After Ravan abducted Seeta, Prabhu Shriram and Lakshman reached a forest looking for Her. It was then that Shriram first met Hanuman. Shriram and Lakshman reached Rushyamuka Mountain in search of Sugreev's residence. Upon seeing them the Vanar army grew suspicious.

'Raghuraya (Shriram) proceeded and came near the Rushyamuka Mountain. This was the place where Sugreev resided along with his ministers. He saw the two of them, whose strength was boundless, approaching'. (Meaning of the 1st verse of Kishkindha Kanda, Shriramcharitmanas)

2. Sugreev asking Hanuman to gather information about the two youth

Sugreev called Hanuman from the Anjani Mountain. Hanuman was Sugreev's Chief counsellor. Sugreev, Jambuvant and others said to Hanuman - 'Two radiant young men are roaming in our forest. Find out who they are. Have they come with the intention of killing us ? Has Vali sent them ?' Then, in the guise of a Brahmin priest, Hanuman went to meet Shriram and Lakshman.

3. Upon being questioned by Hanuman , Shriram and Lakshman introduced themselves

In the guise of a priest, Hanuman said, 'O' dark-complexioned and fair-complexioned valiant heroes ! Who are you, wandering in the forest in Kshatriya (Warrior) attire ? With your tender feet you tread upon this harsh land. You are enduring the unbearable heat and wind of the forest. Are you one among Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh ? Or are you Nar-Narayan ?' (Meaning of the 4th verse of Kishkindha Kanda, Shriramcharitmanas)

Shriram replied, "We are the sons of King Dasharath of Kosal, and we have come to the forest to honour our father's word. I am Ram and he is Lakshman. We are brothers. A beautiful and delicate woman accompanied us".

4. Upon hearing the Name 'Ram', Hanuman prostrated before Him

Shriram said, "In this forest, a demon abducted Janaki (my wife). O' Brahman God ! We are wandering in search of Her. We have narrated our account; now, O' Brahman ! Kindly explain your story as well". The moment He heard the Name 'Ram', Hanuman prostrated at Shriram's feet and praised Him.

Hanuman said, "O' Prabhu ! The question I asked was appropriate. After many many years, I beheld You, and that too in the attire of an Ascetic. Deceived by Your Maya, I failed to recognise my own Master. Added to that is my Vanar intellect ! That is why I could not recognise You; yet You are Omniscient and the one who reads the devotee's mind".

5. Shriram embraced Hanuman and held Him close to His heart - this is an experience of heavenly Bliss

Saying thus, Hanuman fell at Shriram's feet, overwhelmed. Shriram lifted Him up and held Him close to His heart, soothing Him with His tears. He embraced Hanuman and reassured Him. It was reassurance across ages. He bestowed the warmth of Divine love through that affectionate embrace. That warm hug was all-giving and deeply reassuring. To experience it was indeed heavenly Bliss !

Let us silently shower affection in the lives of others. Let us enrich the lives of those who come in our proximity through love, warmth and care. Let us be like that warm, reassuring embrace. Let that warmth be felt through our words and actions. Shriram - the One who reassures devotees !

- Dr Amita Kulkarni, New Delhi