Upon hearing of Sita’s woes, the lotus eyes of the Lord, the abode of bliss, filled with tears. He said, ‘Do you think anyone who comes to me for refuge in thought and word and deed can ever dream of meeting with adversities?’

'There is no misfortune,’ said Hanuman, ‘other than ceasing to remember and adore you. Of what account are the demons to you, Lord? You shall vanquish the foe and bring back Janaka’s daughter.’

‘Listen, Hanuman,’ said Rama; ‘no god or man or sage that has ever been born into this world has been such a benefactor to me as you. What service can I do you in return? When I think of it, I am unable to look you in the face.

Upon reflection, my son, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot ever repay you.’ Again and again as the protector of the gods gazed on Hanuman, his eyes filled with tears and his whole body quivered with emotion.

When Hanuman heard what his Lord said and gazed on his face and body beaming with delight, he experienced a thrill of joy all over his body and fell at his feet, crying out in an ecstasy of devotion, ‘Save me, save me, O Blessed Lord!’

Again and again the Lord sought to raise him up, but he was so absorbed in love that he would not rise. The lotus hands of the Lord rested on his head. Gauri’s lord (Shiva) was overcome by emotion when he recalled that scene.

But again, composing himself, Shiva resumed the most charming narrative. The Lord raised Hanuman and clasped him to his heart; then he took him by the hand and seated him close by his side and said,