Neev: Welcome back to Mythical Masala! I’m Neev, your storyteller and guide through the world of Indian mythology. Today, we’re diving back into the Ramayana, picking up where we left off. And, of course, I’m joined by my co-host - my mom!.

Co-host: Hi everyone! It’s great to be back. Last time, we had an epic Hanuman Special. Now we’re bringing Rama, Lakshmana, and Sugreeva into the mix. This one’s packed with action, sibling rivalry, and one unforgettable bond.

Neev: That’s right. Today, we’ll see how Hanuman meets Rama, how Sugreeva’s story unfolds, and how their friendship becomes a key turning point in the Ramayana. Ready to jump in?

Co-host: Absolutely! Let’s go!

Neev: On the slopes of Rishyamooka mountain, Sugreeva, the exiled monkey king, sat anxiously with his army of monkeys and bears.. His brother Vaali had driven him away, taken his kingdom, and even claimed his wife, Tara. Sugreeva’s only safe haven was Rishyamooka, for Vaali could not enter its sacred grounds due to a curse from Sage Matanga.

Co-host: If I’m Sugreeva, I’m definitely looking over my shoulder every two minutes. Vaali’s got some serious anger issues.

Neev: Absolutely. Sugreeva’s fears weren’t unfounded. One day, he spotted two strangers approaching the mountain. Fearing they might be Vaali’s spies, Sugreeva turned to his most trusted minister, Hanuman.

Co-host: I’m already getting excited. Isn’t this where Hanuman meets Rama for the first time? I mean as an adult. In case our listeners forget, one of our Hanuman stories suggests that Hanuman met Rama in childhood. So do you think Hanuman recognizes Rama? 

Neev: Not entirely sure! Hanuman took the form of a simple Brahmana and approached the two strangers. Calm and composed, he asked, "Who are you, and why have you come to this forest?"

Co-host: Ah, classic spy move. Blend in and ask questions like you’re just a curious villager.

Neev: Exactly! Rama introduced himself and Lakshmana, explaining their mission to find Seeta. As soon as Hanuman heard the name “Rama,” he realized he was in the presence of his divine Lord.

Co-host: That’s a powerful moment right there. 

Neev: Filled with devotion, Hanuman shed his disguise and fell at Rama’s feet. The bond between them was instant and unshakable—a friendship and devotion like no other.

Co-host: I bet Lakshamana was a bit wary of Hanuman. I mean, you know he’s always on the edge! 

Neev: haha! Well! Even Lakshamana  knew that Hanuman was whom he could trust completely. 

Neev: Hanuman listened carefully as Rama shared his sorrow over Seeta’s abduction. Hanuman’s heart ached for his Lord. He told Rama about Sugreeva’s own suffering and how Vaali had wronged him.

Co-host: Wait, this feels like “you scratch my back, I scratch yours”! 

Neev: Exactly! Hanuman suggested that Rama meet Sugreeva, as it would be a mutually beneficial alliance. Hanuman expanded his form and lifted both Rama and Lakshmana onto his shoulders, and carried them up the steep hillside to meet Sugreeva.

Co-host: I bet Sugreeva is thinking why Hanuman was bringing the two strangers up to the mountain. 

Neev: Yeah, but Sugreeva welcomed Rama and Lakshmana warmly. He knew Hanuman was wise, and trusted him when he said, "You will benefit from this friendship, sir. You will get your wife and your kingdom back. And they need your help to seek Seeta."

The three of them sat around a fire, Sugreeva shared his story. He told them about his brother Vaali’s intense strength and how a misunderstanding had cost him his throne.

Co-host: Sibling misunderstandings are one thing, but this is next-level family drama. Vaali and Sugreeva were brothers. deeply attached to each other. Vaali was a very strong, powerful king, but he was extremely impulsive.

Neev: That’s right. Vaali's anger and Sugreeva's haste had caused a great rift in the affection of the two brothers. When Vaali chased a demon named Mayavi into a cave, he asked Sugreeva to wait outside. But after 28 months, Sugreeva heard battle sounds and saw blood flowing from the cave. Thinking Vaali had been killed, Sugreeva wanted to go in and look for his brother, 

Co-host: 28 months??? Who waits that long? I can’t wait 2.8 seconds for a website to load! Or you can’t even wait 28 seconds when you get ads on youtube! 

Neev: Haha! Funny Mom!

Co-host: So what happened next?

Neev: The counsellors told Sugreeva not to go inside and rule the kingdom - keep it safe.. So following the advice of the elders and frightened that the demon had killed Vaali and would now come and attack him, Sugreeva closed the mouth of the cave with a huge rock and ran back. 

Co-host: Big mistake. But can you blame Sugreeva - he was just following his so called advisors!  Vaali’s going to be mad.

Neev: Furious indeed. Vaali eventually broke out, misinterpreted Sugreeva’s actions as betrayal, and exiled him. He even took Sugreeva’s wife, Tara, as his own.

Co-host: That’s brutal. It’s one thing to take the kingdom, but taking his wife too? Vaali’s got some nerve.

Neev: Sugreeva also shared the tale of Vaali's encounter with Dundubhi, the demon in the form of a wild buffalo. Dundubhi sought combat with the greatest warriors, and after being rejected by Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra, he was sent to Vaali. The battle between them was ferocious and lasted an entire year. Finally, Vaali pulled out one of Dundubhi’s horns and used it to kill him.

