helped Ram and Sugriv become true friends. From that day on, Hanuman became Ram's dearest devotee and helper.