We discussed that while the other Vanaras panicked upon seeing the two strangers at the base of the mountain, Hanuman’s heart melted in devotion. For some reason, his mind was filled with bliss. Sugriva however panicked and sought shelter in a nearby cave.

Don’t we come across dogs which, even after a lot of training, run in fear at the sound of a firecracker? Likewise, small children panic when it thunders loudly and frighteningly. At times, even the elders are shaken up hearing the loud, cracking sound of lightening at a close distance. Sugriva’s fear is comparable to their fears.

Hanuman said, ‘Sugriva, why do you fear to see them? Undoubtedly, they appear to be indomitable warriors, but can you not observe saintliness in their face? Remember that they are not aiming the arrow towards us. The bow merely slings on their shoulder’.

Sugriva was unconvinced. He said, ‘Before you try to convince me, please observe their gait. It stands proof of their invincible might’.

Just picking one grain of rice from the boiling pot and squeezing it is an adequate test for the doneness of the rice in the pot. We do not have to smash all the grains in the pot. Similarly, the distinct gait of the two strangers was enough to prove that they would tear apart any demon who came their way.

Hanuman replied, ‘Let them tear demons apart. What do we stand to lose? Why should we fear?”

Sugriva replied, ‘Hanuman, they are human beings. What task would they have in these dense impenetrable forests uninhabited by men? I presume that my brother Vali could have sent them here in order to harm me. I fear that they are looking out for me. I am convinced that my presumption is true’.

Hanuman replied, ‘Have we not heard that the two sons of King Dasharatha are combing the forests searching for the wife of the eldest brother? It could be possible that these two strangers are the sons of King Dasharatha’.

Sugriva said, ‘The sons of King Dasharatha are kshatriya (warrior) princes. These two men do not have any signs of royalty. Their bark- clothes make it evident that they are mendicants. Furthermore, their hair is matted and their skin appears dusty. Surely they are agents sent by my brother Vali’.

Jaya Guru Datta