Śri Maha-Ganapataye namah

We discussed that Pampa Sarovara was so dear to Hanuman that, even when He was living in Gandhamadana Mountain, He would frequent it often by travelling from there at the speed of wind. Sugriva and Hanuman would spend hours leisurely admiring the beautiful Nature surrounding the lake.

One morning when Sugriva and Hanuman were leisurely sitting on the peaks of the mountain admiring the beauty of the surroundings, near the lakebed they noticed two well-built strong men, holding bows in their hands. For some unknown reason, Hanuman’s heart was filled with warmth immediately upon seeing the two able-bodied men.

Normally, every time they spotted any creature at the mountain base the 5 vanaras would turn suspicious of whether it was a spy or an agent of Vali that was wandering in those surroundings in order to stealthily attack them. Hanuman would descend down at the speed of wind and attack the creature if necessary. On this day however, upon spotting the two strangers even from a distance, his heart melted with devotion. They were long-armed, mighty men who had an indefinable aura around them. His heart was filled with inexplicable bliss.

Sugriva, however, was petrified seeing them and he quickly hid himself in a cave. He was convinced that they had been sent by Vali to kill him. It was true that Vali was barred from stepping on the mountain, but there was no rule that prevented him from sending his loyalists for this purpose. Hence, the sight of the two warriors made him nervous. Although Hanuman was by his side, Sugriva was filled with fright.

Hanuman the asked, ‘Why are you so petrified? I do not see any reason for fear in this situation’.

Sugriva replied, ‘How can you say thus, Hanuman? Have you noticed those two strangers? Even from this distance it is distinctly evident that they are no ordinary archers. Their gait reveals that they are expert warriors. Just observe their stout, sturdy long arms. Observe the heavy and mighty bow they hold. Even if they aim the arrow from the base of the mountain, it could be fatal for us. How can I remain calm? To me it is evident that they have in them to effortlessly reduce any demon into dust’.

Jaya Guru Datta