King Sugriva had declared that he relied particularly upon Lord Hanuman. Convinced that this best of monkeys could accomplish the work, Sugriva, lord of all the dwellers of the woods, well pleased, spoke to Hanuman, son of the wind-god. He told him that neither on the earth, nor in the sky, nor in the ethereal regions, nor in water did he find any obstacle to his course. In motion, vehemence, energy and fleetness, he said, Hanuman was like his sire, the powerful wind-god, and there was no creature on earth like him in energy. Therefore, he said, Hanuman should consider how Sita might be recovered.1
Then Lord Rama, understanding that success in the task depended upon Hanuman, and knowing what Hanuman was, reflected that when one tested by his deeds and held worthiest by his master is commissioned in such a business, success in the work is certain. Beholding the monkey fittest for the task, Rama, his mind and senses exhilarated, considered himself already crowned with success and was filled with joy.2
Well pleased, that subduer of enemies handed Hanuman a ring inscribed with his name, as a sign for the king's daughter. By this sign, he told Hanuman, Janaka's daughter would be able to see him without fear, as one who had come from Rama. He said too that Hanuman's firmness and sterling prowess, together with Sugriva's words, told him greatly of success.3
Hanuman took the ring, raised his joined palms to his head, saluted Rama's feet and went away. Taking with him that mighty host of monkeys, the hero, the son of the wind, resembled the moon of bright disc in the sky, garnished by the stars, after the clouds have departed.4
Then words were spoken to Hanuman, hailing him as one of excessive strength, endowed with the prowess of the foremost of lions. They took refuge in his might and called on the son of the Wind to exert himself, summoning the great strength he was master of, so that they might obtain Janaka's daughter.5