Hanumān, the supremely wise son of the Wind, led the two heroic brothers, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, to the king of the monkeys. Casting aside his disguise as a mendicant, Hanumān resumed his true monkey form. With great strength, he lifted both Rāghava brothers onto his back and set forth, his mind intent on their welfare, rejoicing as he carried them like a mountain would bear its precious load. Departing from Ṛśyamūka, Hanumān journeyed to the Malaya mountain, where he announced to the monkey king, Sugrīva, the arrival of the two noble Rāghavas. Introducing them, Hanumān spoke: “This is Rāma, endowed with wisdom and unwavering valor, who has come here with his brother Lakṣmaṇa. Rāma is steadfast in courage, born in the illustrious Ikṣvāku lineage, the son of Daśaratha, renowned for righteousness and obedience to his father’s command. He has satisfied the sacred fires with Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices, and has given away thousands upon thousands of cows in charity. While dwelling in the forest, his wife was abducted by Rāvaṇa, and now he has come to you for refuge. You should honor these two brothers, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, who seek your friendship; receive and worship them, for they are most worthy of reverence.” Upon hearing Hanumān’s words, Sugrīva, king of the monkeys, composed himself and, with affection, addressed Rāma. “You are disciplined in righteousness, devoted to austerity, and affectionate to all. Hanumān, son of the Wind, has truthfully told me of your virtues. Therefore, it is my honor and great gain, O lord, that you desire friendship with me, a monkey. If my friendship pleases you, here is my arm extended; let our hands be joined, and let the bond of alliance be firmly established.” Rāma, delighted by Sugrīva’s well-spoken words, warmly grasped Sugrīva’s hand. Filled with joy, Sugrīva embraced Rāma, sealing their friendship. Hanumān, conqueror of foes, abandoned his ascetic form, and in his true form, produced fire from two wooden sticks. He honored the blazing fire with flowers and worshipped it, placing it between Rāma and Sugrīva. With great delight, both circled the fire in reverence, thus entering into a sacred bond of friendship. Their hearts full of joy, Rāma and Sugrīva gazed upon each other, unable to be satisfied, declaring, “You are my dear friend, and from now on, our happiness and sorrow are one.” Sugrīva, overjoyed, broke a blossom-laden branch from a Garuda tree, spread it, and sat down with Rāma. Hanumān, son of the Wind, joyfully offered Lakṣmaṇa a richly blossomed sandalwood branch. Sugrīva, delighted, spoke gently to Rāma, his eyes overwhelmed by joy: “I have been wronged, Rāma, and wander here, afflicted by fear. My wife has been taken, and I am terrified in the forest, seeking refuge in this difficult place. I have been wronged by my brother Vāli and am at enmity with him; O illustrious one, grant me safety from Vāli, for I am tormented by fear. Please act, O descendant of Kakutstha, so that I may not have fear.” Rāma, radiant and compassionate, replied with a gentle smile: “I know well, great monkey, that a friend is one who gives the fruit of help. I will slay Vāli, who took your wife. These sharp arrows of mine, shining like the sun, never fail. Upon that evil-minded Vāli will fall swiftly these arrows, covered with vulture feathers, resembling Indra’s thunderbolt. With keen points and straight shafts, furious like serpents, today you will see Vāli struck down by arrows sharp as deadly snakes. Pierced by arrows, Vāli will lie on the ground, scattered like a mountain.” Hearing these words, Sugrīva was exceedingly pleased and spoke: “By your grace, O lion among men, O hero, may I regain both my beloved and my kingdom. Do so, O king of men, to my enemy, that he may never again harm my elder brother.” In the matter of Sugrīva and Rāma’s bond of friendship, Sītā, the lord of monkeys, and the night-roaming demons—all their eyes, beautiful as lotuses, gold, or fire, are twitching together, as if destiny itself stirs. Pleased, Sugrīva spoke again to Rāghava, the joy of the Raghu line: “This chief among counselors, Hanumān, will tell you, Rāma. He knows the reason you have come to this lonely forest, dwelling here with your brother Lakṣmaṇa. Your wife, Maithilī, daughter of Janaka, was carried off by a demon. Separated from you, she wept, along with wise Lakṣmaṇa. Seeking an opportunity, that demon killed the vulture Jaṭāyu; because of your wife’s abduction, you have been brought to this sorrow. Soon, you will be freed from the grief caused by your wife’s separation. I will bring back the lost one, as one retrieves the Veda that was lost.” Thus, the sacred friendship between Rāma and Sugrīva was established, and hope was kindled for the recovery of Sītā and the restoration of Sugrīva’s kingdom.