📖 Kishkindha Kand Shree Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas — Hanuman Meets Rama, Sugriva's Friendship, Bali's Fall & Search for Sita

I worship Lord Shiva, whose body shines like the jasmine flower and the moon, the consort of Uma, the abode of compassion — who shows special love to the downtrodden. May that Treasury of Mercy bestow His grace upon me.

I bow at the lotus feet of the gracious Guru, who destroys the darkness of ignorance and is the embodiment of pure spiritual wisdom. I worship the pollen-dust of the Guru's lotus feet, which is endowed with beautiful taste, divine fragrance, and the nectar of devotion.

Just as speech and meaning, or water and waves, are said to be both different and non-different — so I worship the feet of Siya-Rama, to whom the afflicted and sorrowful are supremely dear.

Ever since Shree Rama returned home after His marriage, new celebrations and festivities of joy and congratulation arose every day. All the people of the city remained joyful, ever following the Lord.

The four-faced Brahma, who heard this sacred story with reverence and spoke wisdom, renounced delusion and, gazing upon the forest, meditated upon the feet of Shree Rama.

Shree Rama, the delight of the Raghu dynasty, graced Chitrakoot with His presence, performing many blissful divine plays. After residing there happily, the Lord departed towards Kishkindha following the events of Aranyakand.

May I receive that wisdom which Shree Rama, by His grace, has established in my heart. I now reverently narrate the beautiful fourth staircase — the Kishkindhakand.

Shree Rama proceeded further and drew near to Mount Rishyamook. There lived Sugriva with his ministers. Seeing the Lord approaching — the very boundary of incomparable strength — Sugriva was astonished.

Sugriva sat within, fearful in his heart — out of dread, he could not come forward. Then Sugriva sent Hanuman to investigate. Though the Lord knew everything, Hanuman disguised himself as a brahmin.

The supreme monkey Hanuman arrived in the guise of a brahmin. After much deliberation, he approached with great humility. He prostrated in salutation and spoke in a gentle voice — 'O Lord! What do you wish to know from us?'

Recognizing the Lord, Hanuman fell at His feet, clasping them tightly. O Uma! The joy of that meeting is beyond all description.

Offering his respects and touching the ground with his body, both narrated their respective stories to each other. Hanuman said — 'O Lord! What trouble can there be? Now, O Compassionate One, make me Your own.'

Hearing the Lord's words, Hanuman was overjoyed. He enshrined the Lord's lotus feet in his heart. Again and again he placed his head at the Lord's feet — 'O Raghunath! You are blessed throughout the three worlds!'

The Lord said with delight — 'How excellent! O Son of the Wind! You are the very embodiment of devotion's nectar. You are as dear to Me as My brother Bharata. Always remain with Me, having received My command.'

O Uma (Parvati)! In this world, there is no benefactor equal to Shree Rama — neither guru, nor father, nor mother, nor brother, nor master.

Hanuman said — 'O Lord, hear the plight of Sugriva. Bali has tormented him grievously. Now abandon enmity and befriend him. Come in human form and let us proceed together.'

Then Hanuman carried Shree Rama and Lakshmana upon his shoulders and brought them to Sugriva. Sugriva fixed his mind upon the Lord of the Raghus and fell at His feet, overwhelmed with love.

The Lord, supremely affectionate, met Sugriva along with His younger brother Lakshmana. Their bodies thrilled with emotion and their eyes flowed with tears of love. Sugriva said — 'Hear me, O Raghunandana! Bali, blinded by his might, has cast me out.'

Blinded by his strength and pride, devoid of all discernment, Bali took away my wife and fled. Overcome with rage, he even comes to kill me.

Hearing Sugriva's tale, Shree Rama said — 'I shall remove all your suffering, O friend! I shall bear your enmity as My own. I shall slay Bali in battle — mark this as certain.'

The friendship was made with no reservations whatsoever. Lakshmana, Rama, and Sugriva spoke auspicious words. With Agni (sacred fire) as witness, they sealed their friendship — they united completely, with all differences erased.

Shree Rama explained to Sugriva all the duties of friendship. Both listened carefully to each other's stories and held them in their hearts.

Sugriva said — 'Hear me, O Lord of the Raghus! You are the Master of the three worlds and the Giver to all. My special protection is happening by Your grace. Blessed, truly blessed, is my fortune!'

