Episode 30 - Dadhimukha's report to Sugriva and the King's prediction

Soon Dadhimukha landed at the place where Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva were assembled and fell on Sugriva's feet with folded palms and a pale face. Sugriva assured him that he need not fear and wanted to know what had happened.

Dadhimukha reported: “O King! The Madhuvana has never been meant to be a property for the enjoyment of everyone. Yet the Vanaras have damaged the garden and consumed whatever there is in it. Though the guards have endeavoured to check them, they are outnumbered by the Vanaras. Intoxicated by wine, they have beaten up the security guards including myself, black and blue.”

Lakshmana, who was watching the proceedings, wanted to know what it was all about. Sugriva answered: “Dadhimukha reports that the Vanaras, who went southward in search of Sita, have returned and resorted to revelry in the Madhu Garden and destroyed it. By their conduct, it is clear that they have triumphed in their mission and that Sita has been discovered—by none other than Anjaneya. He combines in himself knowledge of the Sastras, capacity for wise planning, valour and enterprise and finds success. There is none else who could have achieved the task. Where Jambavan and Angada are leaders and Anjaneya presides, there success alone can be the outcome.”

Hearing the extremely pleasant news of Sita's discovery from Sugriva, Rama and Lakshmana felt immeasurable joy. Soon Sugriva addressed Dadhimukha: “I am glad that the Vanaras who have accomplished their mission are enjoying themselves in the garden. Though their conduct is not ordinarily acceptable, I pardon them in the special circumstances. Let those lions led by Hanuman come into my presence at once. We are anxious to hear the good news about Sita from them.”

Dadhimukha received the instruction of Sugriva happily and hurried back to the garden. Saluting the Prince Angada, he said: “O gentle Prince! Be not offended by the obstruction caused by the security guards. You are the Prince and the master of this garden. Excuse our foolish act. I have announced your arrival to your uncle, Sugriva. He is glad and not upset that the garden has been damaged. The king has asked me to send you all to him immediately.”

Angada, hearing Dadhimukha's message, addressed his mates: “O Vanaras and heroes! I think that Rama has heard the pleasant news. Having completed our mission, it is not proper for us to while away the time here. We have to go to Sugriva, my Master. You have consumed wine and had rest. Now you decide what I shall do. I am at your service. Though I am the Prince, I do not wish to command you after what you have achieved.”

The forest-dwellers were highly pleased with the Prince's modesty and said: “O King! Being a Master, who speaks like you? Intoxicated by wealth everyone thinks: 'I am everything.' This kind of communication to the servants behoves none other than you. Your humility points to your fitness for an exalted future. We are also ready to proceed to our venerable and enduring King, Sugriva. Truly, we cannot move one step without your permission.”

“Well, let us go”, said Angada and then all of them flew into the sky like thundering clouds. Sugriva once again consoled Rama who was still grief-stricken. “O Rama! Be relieved. These Vanaras cannot come late here, after the time limit set by me, without finding Sita. Certainly, Sita has been seen by Anjaneya. In him, as in the sun, reside wisdom, ceaseless endeavour, heroism and success. Where leaders Jambavan, Angada and Anjaneya are present and act together, there follows success. O Rama, the inexhaustible source of valour! Do not be overtaken by grief.”

Even as Sugriva was consoling Rama, triumphant shouts were heard from the sky. Soon the army of monkeys landed in the presence of Rama and Sugriva. Anjaneya bowed to Rama and announced his meeting with Sita and news of her welfare, condition and devotion to Rama. The words 'Sita has been seen by me ' (In Sanskrit, Drushta Sita maya) were like nectar to the ears of Rama and Lakshmana. Lakshmana looked at Sugriva with great respect in acknowledgement of his true prediction and accomplishment. Rama, conqueror of enemies, looked at Anjaneya with great admiration.

Note: Sugriva's announcement to Rama that Anjaneya must have succeeded in finding Sita even before the Vanaras convey the news to him, shows the king's true judgment of the ability of his followers, especially of Anjaneya.