Hanuman Tears Open His Chest

Sugriva, Hanuman, and several other monkeys accompanied Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita to Ayodhya. Six months after his coronation, Rama summoned the monkeys and said, "A friend in need is a friend indeed. Ravana's death would have been impossible without your help. You are my true friends. But you have been away from your homes for a long time, and your relatives are probably worried sick about you. So, you should return to your families now." He gave them expensive gifts and, with his well wishes and blessings, bade them farewell.

Rama ruled Ayodhya for several years with the help of his wife and brothers. An Ashok Garden near his mansion was even more splendid than the one in Lanka. After completing his royal duties, he would converse with Sita in this garden. During one such conversation, Sita informed Rama she was pregnant. She wore an attractive red dress that displayed a slight baby bump. Rama was ecstatic to learn that he would become a father. He asked Sita if she desired anything and promised her all her wishes would be fulfilled.

"I want to spend some time meditating among great sages and saints on the Ganga riverbank," said Sita. "There, I wish to subsist on roots and vegetables."

Rama promised to take her to the Ganga riverbank the next day and look for suitable places to meditate. Meanwhile, Hanuman stayed in Ayodhya, but the other monkeys left. He wished to serve Lord Rama and Mother Sita for the rest of his life. But Monkey King Sugriva didn't want to be separated from Hanuman. He felt that Hanuman was no longer the staunch servant he was before. When Sugriva expressed these feelings to Hanuman, the latter became agitated.

Hanuman told Sugriva that Rama and Sita reside in his heart; therefore, he couldn't be away from them. To prove this, he tore open his chest with his nails. Everyone saw that Rama and Sita were indeed present in Hanuman's heart. Sugriva was astonished and comprehended what Hanuman was trying to tell him. He freed Hanuman from all his obligations to the kingdom of Kishkindha so he could wholeheartedly serve Rama and Sita.