Hanuman Carries Rama and Lakshmana upon His Back toward Sugriva
Kishkindha Kanda, Chaupai 4
Doha 4 · Movement 1 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
Seeing his Lord favorable, the son of the wind feels every thorn of sorrow leave his heart. He tells Rama that Sugriva, king of the monkeys and Rama's servant, lives upon the mountain. The afflicted exile needs friendship and fearlessness. In return, he can send millions of monkeys in every direction to search for Sita.
When Hanuman has explained the whole situation, he places both brothers upon his back. The servant who had approached in disguise now becomes their carrier, climbing toward Rishyamuka with Rama and Lakshmana held by his strength.
Sugriva sees Rama and counts his birth supremely blessed. He bows at the brothers' feet and receives Raghunatha's embrace. Yet wonder and uncertainty remain within him. Can Providence truly arrange that beings like these should offer love to one like him? The mountain refuge becomes the threshold of a friendship Sugriva scarcely dares to believe.
Hanuman bears the two brothers uphill while hope begins to move inside the frightened king.
Read the passage from the Manas
देखि पवन सुत पति अनुकूला। हृदयँ हरष बीती सब सूला।। नाथ सैल पर कपिपति रहई। सो सुग्रीव दास तव अहई।। तेहि सन नाथ मयत्री कीजे। दीन जानि तेहि अभय करीजे।। सो सीता कर खोज कराइहि। जहँ तहँ मरकट कोटि पठाइहि।। एहि बिधि सकल कथा समुझाई। लिए दुऔ जन पीठि चढ़ाई।। जब सुग्रीवँ राम कहुँ देखा। अतिसय जन्म धन्य करि लेखा।। सादर मिलेउ नाइ पद माथा। भैंटेउ अनुज सहित रघुनाथा।। कपि कर मन बिचार एहि रीती। करिहहिं बिधि मो सन ए प्रीती।।
Seeing his Lord favorable and gracious, the son of the wind felt joy flood his heart, and all his sorrows vanished. 'O Lord, upon this mountain dwells the king of monkeys, Sugriva, who is your devoted servant. Make friendship with him, O Lord, and knowing him to be afflicted, grant him fearlessness. He will arrange the search for Sita and send millions of monkeys in every direction.' Having explained the whole story, Hanuman took both brothers upon his back. When Sugriva beheld Rama, he counted his birth supremely blessed. He came forward with reverence, bowed his head at their feet, and Raghunatha embraced him together with his younger brother. The monkey's heart wondered, 'Will Providence truly make these noble ones love even me?'