We are at the beginning of the fourth book of Ramayana – Kishkindha Kanda. It means and deals with the empire of holy monkeys which will later form an army with Sri Rama in his final battle with Ravana. To tell a brief about this kanda - Kishkindha Kanda is one of the seven kandas in Valmiki's Ramayan. The Kanda involves the meeting between Lord Rama and his disciple Hanuman. It also features the story of two vanara brothers Vali and Sugriva and how Rama killed Vali who enslaved Surgriva's wife. It was in Kishkindha Kanda that Jambavanth made Hanuman realise about his strength, powers and capabilities. With such an importance ascertained to this kanda, we can quickly go through each chapter to know the summary of the beautiful tale. We had completed Aranya Kanda, which talks about the life of Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in deep forests, introduction of Ravana and Sita’s abduction by him. Rama moves south to meet Sugriva, the king of vanaras or monkeys who can help him to locate Sita. Let us see in the first few chapters of this kanda how this important meeting with Sugriva happens through another important first meeting with Hanuman.
In chapter 1, Rama in his pursuit to regain Sita reaches Pampa Lake along with Lakshmana. He laments for Sita. In these many verses Rama expresses his deep-rooted emotion for Seetha, which the ancient commentators have interpreted to be the God's deep-seated love and anguish for the created souls. The comparison is, Rama to Vishnu or God, Seetha to the created soul, now captivated in the embodiment called Lanka, and Lakshmana as the true devout. God needs a messenger or a Messiah or as per Hindu tradition the Guru, the teacher. That teacher is what Hanuman is, who can send the message of God to His created soul. Rama as a god incarnate is actually in search of a true teacher, for which the surroundings of Pampa Lake are exemplified as good surroundings for finding such a true teacher in the form of Hanuman.
Arriving on the shores of the Pampa, Rama was ecstatic at its breath-taking beauty. An ecstasy mingled with a lingering sadness as he said, "Look at the Pampa, Lakshmana, Its surface shimmers like clusters of diamonds and its bank sport the most magnificent trees that soar up as if to surpass the very mountain peaks. But the joy that I feel amidst all this glory is whittled away to nothingness as memories of Bharata's sorrow and Sita's abduction swamp me. Wafting winds travel from grove to grove and from mountain to mountain laden with scents daringly robed while frolicking with the myriad flowers along their path. The fragrance of the lotus in them reminds me of Sita's breath and the scent of jasmine reminds me of my sorrow. Look at the splendor of nature Lakshmana. Its display of countless flowers in their myriad colors throws the bees in a quandary as to their choice. And as every bee tries to rest in the honeyed heart of every bloom, the speed of restless winds startles them. The symphony of rustling leaves humming bees and whistling winds seem to entice the trees into a dance. Watch their leafy pinnacles entwine and sway with gay abandon. On the mountain plateaus the peacocks followed by the peahens dance so gracefully their fanned out tails shimmer like crystal lattices and their clarion calls seem to mock my pain. "This festive spring is consuming me Saumitri. How can I live without Janaki and how can she survive without me? Stripped of their foliage the ravishing Karnikaras set the mountain ridges afire with the brilliance of their blooms. There seems to be no tree that does not adorn this glorious part of the earth and no bird that does not seek its captivating bliss. Flowers and petals descending from their lofty heights carpet this land where deer follows doe and birds flirt with each other. But I have not my lotus-eyed consort by my side. If only she were breathing this very same air, I would forever roam these celestial slopes coveting neither Indra's realm nor Ayodhya. No thought or desire would pry me away. What answer shall I give Janaka and Kausalya when they ask me of Sita? When will I see her again and when will I ever hear her? This anxiety is driving me insane". Trying to stem Rama's endless lament Lakshmana said to him, "Even if he hides himself in the womb of mother earth, Ravana cannot escape the consequences of his demonic deed. Courage and effort render the impossible, possible. Resolute men do not ever fail in their pursuits. Have you perhaps forgotten your true nature and of your sublime qualities that are without compare?" Brimming with love and loyalty for Rama, Lakshmana walked on serenely, with the one thought of protecting a brother who was dearer to him than his very life.
