2] The devotion at Sarayu river.

The visit to Lord Ganesh was refreshing to their mind. The two brothers noticed something but did not come to their attention. They could not imagine Narad’s face. It was only his body and the chanting of Narayan. The faith that was coming out of him, was too strong and overwhelming, which was reflecting from lord Vishnu. 

Now it was Yash’s turn.

  ‘Are we going to Ayodhya?’ Yash was hopping up and down to meet the monkey god.

  ‘Close by.’ Narad said laughing, looking at Yash’s excitement.

Without wasting any time, they opened their eyes to a river bank. It was more like a stream. But they could not see anything. 

  ‘Where is he?’ Yash was dejected.

  ‘If everyone knew where he was, then everyone would find him Yash.’ 

Yash was dejected. ‘Patience is the key Yash.’

  ‘Well, what did your father teach you about the whereabouts of Hanuman?’ Narad consoled.

  ‘He is always where there is a name of Ram.’ Yash replied.

  ‘Shh! Listen…’

Slow and faint, they could listen to someone chanting something. Yash, Veer and Narad slowly began following the sound inside the bushes carefully. The sound of water flowing faded behind and the mantra became clearer.

  Ramay Rambhadray, Ram Chandra Vedhse.

  Raghunathay nathay, Sithaya pataye namah!

(Salutation to Rambhadra, Ramchandra and the one who is the consort of Sita. I bow down to him)

 ‘It is beautiful.’ Yash said. The lucid song of Ram was audible. Not only them, but to every creature in the forest. Squirrels and rabbits rushed past them and they even witnessed a few deers across the clearing, running straight. 

  ‘Careful.’ Narad laughed, as a langur jumped on Yash’s shoulder and rushed ahead. Narad pushed the huge banana leaves and made way for the boys, where they witnessed a gathering of animals, all big and small. Unbiased. There were both carnivores and herbivores and even omnivores like bears. Everyone gathered to hear the chant of lord Ram from his devotee. He, who was seated below the tree and chanting and singing.

Veer sighed.

  ‘I thought you would take us to see Hanuman fighting demons and driving the ghosts away. Instead he is chanting the lord's name. I want to see him fight.’ Veer said. Narad calmly replied.

  ‘Hanuman, the destroyer of trouble. Hanuman is not just a legendary warrior. He is the epitome of devotion and devotion is the key to life. Devotion is eternal and hence Hanuman is immortal. As long as Hanuman is on earth, devotion will continue to keep humanity alive, thriving peace and prosperity.’

  Yash joined his hands and sat amidst the monkeys, praising the lord. He once hesitated when he was with other children. Today, all the discrimination vanished, the moment he surrendered his devotion. He could see, Hanuman tearing open his chest, and lord Ram in the centre of it. With Sita and Lakshman. Such divine devotion is rare when Narad decides to take them to a different form of Hanuman, where he performs his duties diligently, let it be as small as guarding a door, or as big as fighting the Yamraj himself.