In a lonely place, Rama’s beloved wife was carried away by a demon, one who could assume any form at will. Her fate, and the identity of her abductor, remained shrouded in mystery. Danu, the son of Diti, transformed into a rakshasa by a curse, revealed this troubling news to Sugriva, the powerful lord of the monkeys. Danu assured Sugriva that the mighty one would surely discover the demon who had taken Rama’s wife, and with these words, radiant Danu ascended to heaven. Everything had been recounted just as it was asked, and now both Rama and his companion sought refuge with Sugriva. Rama, once a giver of wealth and renowned throughout the world, now came to Sugriva as a seeker of protection. He, whose daughter-in-law was Sita and who was a refuge and lover of righteousness, sent his son—himself a refuge—to seek Sugriva’s shelter. The one who had been the protector of all the world, righteous and worthy of offering refuge, Raghava, my teacher, now sought Sugriva’s protection. It was Rama, whose favor had always ensured the prosperity of his people, who now sought the favor of the king of the monkeys. All the virtuous kings on earth had once been honored by King Dasharatha, and now his eldest son, renowned in the three worlds, Rama, had come to take refuge with Sugriva. Overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, Rama himself sought Sugriva’s favor, and it was right for Sugriva, together with the leaders of his troop, to welcome him. Saumitri, full of compassion and tears, spoke these words, and Hanuman, skilled in speech, answered him. Men endowed with such wisdom, who have conquered anger and their senses, are indeed fortunate to be seen by the king of the monkeys. Sugriva had been deprived of his kingdom, made an enemy by Vali, his wife taken, left terrified in the forest, and grievously wronged by his brother. Yet Sugriva, son of the Sun, together with his companions, promised to assist Rama and Lakshmana in searching for Sita. Having spoken gently and sweetly, Hanuman invited Raghava to meet Sugriva. Lakshmana, the righteous one, honored Hanuman and then spoke to Rama, saying the son of the Wind had fulfilled his duty and that Rama’s purpose was now accomplished. With cheerful face and clear delight, Hanuman, the son of the Wind, would never speak falsehood. Then Hanuman, supremely wise, led the two heroic Raghavas to the king of the monkeys. Casting off his form as a mendicant and assuming his true monkey shape, Hanuman lifted Rama and Lakshmana onto his back and departed. This foremost of monkeys, famed and accomplished, rejoicing and possessing strength like a mountain, set out with Rama and Lakshmana, his mind intent on good. Now begins the fifth sarga. Hanuman, leaving Ṛśyamūka, traveled to the Malaya mountain and announced to the monkey king the arrival of the two heroes, the Raghavas. He introduced Rama, of great wisdom and firm valor, who had arrived with his brother Lakshmana, steadfast in courage. Born in the lineage of the Ikṣvākus, Rama was the son of Dasharatha, renowned for righteousness and obedience to his father’s command. By him, the sacred fires had been satisfied with Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices, and thousands upon thousands of cows had been given as gifts. While this great soul dwelled in the forest, his wife was abducted by Ravana; now he had come to Sugriva for refuge. Hanuman urged Sugriva to honor these two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, who desired friendship, to receive and worship them, for both were most worthy of reverence. Hearing Hanuman’s words, Sugriva, king of the monkeys, became most presentable and, with affection, spoke to Rama. He praised Rama’s discipline in righteousness, devotion to austerity, and affection for all, acknowledging Hanuman’s truthful account of Rama’s virtues. Sugriva declared it a great honor and gain that Rama desired friendship with him, a mere monkey. If Rama was pleased with his friendship, Sugriva extended his arm, inviting Rama to join hands and establish a firm alliance. Hearing Sugriva’s well-spoken words, Rama, with a delighted heart, grasped Sugriva’s hand. Joyful, embracing the bond of friendship, Sugriva hugged Rama tightly, and Hanuman, conqueror of foes, abandoned his ascetic form. In his own form, Hanuman produced fire from two wooden sticks, honored the blazing fire with flowers, and worshipped it. With great delight, he placed the fire between Rama and Sugriva, and both circled the blazing fire in reverence. Thus, Sugriva and Rama entered into friendship, their hearts full of joy. They gazed upon each other, unable to be satisfied, declaring each other dear friends and vowing to share happiness and sorrow as one. Sugriva, with great joy, spoke to Rama, and then, breaking a branch full of blossoms from a Garuda tree, continued their newfound alliance.