Hanumān, the illustrious son of the Wind-god, renowned for his strength and wisdom, rejoiced as he set out alongside Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. His heart was intent on doing good, and his vigor was likened to a mighty mountain. Departing from Ṛśyamūka, Hanumān made his way to the Malaya mountain, where he approached Sugrīva, king of the monkeys, to announce the arrival of the two noble Rāghavas. With reverence, Hanumān introduced Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa to Sugrīva, saying, “This is Rāma, famed for his wisdom and steadfast valor, who has come here with his brother Lakṣmaṇa. Rāma, born in the illustrious Ikṣvāku lineage, is the son of Daśaratha, renowned for his righteousness and unwavering obedience to his father’s commands. It was Daśaratha who satisfied the sacred fires with grand Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices, gifting thousands upon thousands of cows with a generous heart. Now, while this great soul Rāma was dwelling in the forest, his wife was abducted by Rāvaṇa. He has come to you, Sugrīva, seeking refuge. You should welcome these two brothers, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, who desire friendship with you. Receive and honor them, for they are most worthy of reverence.” Hearing Hanumān’s words, Sugrīva, king of the monkeys, made himself presentable and, with heartfelt affection, addressed Rāma. “You are disciplined in righteousness, devoted to austerity, and affectionate to all. Hanumān, the son of the Wind, has truthfully spoken of your virtues. Therefore, it is my great honor and gain, O lord, that you seek friendship with me, a monkey. If my friendship pleases you, here is my arm extended—let our hands be joined, and let our alliance be firmly established.” Delighted by Sugrīva’s words, Rāma took Sugrīva’s hand in his own. Filled with joy, Sugrīva embraced Rāma tightly, sealing their friendship, while Hanumān, the conqueror of foes, shed his ascetic guise. Returning to his true form, Hanumān produced fire from two wooden sticks and, honoring the blazing fire with flowers, worshipped it. With great delight, he placed the fire between Sugrīva and Rāma, and together they circled the sacred flame in reverence, thus solemnizing their bond of friendship. Now united, Sugrīva and Rāma gazed upon each other, their joy unbounded, each affirming, “You are my dear friend, and from this moment, our happiness and sorrow are one.” Overwhelmed with happiness, Sugrīva broke a blossoming branch from a Garuḍa tree and spread it out, sitting upon it with Rāma. Hanumān, ever attentive, joyfully offered Lakṣmaṇa a richly blossomed sandalwood branch. Then Sugrīva, his eyes brimming with joy, spoke gently to Rāma, “I have been wronged, Rāma, and wander here, afflicted by fear. My wife has been taken from me, and I live in terror in this forest, seeking refuge in this difficult place, tormented by anxiety. My own brother Vāli has wronged me, and I am at enmity with him. O illustrious one, grant me safety from Vāli, for he is the source of my fear. O descendant of Kakutstha, act so that I may no longer live in dread.” Hearing Sugrīva’s plea, the radiant and compassionate Rāma, as if smiling, replied, “I know well, great monkey, that a friend is one who gives the fruit of help. I will slay that Vāli who has taken your wife. These sharp arrows of mine, shining like the sun, never fail. Upon that evil-minded Vāli will fall swiftly these arrows, feathered like vultures and resembling Indra’s thunderbolt. With keen points and straight shafts, furious like serpents, today you shall see Vāli struck down by arrows sharp as deadly snakes. Pierced by them, Vāli will lie on the ground, scattered like a mountain.” Hearing these words, which promised his deliverance, Sugrīva was exceedingly pleased and spoke with gratitude, “By your grace, O lion among men, may I regain both my beloved and my kingdom. Do this, O king of men, to my enemy, so that he may never again harm his elder brother.” At this moment, as Sugrīva and Rāma sealed their bond of friendship, the hearts of Sītā, the lord of monkeys, and even the night-roaming demons seemed to tremble with anticipation. Once more, pleased, Sugrīva spoke to Rāghava, the joy of the Raghu line, “This chief among counselors, Hanumān, will tell you, Rāma, all that you need to know. Hanumān knows the reason you have come to this lonely forest with your brother Lakṣmaṇa. Your wife, Maithilī, daughter of Janaka, was carried off by a demon. Separated from you, she wept, as did wise Lakṣmaṇa. Seeking an opportunity, that demon killed the noble vulture Jaṭāyu. Because of your wife’s abduction, you have been brought to this sorrow. But you will soon be freed from the grief caused by your wife’s separation. I will bring back the lost one, as one retrieves the lost Veda.” With conviction, Sugrīva assured Rāma, “Know this, Rāghava, my words are true. Your wife cannot be subdued, not even by Indra and all the gods or demons together. Mighty-armed one, your wife is like food mixed with poison—untouchable. Give up your sorrow, great-armed one. I will bring your beloved back to you.” Thus, in the forest of Kiṣkindhā, the alliance between Rāma and Sugrīva was forged, filled with hope for the restoration of what each had lost.