Sugriva, his heart filled with respect, spoke to Rama, “You are steadfast in righteousness, devoted to austerity, and affectionate toward all beings. Hanuman, son of the wind, has truthfully told me of your virtues. Therefore, it is a great honor and good fortune for me, O lord, that you seek friendship with me, a mere monkey. If my friendship pleases you, here is my arm extended—let us join hands and form a firm bond of alliance.” Hearing these sincere words, Rama, his heart delighted, took Sugriva’s hand in his own. Overjoyed by the new friendship, Sugriva embraced Rama tightly. At that moment, Hanuman—conqueror of foes—set aside his ascetic guise. Returning to his true form, Hanuman produced fire by rubbing two wooden sticks together. Honoring the blazing fire with flowers, he worshipped it. Filled with happiness, Hanuman placed the sacred fire between Rama and Sugriva. Together, they reverently circled the fire, sealing their alliance. Thus, Rama and Sugriva entered into a deep friendship, both the monkey and the prince overflowing with joy. They gazed at each other, unable to be satisfied, and declared, “You are my dear friend; from now on, our happiness and sorrow are one.” In his happiness, Sugriva broke a branch heavy with blossoms from a Garuda tree, spread it out, and sat down beside Rama. Hanuman, son of the wind, offered Lakshmana a richly blossomed branch from a sandalwood tree. Then Sugriva, his voice gentle and sweet, spoke to Rama, his eyes brimming with joy, “I have been wronged, Rama, and I wander here, tormented by fear. My wife has been taken from me, and I live in terror in this difficult forest, seeking refuge, anxious and afraid.” Sugriva continued, “I have been wronged by my brother Vali and am now his enemy. O Rama, illustrious one, grant me safety from Vali, for I am tormented by fear. Act, O descendant of Kakutstha, so that I may no longer live in dread.” Thus addressed, Rama—radiant, righteous, and compassionate—replied with a gentle smile, “I know well, great monkey, that a true friend gives the fruit of help. I will slay Vali, who took your wife. My sharp arrows, shining like the sun, never fail.” Rama assured him, “Upon that evil-minded Vali will fall these swift arrows, covered with vulture feathers, like Indra’s thunderbolt. With keen points and straight shafts, furious like serpents, today you will see Vali struck down by arrows as deadly as venomous snakes. Pierced by them, Vali will lie scattered on the ground like a mountain.” Hearing these words, Sugriva was overjoyed and said, “By your grace, O lion among men, may I regain both my beloved and my kingdom. Do so, O king of men, to my enemy, that he may never again harm his elder brother.” At that very moment, as Sugriva and Rama sealed their bond of friendship, Sita, the lord of monkeys, and the night-roaming demons—all with eyes beautiful as lotuses, gold, or fire—felt their eyes twitching together, as if fate itself was stirring. Now begins the sixth sarga of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, in the Kishkindha Kanda. Once more, pleased, Sugriva spoke to Rama, the joy of the Raghu line, “This chief among counselors, Hanuman, will tell you, Rama. Hanuman knows the reason you have come to this lonely forest, dwelling here with your brother Lakshmana.” Hanuman then spoke, “Your wife, Maithili, daughter of Janaka, was carried off by a demon. Separated from you, she wept, along with wise Lakshmana. In that moment, the demon killed the vulture Jatayu, who tried to help. Because of your wife’s abduction, you have been plunged into sorrow. But soon you will be freed from this grief; I will bring back your beloved, as one retrieves the lost Veda.” Sugriva continued, “Know this, Raghava—my words are true. Not even Indra, nor the gods or demons together, could break her spirit. Your wife, mighty-armed one, is like food mixed with poison—untouchable by others. Give up your sorrow, great-armed one. I will bring your beloved back to you. From what I have seen, I know without doubt that she is Maithili. I saw her being carried away by that demon of cruel deeds. She cried out, ‘Rama! Rama!’ and ‘Lakshmana!’ as she struggled in Ravana’s lap, like the wife of the serpent king. When she saw me standing on the mountain slope, she threw down her upper garment and her auspicious ornaments.” Hanuman assured, “O Raghava, we took and kept those ornaments. I will bring them here; you should recognize them.” Rama, moved by Sugriva’s gentle words, urged, “Bring them quickly, friend; why do you delay?” Swiftly, Sugriva entered the deep cave of the mountain, eager to please Rama. He took the upper garment and the ornaments, and showed them to Rama, saying, “See, these.” Rama took the garment and the beautiful ornaments, but was overcome with tears, like the moon veiled by mist. Overwhelmed by love for Sita, he cried out, “Alas, my beloved!” and, abandoning all composure, fell to the ground, weeping.