Sugriva said with tears in his eyes — 'O Lord, I have suffered immense sorrow! Bali's strength is terribly fierce and ruthless. He torments me through endless schemes and cruelty.'

The Lord of the Raghus said — 'Listen, O wise friend! I shall bring Bali under My control. O brother, I grant you fearlessness — I speak the truth: whoever takes refuge in Me, I am their protector.'

Shree Rama said — 'O friend, having carefully considered your strength, I have made My resolve. I shall slay Bali for your welfare — hold this firm conviction in your heart.'

Thus friendship was established. Sugriva showed the ornaments of Sita that had fallen from the sky with great urgency. Both brothers, together with the monkey-king Sugriva, were pleased and found supreme happiness.

Seeing Sita's ornaments, tears filled the eyes of Shree Rama — His strength and composure wavered. Lakshmana said — 'I cannot recognize anything by sight (the upper ornaments), but the anklets that I remember in my mind — those I can identify.'

Hearing Shree Rama's words, Sugriva felt courage and reassurance in his friendship. He said — 'I shall render all assistance and gather my entire monkey army.'

Hearing the Lord's promise and gaining full confidence, Sugriva went to challenge Bali. Bali, trusting in his own strength, thought — 'After careful consideration, no one dare speak against me.'

Sugriva went to Bali and confronted him. Bali flew into a rage the moment he saw Sugriva. He rushed forward, seized the monkey-king, and struck him with mighty blows.

Bali and Sugriva were both brothers — identical in appearance and equal in strength. Shree Rama did not slay Bali in the first encounter — hear the reason, those who have the wisdom to comprehend.

Seeing both monkeys identical in form, Shree Rama held back His arrow that time. Sugriva said — 'Hear me, Lord! Bali's strength is immeasurable and boundless.'

Defeated, Sugriva fled back to the Lord. The monkey-king cried out — 'By the honour of Shree Rama! Bali will kill me now! O Lord, with You as my protector, who will save me?'

The Lord of the Raghus replied — 'Listen, O friend! You are both identical in body and form. That is why, after careful thought, I did not strike Bali. Now make an arrangement so that I can tell you apart.'

A garland of Gajapushpa flowers was brought and placed around Sugriva's neck, where it shone beautifully. 'Now the identification is made — go forth! I shall slay Bali. Let there be no doubt in your mind.'

Once again, the mighty monkey-king was sent to challenge Bali. The moment Sugriva began chanting the name of Shree Rama, his strength grew immensely.

Hearing Sugriva's battle cry, Bali roared and rushed out through the gate without a second thought. Queen Tara said — 'Listen, my husband and lord! Shree Rama, a portion of Lord Vishnu Himself, is present there — please be cautious!'

Bali did not heed Tara's warning. The supremely arrogant and ignorant Bali charged forth. Seeing Sugriva approaching, the two clashed and hurled themselves at each other.

The Lord watched from behind a tree as Bali and Sugriva fought. Recognizing Sugriva by the Gajapushpa garland around his neck, the Lord of the Raghus readied His bow.

Then, from behind a tree, Shree Rama released His arrow, which struck Bali's chest. The mighty Bali, struck by Rama's arrow, was defeated and fell to the earth.

The moment Rama's arrow pierced Bali's chest, all his pride, arrogance, and delusion were shattered. The light of truth dawned upon him.

Beholding Shree Rama, Bali was filled with joy. At the hour of death, all his knowledge became pure and clear. Contemplating Rama's true divine form in his heart, he joyfully relinquished his mortal body.

Bali said — 'Hear me, O Lord of the Raghus! I am a great offender before You, O Lord! I, the lowly one, am unworthy of this body. O grave and noble Rama, please show me Your mercy.'

Bali prayed — 'O Compassionate One, declare my offences! Being pierced by Your arrow is itself Your supreme favour. O Bhavani (Parvati)! The karma of the soul is under God's control — this the wise one knows well.'

Bali said — 'For my sake, Angad has lost his father. O Lord! Be Angad's protector and guardian.'

Bali, blinded by sensual pleasures, had abandoned the shelter of the saints — 'I am not bound by his words,' declared Rama. Tara cried out — 'O Lord of the Raghus! Bali is now giving up his life.'