In chapter 2, Hanuma, the Marvellous monkey of Ramayana is entered in this chapter. The very first assurance given by Sage Valmiki through Hanuma, to one and all is, "Be Fearless..." Even today that assurance of Hanuma is ruling high on the Hindu psyche and Hanuma is to be remembered in any event of fright.
From his perch on the Rishyamuka Sugriva saw Rama and Lakshmana. He saw their magnificent bodies, their awesome weapons and the power that they radiated. Startled and agitated at their presence, his alarm reached new heights. His darting looks and restless movements bespoke his fear. Certain that the intruders were sent by Vali, he told his companions that the tricksters robed in the bark must be masquerading as ascetics. Deciding to put as much distance as possible between themselves and their probable enemies the monkey band fled. Bounding from one ridge they raced to another higher one. Mountains shook under the ferocity of their stomping feet, trees and bushes that came their way were broken and terror struck in the hearts of deer, tiger and lion. Reaching the safe summits of their home Sugriva's followers stood around him reverentially.
Hanuman, a Vanara of mesmeric charm and eloquence looked at Sugriva who was quaking with fear and said, "This is Rishyamuka and Vali is not even here. Be calm Sugriva, learn to judge people and their intentions. An unwise and hasty king can never efficiently rule his subjects". Defending himself Sugriva retorted that anyone would be wary of such god like visitors carrying intimidating bows and arrows. Though he did not suspect Vali's presence, he did not put it beyond his brothers' intelligence and cunning to spy on him. It was imperative that a king be ever alert and aware of his enemies and their intent, for his safety. Thinking that the humbly clad mendicants were perhaps discreetly seeking information, he came to a decision and told Hanuman, "Transform into human form, go to the visitors flatter or cajole them, but find out whether their intentions are honorable". Bowing to his king, Hanuman left, to meet Rama and Lakshmana".
In chapter 3, Hanuman, at the behest of Sugriva, approaches Rama and Lakshmana in the guise of an ascetic. Sugreeva is well aware of political milieu and enemy's tactics, and thus asked Hanuma not to approach them in his original monkey form in earlier chapter. Equally well, Rama and Lakshmana doubt the entry of an ascetic i.e., Hanuma in that guise, into this uninhabited place, and they wait cautiously till Hanuma reveals himself. From here up to Sundara Kanda, Hanuma's words and actions are weighted, and need an in-depth study. In this episode, what all Hanuma says is drawn from scriptures and political science, and what all Rama analyses Hanuma, by way of Hanuma's expressiveness, is relevant to scriptures, i.e., Veda-s. In mythology, Hanuma is taken as the veda vedaanga paarangataH, knower of all Vedas, and their subsidiary scriptures, nava vyaakarana panditaH, scholar in nine schools of grammars, buddhimata variSTaH , cleverest of the clever. He is the supreme scholar, teacher, and the cleverest.
Turning his mighty form into that of a humble mendicant, Hanuman approached the Ikshvaku princes. With deep respect he asked them who they were that looked like gods descended down to earth. He also saw that their divine radiance made the mountain glow and the ripples the of Pampa glint like gold. He addressed those two brave ones and praised them appropriately. “You are like royal sages, equal to the gods. You are ascetics, firm in your vows. You are handsome in appearance. Why have you come to this spot? You have frightened large numbers of animals and others who roam around in the forest. You are looking at the trees that grow everywhere, on the banks of the Pampa. O spirited ones! You are making the auspicious waters of this river radiant. You are patient and golden in complexion, but you are attired in bark. Who are you? O brave ones! Your glances are like those of lions. Your valour is more than that of lions. In your large arms, you are wielding bows that are like those of Shakra. Your forms are prosperous and handsome. Your valour is like that of excellent bulls. O bulls among men! Your arms are like the trunks of elephants. You are dazzling. This radiant Indra among mountains has become resplendent because of you. You deserve kingdoms meant for the best among gods. Why have you come to this region? Your eyes are like lotus petals. You are brave. However, you sport masses of matted hair. O brave ones! You are like each other in appearance. Have you come here from the world of the gods? O brave ones! Your chests are broad. You are gods in the form of humans. As you wish, you have come to earth, like the sun and the moon. Your shoulders are like those of lions. You are great in spirit. You are like sacred bulls. Your arms are long and well rounded, they are like clubs. They deserve to be adorned in all kinds of ornaments. Why are you not ornamented? I think that the two of you are capable of protecting the entire earth, with all its oceans and forests and decorated with the Vindhya and the Meru. These colourful and smooth bows are marked with wonderful signs. They are decorated with diamonds and gold and are as radiant as Indra’s bow. These quivers, auspicious to see, are filled with sharp arrows that are terrible and are as flaming as serpents, bringing an end to lives. These radiant swords are like snakes released from their skins. They are gigantic in size and are decorated with molten gold. There is someone named Sugriva and he is the leader of a band of apes. He possesses dharma in his soul. The brave one has been banished by his brother and is miserably roaming around in the world. Sent by the great-souled Sugriva, the king of the best among apes, I have come here. Sugriva the most honorable of monkeys now lives here banished by his brother Vali. I am Hanuman, son of the wind god and Sugriva's companion. I can take any form at will and have now come in the guise of a mendicant on behalf of Sugriva who seeks your friendship", said Hanuman.
