Rama Places His Ring in Hanuman's Hand and His Separation in Hanuman's Heart
Kishkindha Kanda, Chaupai 23
Doha 23 · Movement 1 of 2
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Sugriva addresses Nila, Angada, Hanuman, and wise, steadfast Jambavan. These warriors will go together toward the south, question everyone about Sita, and offer mind, action, and speech to Ramachandra's work. Sugriva gives them the discipline of service: warm the back toward the sun, face the fire, but serve the master with every faculty and without deceit.
Renounce Maya and attend to the world beyond, for this body bears its true fruit when every other desire is laid aside and Rama is worshiped. Fortunate and discerning is the one who loves Raghuvira's feet. The warriors receive permission, bow, and depart joyfully with Raghuraya in remembrance.
Hanuman bows last. Rama knows the weight of the task and calls him near. A lotus hand touches the servant's head, and the Lord gives him his signet ring. Console Sita in many ways, tell her of my strength and of my separation, then return quickly. Hanuman counts his birth fulfilled and leaves carrying the treasure of compassion within his heart. Though all-knowing, Rama preserves the way of royal action.
The ring rests in Hanuman's hand while Rama's strength and sorrow become the message he must carry.
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सुनहु नील अंगद हनुमाना। जामवंत मतिधीर सुजाना।। सकल सुभट मिलि दच्छिन जाहू। सीता सुधि पूँछेउ सब काहू।। मन क्रम बचन सो जतन बिचारेहु। रामचंद्र कर काजु सँवारेहु।। भानु पीठि सेइअ उर आगी। स्वामिहि सर्ब भाव छल त्यागी।। तजि माया सेइअ परलोका। मिटहिं सकल भव संभव सोका।। देह धरे कर यह फलु भाई। भजिअ राम सब काम बिहाई।। सोइ गुनग्य सोई बड़भागी । जो रघुबीर चरन अनुरागी।। आयसु मागि चरन सिरु नाई। चले हरषि सुमिरत रघुराई।। पाछें पवन तनय सिरु नावा। जानि काज प्रभु निकट बोलावा।। परसा सीस सरोरुह पानी। करमुद्रिका दीन्हि जन जानी।। बहु प्रकार सीतहि समुझाएहु। कहि बल बिरह बेगि तुम्ह आएहु।। हनुमत जन्म सुफल करि माना। चलेउ हृदयँ धरि कृपानिधाना।। जद्यपि प्रभु जानत सब बाता। राजनीति राखत सुरत्राता।।
Listen, Nila, Angada, Hanuman, and Jambavan, you who are wise, steadfast, and deeply knowing. All you valiant warriors, go together to the south and inquire of everyone about Sita. With mind, action, and speech, devote every effort to this cause; accomplish the sacred work of Shri Ramachandra. Serve with your back to the sun and a blazing fire within your heart; serve your master with wholehearted devotion, free from all deceit. Renounce illusion and serve the higher purpose; all sorrows born of worldly existence will be destroyed. O brothers, this is the true fruit of possessing a body: worship Rama, setting aside every other desire. Truly virtuous and truly fortunate is the one who loves the feet of Raghuvira. Asking permission and bowing their heads at His feet, they departed joyfully, remembering Raghurai. Last of all, the son of the wind bowed his head. Knowing the gravity of the task, the Lord called him near. He touched Hanuman's head with His lotus hand and, recognizing him as His own devoted servant, gave him His ring. 'Console Sita in many ways, tell her of my strength, speak of the pangs of separation, and return quickly.' Hanuman considered his birth fulfilled and departed, holding the treasury of compassion within his heart. Although the Lord knows all things, the protector of the gods maintained the ways of royal conduct.