Looking upon Shree Rama, Bali spoke — 'O Ocean of Mercy! All the burden of my heart has been lifted. O Lord! Take care of Angad — without You, there is no other master.'

Fixing his mind upon Shree Rama's feet, Bali departed from this world. Leaving his body, he attained that supreme state which even the greatest sages describe with wonder.

Seeing Tara's distress, the Lord of the Raghus imparted to her the wisdom of knowledge, science, and the nature of Maya. Upon hearing it, Tara's mind was immediately filled with peace — she attained that state which only saints can truly know.

Hearing the Lord's compassionate words, Tara clasped the feet of that supremely benevolent Lord. She held the hand of her son Angad. By Rama's grace, all their sorrows were then burnt away.

Bali shed his body and attained the abode of Shree Hari. The form of Shree Rama remained enshrined within his heart. He whose very name brings happiness when remembered — rarely does anyone attain the exalted destination that Bali received.

Shree Rama said — 'Sugriva, now take charge of the kingdom — this is certain. Bestow the title of Crown Prince upon Angad.' Hearing the Lord's words, all the monkeys were overjoyed.

Sugriva was given the auspicious moment to assume kingship. Angad was lovingly appointed as the prince-heir. The kingdom was established at Kishkindha — in every way, the purpose of the monkeys was fulfilled.

After performing the coronation of the monkey-king, the Lord withdrew to the Pravarshan cave. Like the Chataka bird awaiting the Swati raindrop, He spoke of the monsoon period — the time allotted for Sita's search.

The Lord said — 'Listen, O friend Sugriva! One who takes refuge in the saints knows fearlessness in his heart. During the monsoon, I shall dwell upon the mountain. O friend, when that season passes, come to Me then.'

Shree Rama said — 'Sugriva, now go. When the rains end, gather all the monkeys and work for My cause. Search for Sita and put forth all your strength.'

'Until then, the days will pass, O friend, as the monsoon runs its course. Make me this pledge — that you will have Sita searched for without fail.'

Sugriva bowed his head at the Lord's feet. The monkey-king said — 'Now bestow Your grace upon me.' The Lord granted him leave, and Sugriva returned to Kishkindha, where celebrations and joy spread throughout the city.

Sugriva sat upon the royal throne. Angad bowed with loving aspiration. All the monkeys gathered to serve their king. The ministers and counsellors all became supporters of the realm.

The clouds of the monsoon covered the sky, thundering most magnificently. Lightning flickered within the clouds — like the affection of the wicked, it does not remain steady.

The rain falls drop by drop — just as drops of wisdom are received through the company of saints (Satsang). The rivers, overflowing, run in all directions — like the aspirant who breaks free from the bonds of worldly existence.

The earth was saturated and replete with water — just as the wise are filled to contentment by hearing the scriptures. The mud-laden rivers kept flowing — just as wisdom, once it grows in the learned, spreads far and wide.

The prideful clouds thunder with terrible ferocity. Without His beloved (Sita), Rama's heart trembles like a peacock in the storm.

Remembering Sita, Shree Rama lamented in many ways — He who is naturally the most compassionate, the Lord of the Raghus. Lakshmana said — 'O Compassionate Lord! Listen — the rains have passed, much time has elapsed.'

Lakshmana said — 'See, the rains have ended! The Kasa grass has bloomed, and all the paths are joyful. The darkness of night is like the demons, and the autumn earth is beautiful.'

The Lord of the Raghus was anguished with the pain of separation in His heart — without Sita, He found no delight. Lakshmana said — 'The rains are all past. Now let us see the strength and love of the monkey-king (Sugriva).'

Autumn arrived, the Kasa grass blossomed, and all the forests were aglow with light. Like the Chataka bird and the peacock yearning for rain, Rama's heart was grieved by the anguish of separation from Sita.

The pure splendour of the autumn season was described in many ways. Yet the pain of Sita's separation would not leave the Lord's heart. Lakshmana said — 'See, the autumn is passing — Sugriva is coming with his army prepared.'

The seasons passed as Rama watched and waited. Friend Sugriva now sends his regards with affection. A humble message was dispatched — 'O friend, now undertake the search for Sita.'

