A Message from Rama

Upon finding the ring, Sita became ecstatic. She realized that Rama was as eager for her as she was for him. Then, a shadow of doubt crossed her mind; the ring might be a product of demonic magic, deceiving her. But the next moment, she remembered that Rama possessed great magical powers. How could anyone possibly deceive him? Rama's ring could not have come to just anyone.

After this, Hanuman softly recited the story of King Dasharatha, Rama's birth, Rama's marriage to Sita, Rama's journey to the forest, Sita's kidnapping, Vali's murder, and Rama and Sugriva's friendship, briefly and concisely. In this way, Hanuman introduced himself to Sita. He joined his hands before her.

"Greetings," Hanuman said to Sita. "I am Rama's messenger, Hanuman. Rama and his younger brother Lakshmana are fine. They are always worried about your welfare. Rama is despondent due to his separation from you. Lakshmana also sends his greetings to you. I cannot bear to see you sad. If you wish, you may sit on my back, and I will take you to Rama."

"Hanuman," replied Sita, "if I sit on your back while you fly across the ocean, I may fall into the water."

Hanuman then enlarged his size, showing Sita she had no reason to fear. He then returned to his normal size. But Sita maintained that she wanted Rama to perform his duty by killing Ravana and rescuing her. "Moreover," she continued, "I do not want to willingly touch any male's body other than my husband's. You may argue that Ravana touched me when he kidnapped me, but that was against my wishes."

Hanuman admired Sita's loyalty to Rama.

"You are great," said Hanuman. "You rank among the greatest women in the world. But when I take your message to Rama, give me some token like the ring he gave me to show you."

Sita removed a jewel she wore on the top of her head and gave it to Hanuman. Hanuman bowed down and took the jewel from her.

"Tell my husband that if he doesn't free me within a month, I won't remain alive," said Sita sadly.