It is Hanuman, sire, who did everything and saved the lives of us all.’ Hearing this, Sugriva embraced him again and then set out with the monkeys to where Raghunatha was.

When Rama saw the monkeys approaching, their mission duly accomplished, he was greatly delighted at heart. The two brothers were seated on a crystal rock, and all the monkeys went and fell at their feet.

Raghunatha, the sum total of all compassion, embraced them all with much affection and inquired after their well-being. ‘All is well with us, Lord,’ they replied, ‘now that we have seen your lotus feet.’

‘Listen, Raghunatha,’ said Jambavan; ‘he, Lord, on whom you bestow your favour is ever fortunate and eternally blessed and gods and men and sages are kind to him.

He it is who is victorious, modest and an ocean of virtues, and his fair renown shines brightly through all the three spheres. By our Lord’s favour the task has been accomplished and today our birth has borne fruit.

My Lord, not even a thousand tongues could tell the whole of the feat Hanuman, the Son of the Wind, has performed.’ Jambavan then proceeded to relate to Raghunatha Hanuman’s daring exploits.

The All-merciful was charmed by the recital and again gladly clasped Hanuman to his bosom. ‘Tell me, my son,’ he said, ‘how does Janaka’s daughter pass her days and sustain her life?’