In the lush forests of Kishkindha, when Rama first met Hanuman, it wasn't just a meeting of two beings-it was the quiet reunion of two souls destined to walk together without being judgemental. Disguised as a Brahmin, Hanuman had come to greet Rama and Lakshmana, but the moment his eyes met Rama's, something ancient stirred within him. Without hesitation, without question, his heart bowed. From that moment, Hanuman became more than a devotee-he became Rama's friend, messenger, warrior, and shadow.

When Sita was abducted and taken to Lanka, Rama's pain became Hanuman's mission. Crossing the mighty ocean, burning through fear and fire, Hanuman reached her-not as a mere envoy, but as the hope of a grieving husband and the light in a queen's despair. When he returned, it was not just news he carried-it was Rama's heart beating in another land. The hug Rama gave Hanuman when he returned from Lanka wasn't just out of gratitude; it was the embrace of a soul recognizing its most faithful companion.

During the war, Hanuman stood like a mountain beside Rama. When Lakshmana was wounded and Hanuman flew to the Himalayas to bring the Sanjeevani, it was not duty, but love that moved him.

After victory, when Rama was crowned King of Ayodhya, he asked Hanuman what boon he would like. Hanuman bowed and said: "Let me always remain at your feet, my Lord. Not in the palace, not in heaven- just near you."

Tears welled in Rama's eyes. In that moment, even the Lord felt the weight of true friendship. He whispered: "Hanuman, as long as my name is remembered in this world, your name shall be sung before mine."

And so it is. Before every chant of Jai Shri Ram, we say Jai Hanuman. This is not just a story of bhakti. It is a story of friendship that sees no ego, no end-only surrender, loyalty, mutual respect and eternal love.

Founder of The Verandah Club and Convenor of INTACH Coimbatore. A passionate traveller and trendspotter, he lives by the philosophy Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah.