Hanuman’s meeting with Rama and Lakshmana and their subsequent adventures are thoroughly described in Sundara Kanda, the fifth book of the Ramayana by Valmiki. Immediately following Sita’s kidnapping by Ravana, Rama and Lakshmana stumble across Hanuman and Sugriva while they are exploring the jungles of Kishkindha in quest of Sita. Sugriva initially had doubts about Rama and Lakshmana’s identity and believed that his brother Vali had sent them as spies. But Hanuman was certain that those two could not be Vali’s spies because they appeared to be honorable soldiers. But just to be sure, Sugriva dispatched Hanuman disguised as a Brahmin to find out who they really were and why they were there. Rama was really excited when he first saw Hanuman.
Rama was immensely delighted by Hanuman’s example attributes of good manners and finely polished tone of speech when they met. Rama found in him the attributes of a trustworthy friend on whom he could rely, especially at that critical time when Sita was away. When Rama eventually presents himself to Hanuman, Hanuman takes off his disguise and prostrates himself at Rama’s feet, seeking his blessings. This was the start of an amazing friendship between Rama and his most devoted disciple. Even now, people cite their friendship as an example of the finest friendship in the history of Hindu mythology. Hanuman is frequently represented as exposing his chest to reveal an image of Rama and Sita.
Hanuman, as a result, stands to be the greatest devotee to be ever born on the Earth.