Sugriva became intoxicated with the pleasures of his kingdom. He forgot all of the Lord's work. Shree Rama said — 'Lakshmana, go now, brother. Remind Sugriva well (give him a warning).'

Lakshmana set out with great anger in his heart, thinking about the monkey-king's failings in many ways. When he reached the door of the monkey-king's residence, all the monkeys fled in fear and terror.

Bali's son Angad then came forward. Seeing Lakshmana's rage, he drew his bow taut. Angad fell at his feet in great fear. Lakshmana commanded — 'Call Sugriva out at once!'

Sugriva heard of Lakshmana's terrifying wrath. He fell at his feet, his heart heavy with sorrow. Tara said — 'Listen, O Monkey-King! Without fulfilling Rama's task, it is a matter of great shame.'

Hearing Tara's words, the monkey-king was covered in shame. He immediately went to Lakshmana's presence.

Sugriva bowed his head at Lakshmana's feet. Lakshmana said — 'The Lord is greatly displeased.' Sugriva replied — 'I offer my salutations to the Lord. Please intercede for me for the sake of friendship and duty.'

The monkey-king went along with Lakshmana to serve the Lord's purpose. They came before the Lord. Sugriva fell at His feet with joined hands and said — 'O Shree Rama, hear me!'

Hearing the Lord's words, Sugriva was overjoyed. With humility, he recognized the depth of the Lord's love. The monkey-king said — 'Let us now do what must be done — there should be no further delay in the search for Sita.'

All the monkeys respectfully offered their salutations to the Lord. Sugriva addressed them all — 'Hear me! Now do the work of Shree Rama.'

By the grace of Shree Rama, Sugriva then took action. He gave orders to all the monkeys. Vanara armies were dispatched in all four directions. Nala, Neela, Angad — all were summoned.

All the monkeys set out to search for Sita — for Rama's cause, they held even their lives as sacred. Monkey warriors rushed in all four directions — each group was instructed individually.

The Lord addressed the monkeys — 'Hear Me, O brothers! Search for Sita with devoted hearts. Complete the task within one month — bring Me news of Sita.'

Monkey parties went forth in all directions, their hearts bound together by love for Shree Rama. Whoever brings back news of Sita shall receive the reward of all accomplishments.

Hanuman, Angad, Nala, Neela, Jambavan — all these mighty and virtuous monkeys were sent by the Lord in the southern direction. He encouraged them with great faith and confidence.

The Lord gave His beautiful signet ring — for Hanuman to deliver to Janaki (Sita). He said — 'Show Janaki this token of identification. Seeing it, she will know you as My messenger.'

When Hanuman was about to depart, the Lord lifted him up. Again and again, He pressed Hanuman to His heart. Overwhelmed with love, the Lord Himself was deeply moved with emotion.

All the monkeys and bears set forth together, ceaselessly singing the glories of Shree Rama. They searched the forests going south, but found no tidings of Sita whatsoever.

Searching and searching, all their efforts seemed in vain. The allotted time of one month had passed. All the monkeys gathered and deliberated — the search for Sita had brought immense sorrow.

The days of the month passed by without any news of Sita. Angad said — 'What course remains for us now? With what face can we return to the Lord?'

Angad said — 'O monkey brothers! Even if we must give up our lives, let us uphold the honour of Shree Rama.' Then Hanuman gave courage to all — 'In the service of Shree Rama, there is never cause for despair.'

The monkeys continued southward through forests, mountains, and rivers. They searched the Vindhya mountains and its woodlands, but could not find even a trace of Sita despite staking their very lives.

They discovered a beautifully enchanting cave. The monkeys entered inside it. They beheld wondrous and marvellous splendour — it was the tapovana (hermitage) of Sage Matanga.

There dwelt an ascetic woman — Swayamprabha by name, as everyone called her. She told the monkeys the full story — the famous quest for Sita continued.

Swayamprabha told the monkeys — 'Hear me, O all you monkeys! Go now to the shore of the ocean — there you will find the one who can give you news of Sita (Sampati).'

Hearing the words of the ascetic, the monkeys rushed forth. They quickly reached the shore of the ocean. Beholding the boundless sea before them, all the monkeys became overwhelmed with fear and sorrow.