Co-host: Whoa, one year of non-stop battle? That’s exhausting just to think about!

Neev: It gets wilder. After killing Dundubhi, Vaali hurled his carcass with such force that it landed on Rishyamooka Mountain, disturbing Sage Matanga’s meditation. The sage, enraged by the disruption, cursed Vaali, decreeing he would never be able to set foot on Rishyamooka again.

Co-host: Aah! That’s why Vaali can’t go to Rishyamooka. That curse probably saved Sugreeva’s life. I too would be camped on Rishyamooka forever if I were him.

Neev: As they sat around a fire, they decided to seal their friendship with an unbreakable vow. Following tradition, Hanuman lit a fire as a witness, symbolizing the divine approval of their alliance.

Co-host: oooh! Sounds the same as “unbreakable vow” in Harry Potter that’s made between witches and wizards!. 

Neev: Yeah! Sugreeva asked for a bundle that had been found in the forest. When the bundle was opened, inside were jewels—jewels that had fallen from Seeta as Ravan fled with her. Rama’s eyes filled with tears. Blinded by emotion, he asked Lakshmana to confirm if these were indeed Seeta’s jewels.

Co-host: Oh no, that must’ve been a heart-wrenching moment for Rama.

Neev: It really was. Lakshmana, always humble and devoted, examined the jewelry. He recognized Seeta’s anklets and said, "I only recognize these because I look at her feet when I bow to her." His devotion to duty and respect for Seeta was clear.

Co-host: That’s such a powerful moment. It says a lot about Lakshmana's character too.

Neev: Sugreeva promised to first send out his large army of monkeys and bears in all directions to find out where Seeta was located. 

Co-host: Cool! So we are on our way to find Seeta! I can’t wait! Poor Seeta has been waiting in Lanka hoping that Rama comes and saves her. 

Neev: Not so fast! Remember, Sugreeva needed Rama’s help too. He was afraid to fight Vaali again. Lakshamana could sense that to ease his doubts, Rama had to demonstrate his power. First, Rama casually kicked the giant skeleton of Dundubhi’s body off the mountain.

Co-host: Okay, that’s one way to make a point.

Neev: Next, Rama shot an arrow that pierced through seven sal trees. Seeing this, Sugreeva’s fear vanished.

Co-host: Oooh–very smooth! Showing off some archery skills there. Vaali’s days are numbered.

Neev: Sugreeva issued a challenge to Vaali. The brothers fought with equal might. But Vaali proved too strong for Sugreeva who broke free and ran away. 

Co-host: Wait, wasn’t Rama supposed to help? Sugreeva must not be happy especially after that demonstration of skills - kicking the skeleton and shooting arrows through trees.

Neev: Yes, Rama was watching, but since both of them looked so alike, he couldn’t tell them apart.  Vaali and Sugreeva were exactly alike in height and build and wore the same dress and ornaments. 

Co-host: Aaha…! All monkeys look alike, don’t they? If Rama’s going to snipe from the shadows, he’s got to know who’s who!

Neev: Exactly. Lakshmana made a garland of flowers for Sugreeva to wear. Sugreeva challenged Vaali again. 

Co-host: Battle Round 2: Vaali vs Sugreeva!

Neev: When the fight resumed, Rama shot an arrow straight into Vaali’s chest.

Neev: The dying Vaali looked at Rama and asked him, "You are a warrior and a prince, renowned for your right conduct. Why have you killed me by deceit instead of killing me in a fair fight? I could have helped you get Seeta back from Ravana. So, why have you behaved in a manner so unworthy of you? Rama explained that Vaali’s misdeeds justified his punishment. 

Co-host: Well, Rama had given Sugreeva his word. Though I feel the same - Rama could have just fought Vaali directly 

Neev: Yeah probably! Maybe it has something to do with a necklace that Vaali got from Indra. Anyways., Vaali accepted his fate and asked Sugreeva to care for his wife and son, Angad.

Co-host: “his wife” - he means Sugreeva’s own wife that he abducted, right? 

Neev: haha! Yeah. Sugreeva became King of Kishkindha and made Angad Crown Prince. After the coronation celebrations, everybody relaxed. Sugreeva was living life of comfort after a long time, SO he lost all idea of restraint and enjoyed himself in lavish living.

Co-host: How convenient. Did he forget that Rama was waiting and there was a Seeta to find?

Neev: Exactly! Rama sent Lakshmana to remind Sugreeva to keep his promise now. Sugreeva with Hanuman's and Tara's advice, realised that he owed his present position as King to Rama. He sent messengers in all directions to find the whereabouts of Seeta. 

Co-host: Finally! We are making some progress. So did they find Seeta?

Neev: The messengers from north, east and west returned with no news of Seeta. Angad and Hanuman had gone south. They were yet to return. 

Neev: And With that, We leave our heroes on the cusp of another big adventure. Will Hanuman and Angad return with news of Seeta? How will Sugreeva maintain his promise to Rama?

Co-host: Oh! The suspense is killing me! Hanuman must definitely find Seeta!

Neev: We will find out next time. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and favorite moments with us. See you next time on Mythical Masala with Neev!