Shatashloki 68: Sugriva was very happy that he had befriended a great warrior

Sugrivaschaapi tatsarvam shrutvaa raamasya vaanaraha
Cakaara sakhyam raamena preetascaivaagnisaakshikam

Meaning of the hymn- After listening to the entire story of Rama, Sugriva was very
happy that he had befriended a great warrior, who was also in a similar state as him.
Rama and Sugriva sealed their friendship through a fire ritual and with the fire as a
witness.

Sugriva was the younger brother of Vali. Having lost his kingdom and his wife, he
was living on the Rishyamukha Mountain. His elder brother Vali had snatched away
his wife and thrown him out of the kingdom. Trying to escape from his brother who
was out to take his life, Sugriva had run all around the earth but to no avail. Finally
he had sought refuge in the Rishyamukha Mountain. There was a reason behind
staying in this mountain.

Rishyamukha was a very special mountain created by Lord Brahma for a specific
purpose. It has intense vibrations. If the person sleeping on this mountain dreams of
wealth, when he wakes up he will be greeted with wealth. A sinner cannot step foot
upon this mountain under any circumstances. If he does climb this mountain, then
when he is asleep, demons (rakshasas) will kill him.

Vali was a sinner and hence he did not dare to climb this mountain. For this reason,
Sugriva could live fearlessly upon this mountain.

Addressing Rama, Sugriva said, “You are a brave mighty warrior and possess
excellent traits. Moreover, you are extremely righteous. Hanuman has told me in
great detail about you. I am a Vanara. Yet, you a great Maha Purusha, seek
friendship with me. This itself will bring me great respect. It will also bring me great
fortune. Rama, I am stretching my hand. Place your hand in mine. Let us remain as
eternal friends. Let us abide by the rules of friendship”.

Rama was greatly elated upon hearing these words from Sugriva. He was now sure
of finding Seeta. He stretched his arm and placed his hand in Sugriva‟s hand. He
embraced Sugriva.

Hanuman then brought two logs of wood and created a fire. He worshipped the fire
with flowers. He kept that fire between Rama and Sugriva. Rama and Sugriva then
circumambulated around the burning fire. They sealed their friendship in the
presence of fire.

Sugriva then said, “From this moment, Rama, your joy is my joy and your sorrow is
my sorrow. From this moment, we shed our differences”.

He seated Rama and he himself sat beside him. He said, “Rama I am very happy
today. Please bless me that I should not have to live in fear of my brother Vali
henceforth”.

Rama reassured Sugriva by saying, “I will punish Vali for his deeds. Very shortly you
will see him dying”.

Exactly at this moment, when these two friends were conversing, in Kishkinda Vali‟s
left eye, in Lanka Ravana‟s left eye and in Ashoka Vana Seeta‟s left eye fluttered.
When the right eye flutters for men, it is auspicious. The fluttering of the left eye of
Vali and Ravana was an indication to them of inauspiciousness coming their way. For
ladies, the fluttering of the left eye is auspicious. Hence Seeta was greatly reassured
and peaceful with this indication. She knew that very shortly she would see her
husband.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam namaha.