Seeing the ocean, all the monkeys were terrified. 'Where is Lanka? Where is Sita, the consort of Rama? How can we cross this vast sea?' Then Jambavan began to deliberate.

All the monkeys sat on the ocean shore, lost in thought, bound by their love for Shree Rama. 'Who can swim across this ocean? Only love for the Lord's cause can inspire us.'

Then Angad spoke — 'Hear me, O Hanuman! You are a mass of strength, a treasure-house of knowledge and virtue. There is none more powerful than you. O Hanuman, accomplish the mission of Shree Rama!'

There lived a mighty bird — Sampati by name — who had made his dwelling there. Sampati was the brother of Jatayu. He resided on the slopes of the mountain by the ocean shore.

The monkeys beheld that great bird of enormous size. All said — 'Let us see what happens.' Sampati told the monkeys all the facts — upon hearing them, the sorrow departed from their hearts.

Sampati said — 'Hear me, O monkey brothers! I have seen Sita — she is in Lanka. Ravana has kept her in the Ashoka grove (Ashoka Vatika). She sits there in great distress.'

A hundred yojanas of ocean must be crossed, then Lanka lies to the east. Sita is there, in Ravana's palace, in the Ashoka garden.

Sampati said — 'I have seen her from afar. My eyes, like Jatayu's, cannot be deceived. Sitting atop this mountain peak, I have clearly seen Vaidehi (Sita) in the midst of Lanka.'

Hearing Sampati's words, all the monkeys were overjoyed — they had received the wonderful news of Janaki! 'But who will cross this mighty ocean?' Sampati replied — 'Listen, now it is your turn.'

'The Son of the Wind (Hanuman) possesses strength equal to the wind itself. He is a treasure of wisdom, discernment, and spiritual power. The Lord has bestowed His might upon you. The work of Shree Rama can never be called difficult.'

Hearing Sampati's words, the monkeys understood — Sita is in Lanka, in Ravana's arrogant captivity. Raising their eyes to gaze upon the ocean, anxiety arose in the hearts of all the monkey-chiefs.

Sampati narrated his story and bade them farewell. By the Lord's grace, all sorrow departed. The monkeys bid Sampati goodbye. Day and night, they continued chanting the name of Shree Rama.

Having received the intelligence from Sampati, all the monkeys gathered their courage and resolve. But who among the monkeys would actually cross the ocean? Then Jambavan began to extol (Hanuman's greatness).

Hearing Jambavan's words, all the monkeys were delighted. Sugriva, Angad, Hanuman — all gathered at the ocean shore.

Jambavan said — 'Listen, O Hanuman! You are the treasure-house of strength and wisdom, O wise one! O Son of the Wind, there is none equal to you. Accomplish the mission of Shree Rama and return!'

'In all the monkey race, there is none with strength like yours. A hundred yojanas of ocean is nothing for you. You are the Son of the Wind, Kesari's Son! You are adorned with every virtue — strength, wisdom, and radiance.'

Jambavan said — 'O wise Hanuman, why do you sit in silence? What task exists in this world that is too difficult for you, O son?'

Hearing these words, the monkey (Hanuman) shed his mental ignorance. Remembering Shree Rama, he acknowledged his own mighty strength. With the Lord's glory swelling in his heart, he rose from the ground and set forth for Shree Rama's cause.

Then Hanuman reflected in his mind — 'The Lord's task is not difficult for me.' Enshrining Rama's glory in his heart, the mighty monkey assumed the heroic posture (Veerasana).

On the ocean shore stood a beautiful mountain. The Son of the Wind leapt with the force of Mount Mandara. The mountain upon which Hanuman planted his foot instantly sank into the nether regions.

Glory to Hanuman — the ocean of knowledge and virtue! Glory to the monkey-king, the illuminator of the three worlds! He is Shree Rama's messenger, the abode of incomparable strength — known as the Son of Anjani and the Son of the Wind!

Assuming a mighty and fearsome form, the monkey soared through the air. He ranged over oceans, mountains, and horizons. Through the sky flew the monkey of adamantine body — and arrived at the shores of Lanka!

Thus ends the fourth staircase (Sopaan) of the Shree Ramcharitmanas — the destroyer of all the sins and impurities of the Kali Age — known as the Kishkindhakand.