Rama's joy was boundless. Turning to Lakshmana he said, "Even as I was hoping to see the Vanara king, he has found me". Full of praise for Hanuman he went on to say, "Only he who has knowledge of the Vedas could possess such eloquence. A perfect grammarian, he has yet to utter a discordant note. His speech is flawless and his well-modulated tone voices words that come straight from his pure unsullied heart. Tell me Lakshmana, which confirmed enemy would not be disarmed by his choice of words and their delivery? How can kings without such envoys survive? But those who are blessed with one like him are ever assured of success"! Lakshmana then told Hanuman that they were aware of Sugriva's nobility and were in fact looking for him, ready to render whatever help he might need. It was Hanuman's turn to rejoice as he felt sure of Sugriva's victory.
In chapter 4, Lakshmana narrates to Hanuman which he is required to know about the duo. At the end of conversation, Hanuman carries Rama and Lakshmana to meet Sugriva.
Hanuman was pleased that Sugriva's mission would soon be achieved since Rama too is in need of his help. He then asked Lakshmana what had brought Rama to the fierce jungles of Dandaka infested with fearful serpents and ferocious beasts. Lakshmana began his narration of what had come to pass, "Rama the most noble of Dasaratha's sons now wanders in this wilderness, banished from his home and empire. Ravana, the evil king of the rakshasas, has stolen his consort Sita who had followed him like the glow that follows the evening Sun. I, Lakshmana his brother who adores him for his incomparable qualities of dharma follow him like a slave and a servant. Kabandha has advised us to seek Sugriva's help in our effort to find Sita. The earth, its rulers prosper by the grace of Dasaratha, a noble king renowned for his love towards all and malice towards none. So dharmic and serene was Dasaratha that he was famed as the second Brahma. Rama his most virtuous son and ultimate refuge of all creatures seeks help from a mere Vanara king. Let Sugriva be gracious Hanuman. For Rama is in deep sorrow!" Moved by Lakshmana's poignant narration, Hanuman sadly said, "It is Sugriva who should have come in search of you, who are strong and disciplined. But to his good fortune you come in search of him. Vali cheated Sugriva, seized his wife and threw him out of the country. Sugriva the son of the sun god now lives here and will help you find Sita". Assuming his mighty form, Hanuman carried Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders to meet Sugriva.
This concludes chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Kishkindha Kanda or the tale around monkey empire where we had seen Rama and Lakshmana arrive at the shores of Pampa and got mesmerized by its beauty while lamenting about Sita at the same time. Sugriva spend a gaze at the two men and trembles with fear assuming them to be his enemies disguised as ascetics. Here, we had seen the introduction of most noble disciple of Rama, known in three worlds as Hanuman, revered by millions all over for his noble qualities and becomes from now as the greatest follower, devotee and disciple of Sri Rama. There is one entire book on him, which comes next as ‘Sundara Kanda’ which details his epic deeds and influence in Ramayana. Hanuman utters carefully crafted, spotless words as an introduction with Rama and Lakshmana, revealing his deep sense of knowledge and wisdom. He praises the duo and talks about own self, Sugriva to bring much needed relief, happiness and direction to Rama, who himself is looking to meet Sugriva. After the exchange, the princes are carried on his shoulder to the place of Sugriva and the further conversation, enmity between Sugriva and Vali will be seen in subsequent chapters.
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