Rāmāyana |Kiṣkindha Kaṇḍa| Chapter 44

44. Rāma Gives Ring to Hanuman

[When Sugrīva feels that the one who is capable of doing the job is Hanuman, the son of wind God, Rāma gives his signet ring to Hanuman so that Sītā can identify it.]

Sugrīva specially mentioned about Hanuman who is fit to do this job and he felt that among the best of the monkeys he is likely to achieve the result. 44.1

Sugrīva who was greatly liked by all monkey chiefs then told the valorous Hanuman, who was the son of wind god. 44.2

"Oh great monkey, I have not seen any one equal to you in speed of movement in earth or space or sky or the land of gods." 44.3

"You know about all the world consisting of oceans and mountains including that of asuras, Gandharvas, Nagas, men and gods." 44.4

"Oh great monkey, in speed of movement, lustre and efficiency, you are like your father the great wind God." 44.5

"There is no other being in this world which is equal to your lustre and so you alone are capable of finding Sītā and so please go ahead." 44.6

"Oh Hanuman, Oh expert in diplomacy only in you, strength, wisdom, valour, capability of judging suitable place and time and knowledge of diplomacy is there." 44.7

"Understanding that responsibility of finding Sītā is placed on Hanuman alone, Rāma started thinking about Hanuman." 44.8

"This Lord of monkey would achieve the goal by employing all methods as in accomplishing the task, he has been considered as the most worthy individual." 44.9

"His lord knows that if he goes he is capable of getting results and that is the reason why he is favouring him so greatly in achieving the objective." 44.10

The mighty ones heart was filled with joyous feeling as if the task has already been accomplished by Hanuman, who answered all questions with great determination. 44.11

Then he gave him his ring on which his name was engraved and shining, for recognition by the daughter of the king. 44.12

"Oh great monkey, by seeing this symbol, the daughter of Janaka, who is one who would be perplexed would recognize that you are coming from me." 44.13

"Oh valorous one endowed with strength and prowess, the message of Sugrīva to you, makes me feel that you would accomplish the task." 44.14

The greatest among monkeys took it from Rāma and kept it on his forehead; saluted him with folded palms and after touching feet of Rāma departed. 44.15

Hanuman being the foremost among the monkeys being the son of wind God among the other monkeys surrounding him appeared like moon amidst other stars in a cloudless sky. 44.16

Rāma said to him, "Oh very strong one, most valorous among the best of monkeys, Oh son of wind God, Oh Hanuman, I am depending on your strength and mighty valour and so exert yourself so that you can find the daughter of Janaka." 44.17

This is the end of Forty Fourth Sarga of Kiṣkindha Kanda which occurs in Holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki as the First Epic.