The Gift
After the return to Ayodhya, Sita gifted Hanuman a magnificent pearl necklace — the finest jewelry from Lanka's treasury.
Hanuman took it, looked at it carefully, and began examining each pearl, holding them to the light, biting some, discarding them.
The court watched with growing confusion. Was he being rude? Was he ungrateful?
Lakshmana asked him what he was doing.
Hanuman said he was checking whether Rama was inside each pearl. He had found nothing in any of them.
Lakshmana grew irritated. What foolishness was this?
The Chest
Hanuman then said: "If Rama is not in these pearls, they are worthless to me. I keep only what has Rama in it."
He tore open his chest with his own hands.
Inside, visible to all, were Rama and Sita — seated, luminous, present in the heart of the great devotee.
The court fell completely silent.
Sita smiled. Rama placed his hand on Hanuman's chest, and it closed, leaving not a mark.