Shatashloki 66: Moving further down the Pampa Sarovara, Rama met Hanuman.

Pampateere hanumataa sangato vaanarena ha
Hanumadvacanaa cchaiva sugreevena samaagatah

Meaning of the hymn- Moving further down the Pampa Sarovara, Rama met
Hanuman. As suggested by Hanuman, they proceeded and met Sugriva.

As the brothers neared the Pampa lake, Rama thought about Seeta and was very
disheartened. He lamented a lot. Lakshmana then consoled him saying, “dear
brother, you are the Purushottama. You know everything. Good and auspicious
events will come your way. Even if Ravana were to hide in hell (Patala), he cannot be
saved. This is for certain”.

Hearing these words from Lakshmana, Rama cheered up and both of them resumed
their walk. They neared the Mountain Rishyamukha.

Sugriva, the Vanara warrior, spotted these two brothers who were approaching the
Rishyamukha Mountain. He suspected them to be spies sent by his brother Vali, for
his destruction. He was agitated and frightened at the same time. He became
motionless. Hanuman seeing the plight of Sugriva said to him, “Why are you grieving
in this manner? You are very well aware that sinners cannot step on this Mountain
Rishyamukha. Vali is a sinner. There is no doubt about it. An evil-doer like Vali
cannot step here. Hence leave off all your worries”.

Hanuman‟s words brought cheer and respite to Sugriva. Hanuman, the son of windgod
Vayu, desired to see these two men who were nearing the Rishyamukha
Mountain. He changed his garb into that of an ascetic and approached Rama and
Lakshmana. Offering his salutations to them, he worshipped them. Thereafter, very
tactfully, he enquired of them, “Both of you, with your radiance appear like great
warrior or like divine saints and like Gods. How is it that you have come into these
parts of the forests scaring away the animals and birds here? Could it be that you
had set out for a war and mistakenly penetrated deep into the forests? Your shine
has radiated this place and yet you appear distressed. You don‟t seem to be inclined
to answer any of my questions. I seem to be the only one speaking here.

Anyway, let me introduce myself. There is a great virtuous Vanara by name Sugriva.
I am Hanuman, his minister. I am the son of wind. I take on any form I want. I can
travel anywhere I want.

Hearing this long speech given by Hanuman, Rama was deeply impressed. He
praised him profusely and then addressing Lakshmana, he said, “How wonderfully
and fluently he speaks! What clarity is there in his speech! He is so apt in the usage
of words. If a king has such an efficient minister as this one, then how many
accomplishments will be there to his credit! His speech is enthralling”.

Then Lakshmana said, “We are searching for Sugriva and are desirous of friendship
with him”.

These words spoken by Lakshmana brought great joy to Hanuman. Lakshmana
further told Hanuman about Seeta‟s abduction and how they were unable to trace
her. He told that they were on the lookout for Sugriva so that he could help them in
their mission.

Hanuman told them the story of how Vali captured Sugriva‟s wife, and requested
them to help Sugriva.

Giving up his disguise of a Brahmin, he assumed his real form. Seating Rama and
Lakshmana on his shoulders, he took them to the place where Sugriva was living.
This is a wonderful episode. The meeting of Hanuman and Rama, Rama introducing
himself, Rama being able to see the earrings (kundala) of Hanuman, Hanuman
recognizing Rama all took place in a matter of seconds.

Hanuman introduced Rama and Lakshmana to Sugriva and gave him all their details.
Sugriva was very pleased and placing his hand in Rama‟s hand, he said, “Let us be
good friends”.