Lasting friendship


In the  Ramayana, Sugriva is fortunate to associate himself with Rama and this friendship became beneficial to  both of them. When Sita was lost and Rama and Lakshmana were in search of her near the Pampa lake, circumstances favoured  the flowering of friendship between Rama and Sugriva. At that time Sugriva was living  in hiding from Vali in Rishyamuka hill. Seeing Rama and Lakshmana from a distance, he sends Hanuman to find out their identity. Hanuman assumes a human  form as an ascetic and enquires about their whereabouts. In a  lecture,  it is pointed out that Rama was openly impressed by the erudition, propriety, polished rendering and humility of  Hanuman’s interaction with
them.  Hanuman’s enquiry of them, based on his observations, is  thorough. He is able to assess their situation and frankly puts forth his questions to them. The brothers seem to be of royal lineage but are clad as hermits. Are  they celestials in human form?  What was the reason for them to be in the forest area? They deserve to be decorated with ornaments worthy of princes, yet  they do not wear any. The bow they carry is their singular adornment. They evince effulgence and courage. Yet they look  distressed and he would like to know the cause for their sorrow. 


When even such a lengthy address didn’t evoke any response from them, Hanuman paused  and decided to introduce himself instead. He admits that he is  a monkey who had assumed this  form at the behest of his master Sugriva whom he serves as a  minister, and who wishes to seek  to befriend Rama. Rama tells Lakshmana to reply suitably to  Hanuman’s address which He  appreciates immensely.  Hanuman’s role in this situation is valuable. He leads them to  Sugriva’s presence and they  pledge to remain as friends at all  times in the presence of fire. Rama assures Sugriva that he will  eliminate Vali.  Mutual love and trust between two people blend to form lasting friendships. It is a precious relationship that brings out the noble traits in the individuals who act selflessly for  each other’s welfare. 

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