In the epic story of Lord Rama and the rescue of his queen Sita, his most loving and devoted follower was Hanuman, the monkey king. Following his coronation ceremony in the city of Ayodhya, Rama found Hanuman sitting alone in a corner of the palace, meditating on his lord, with tears running down his face.

Rama said to him, “You have been the most perfectly faithful servant, Hanuman. In this world there is no adequate reward for your devotion. But I will take you with me to the eternal heavenly realm of Vaikunta.”

“Will you be there with me in Vaikunta?” Hanuman asked.

“Yes, but not as Rama. I will be there as Lord Mahavishnu. Mahavishnu is the Supreme cause and Rama is the effect.”

Then Hanuman shook his head. “I wouldn’t go to a place where there is no Lord Rama. I will stay here in Ayodhya and continue to meditate on Lord Rama.”