A Message from Ram

Upon finding the ring, Seeta became ecstatic. She realized that Ram 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 Ram possessed great magical powers. How could anyone possibly deceive him? Ram's ring could not have come to just anyone.

After this, Hanuman softly recited the story of Emperor Dasharath, Ram's birth, Ram's marriage to Seeta, Ram's journey to the forest, Seeta's kidnapping, Bali's murder, and Ram and Sugreev's friendship, briefly and concisely. In this way, Hanuman introduced himself to Seeta. He joined his hands before her.

"Greetings," Hanuman said to Seeta. "I am Ram's messenger, Hanuman. Ram and his younger brother, Lakshman, are fine. They are always worried about your welfare. Ram is despondent due to his separation from you. Lakshman 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 Ram."

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

Hanuman then enlarged his size, showing Seeta she had no reason to fear. He then returned to his normal size. But Seeta maintained that she wanted Ram to perform his duty by killing Ravan 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 Ravan touched me when he kidnapped me, but that was against my wishes."

Hanuman admired Seeta's loyalty to Ram.

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

Seeta 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 Seeta sadly.