Rama Gives Hanuman His Ring

Sugriva speaks especially to Hanuman about the task, for he is certain that this best of monkeys will accomplish it. Very pleased, Sugriva, lord of all forest-dwellers, says to valiant Hanuman, son of the wind: “On the earth, in the middle air, in the sky, in the home of the immortals or in the waters, I see nothing that can stop your going, bull among monkeys. All the worlds are known to you, with asuras and gandharvas, nagas, men and gods, with their oceans and mountains. Your speed, swiftness, splendour and agility, great monkey, are like those of your father, the mighty Wind, hero. No being on earth equals you in splendour. So think out truly how Sita may be found. In you alone, Hanuman, are strength, understanding and valour, the sense of place and time, and policy, master of policy.” Realising that the task rests on Hanuman, and knowing Hanuman, Raghava reflects: “The lord of the monkeys is wholly certain of Hanuman, and Hanuman is even more certain of accomplishing the task. Since he is setting out, proven by his deeds and chosen by his master, the fruit of the task is sure to come.” Looking at that monkey, of supreme resolve, Rama of great splendour is delighted, as if his purpose were already achieved, his senses and mind full of joy. Pleased, the scorcher of foes gives him his ring, adorned with the mark of his own name, as a token of recognition for the king’s daughter. “By this sign, best of monkeys, Janaka’s daughter will see without fear that you have come from me. Your resolve, hero, your valour joined with strength, and Sugriva’s command seem to tell me of success.” Taking it, the best of monkeys places it on his head, joins his palms, salutes his feet, and sets out, bull among leapers. Drawing that great army of monkeys after him, the hero, the monkey son of the wind, is like the clear disc of the moon in a cloudless sky, adorned with hosts of stars. “Very mighty one, I rely on your strength; best of monkeys, with your great valour, son of the wind, Hanuman, act so that Janaka’s daughter may be found.”

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विशेषेण तु सुग्रीवो हनूमत्यर्थमुक्तवान् ।स हि तस्मिन् हरिश्रेष्ठे निश्चितार्थोऽर्थसाधने ॥ १ ॥

But Sugriva spoke of the matter especially to Hanuman; for he was certain of that best of monkeys in accomplishing the purpose.

This short sarga is one of the hinges of the epic. Sugriva singles out Hanuman: nothing on earth, in air or water can stop him; he has his father the Wind’s speed. Rama, watching, comes to the same conclusion and gives Hanuman his signet ring, engraved with his name, as a token Sita will recognise.

The ring will travel to Lanka and become one of the most cherished objects in Ramayana devotion. Hanuman receives it the way a devotee receives a sacred thing: he places it on his head, joins his palms, and touches Rama’s feet. Of all the monkeys setting out in four directions, only one has been given the means of proof.

Sources. Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, sarga 44 (southern recension, Gita Press numbering). Commentary by Vani Darshan, not scripture.