The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman
Om Sri Sai Ram
Sri G V Subba Rao, a distinguished diplomat who retired as the Head of the Energy Division in the United Nations, shares this fascinating event that he was privileged to witness when he was with Baba in Kodaikanal a few years ago:
Baba often advises devotees not to be fascinated by the miraculous manifestation of material objects but to concentrate on the spiritual power behind the creation.
Baba, in Kodaikanal, while relating the glorious story of Hanuman’s devotion, materialised a most dazzling necklace of 108 large shining pearls and stated that this was the necklace that mother Sita gifted to Hanuman at the Coronation of Sri Rama. But Hanuman’s devotion and concentration on the Lord was so one-pointed that he bit the pearls in order to see Lord Rama’s image in them but failing to find it, threw away the priceless chain as useless. Hanuman’s attention was not on the necklace but on his Lord and Master.
Baba held aloft the necklace and showed it around. I could clearly see the teeth marks on some of the pearls and even the image of Hanuman’s face in the pearls!
Swami’s miracles transcend time and space, and his miracles are like calling cards – like tickets of entry into the realm of the Divine Caller or Creator…
Once when I remarked to Swami that He is Siddha Sankalpa Purusha, Swami immediately corrected me and said He is Sankalpa Siddha. He stated that Siddha Sankalpa refers to the powers of Siddha Purusha (enlightened being) with acquired – and therefore, depletable Yogic powers whereas Sankalpa Siddha signifies the state “mere WILLING IS FULFILLING “!
Swami’s miraculous powers are the most natural and spontaneous manifestations of His love and grace to the devotees”.
Reference: Sri G V Subba Rao’s article “Mind-boggling Miracles of Sathya Sai” in the book “Sathya Sai -The Avatar of Love”, Page: 79-80. Published by Sai Prasanthi Society, Hyderabad under the auspices of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Pradesh, on the occasion of Baba’s 67th Birthday.
The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman
Devotion becomes truly beautiful when it is filled with humility, love, and complete surrender. The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman is one of the most touching devotional moments connected with the Ramayana. It is not only a story about a precious ornament, but also a deep spiritual lesson about pure bhakti. Through this incident, we understand that true value does not lie in gold, pearls, or jewels. Real value lies in the presence of Lord Rama within the heart.
After the victory over Ravana and the return of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, there was great joy everywhere. The pain of separation had ended, dharma had won over adharma, and the devotees of Lord Rama were filled with happiness. Many great warriors and helpers were honored for their service. Among them, Hanuman stood as the greatest example of loyalty, courage, and selfless devotion.
The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman represents Mother Sita’s love and gratitude toward Hanuman. She knew very well how much Hanuman had done during the difficult journey. He crossed the ocean, found her in Ashok Vatika, gave her Lord Rama’s message, burned Lanka, and became a living bridge of hope between her and Lord Rama. His service was not done for reward, fame, or recognition. It was done only out of love for Rama.
When Mother Sita gifted Hanuman a beautiful necklace, everyone present saw it as a great honor. A gift from Mother Sita was not ordinary. It carried her blessings, affection, and divine grace. But Hanuman’s response was different from what people expected. Instead of admiring its outer beauty, he began examining the necklace carefully. Some versions describe that he broke the pearls and looked inside them. Those around him were surprised and wondered why he would treat such a precious gift in that way.
The meaning behind The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman becomes clear through Hanuman’s devotion. For him, nothing had worth unless it contained Lord Rama. He was not attracted by the shining pearls or the material beauty of the ornament. His heart had only one desire: to see Rama in everything. If Rama was not present in something, then even the most valuable jewel had no meaning for him.
When people questioned Hanuman, he explained that he was looking for Lord Rama inside the pearls. Some asked whether Rama was present inside his own body. In response, Hanuman opened his chest and revealed Lord Rama and Mother Sita residing in his heart. This powerful image has become one of the most beloved symbols of devotion. It shows that Hanuman did not merely speak about love; he lived with Rama in every breath.
The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman teaches us that devotion is greater than possession. Many people collect wealth, ornaments, and comforts, yet still feel empty inside. Hanuman had no desire for such things. His greatest treasure was the name of Rama. His greatest ornament was service. His greatest achievement was surrender. This is why Hanuman remains the ideal devotee for millions of people.
Mother Sita’s gift was precious, but Hanuman’s devotion made the moment eternal . The necklace became a symbol, not of luxury, but of spiritual discrimination. Hanuman showed that the outer world may shine beautifully, but the devotee must search for divine presence within everything. If God is remembered, even a simple object becomes sacred. If God is forgotten, even a royal treasure becomes meaningless.
The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman also reminds us of the relationship between love and service. Hanuman never asked for anything from Rama or Sita. He served without expectation. This is the highest form of bhakti. In today’s world, people often expect quick results from prayer. They remember God during difficulty and sometimes forget Him during comfort. Hanuman’s devotion was different. He did not love Rama for personal benefit. He loved Rama because Rama was his life.
This story also carries a lesson for the human heart. We may not be able to perform great acts like Hanuman, but we can follow his spirit. We can serve with honesty, speak with kindness, help others without pride, and remember God in daily life. Devotion does not always need grand actions. Sometimes it is shown through a pure thought, a sincere prayer, or a selfless deed.
The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman is deeply emotional because it shows the purity of Hanuman’s inner world. He did not reject the gift out of disrespect. Instead, he revealed the highest truth through his action. For a true devotee, the Divine must be the center of everything. Hanuman’s heart was not divided between desire and devotion. It belonged completely to Lord Rama.
The story also explains why Hanuman is worshipped as the symbol of strength and devotion together. His strength was not born from ego. It came from surrender. His courage was not for personal victory. It was for Rama’s mission. His wisdom was not used for pride. It was used for service. That is why his devotion continues to inspire people across generations.
In the end, The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman is not only a devotional story; it is a mirror for every seeker. It asks us what we truly value in life. Do we value only what shines outside, or do we search for what is sacred within? Hanuman’s answer was clear. Without Rama, nothing mattered. With Rama, everything became complete.
This beautiful incident reminds us that true devotion is simple, fearless, and pure. The greatest jewel is not worn around the neck, but kept inside the heart. Hanuman showed that when love for the Divine becomes complete, the heart itself becomes a temple. That is the eternal message of The Necklace which Mother Sita Gifted to Hanuman .