All the world knows that Hunuman was the devotee of Lord Rama. He served his lord sincerely, and nothing else had value for him.

Once it happened that Sita was watching when Hanuman approached her lord, and bowed down in greetingbefore him. Seeing this, Sita Devi thought, “He is my husband’s most devoted disciple. I feel joy in seeing him approach Lord Rama’s feet. Such love and dedication should be rewarded.” Therefore, when Hanuman was leaving she took off her pearl necklace and gave it to Hanuman, saying, “Your devotion pleases me, so I am giving this necklace to you.”

Hanuman took the necklace, and inspected it carefully. Then he smelt each pearl. Finally, he broke open each pearl, looked at what was inside it, and then threw it away.

Sita was astonished, and said, “What are you doing? I gave you a gift with love – why do you treat it this way?”

Hanuman replied, “I was looking for my Lord Rama in those beads, but I did not find him. If he is not there, what value could they have?”

Then Sita realised she had given the necklace without recalling her Lord as she did so. Apologetically, she found another necklace and offered it to Hanuman, saying, “May Sri Rama bless this for your use!”

And Hanuman happily took the necklace and wore it with joy.