Markandeya said: (On the other hand) while the descendant of Raghu together with Lakshmana, properly served by Sugriva, was dwelling on the plateau of the Malyavana mountain, he cast his eyes (one night) on the azure firmament.

From that mountain beholding on the clear cloudless heavens, the resplendent moon surrounded by planets, stars and constellations and (fanned) by a cool breeze laden with the fragrance of lilies, lotuses and other flowers of the same kind, that destroyer of foes was suddenly awakened (to a recollection of Sita).

Afflicted at the thoughts of Sita confined in the abode of the Rakshasha (Ravana), the virtuous (Rama) thus addressed the war-like Lakshmana in the (next) morning.

"O Lakshmana, do you repair to Kishkindha and there seek out the ungrateful, self-seeking and licentious lord of the monkeys.

That stupid wretch of his race whom I have installed on the throne (of Kishkindha) and to whom all the monkeys, apes and bears pay their homage,

And for whose sake, O mighty-armed perpetuator of Raghu's race, I have, with your assistance slain Bali in the pleasure-gardens of Kishkindha.

I deem that worst of monkeys to be highly ungrateful on earth, because, O Lakshmana, that wretch has now forgotten me reduced to such a plight!

I consider that, through scantiness of intellect, he does not care to fulfill his promise, disregarding me who have done him (such) a good turn.

If he indulges in sensual pleasures without making any exertions (for the discovery of Sita), you are to send him to the path of Bali, the common goal of all creatures.

But if that foremost of monkeys be devoted to our cause, then O descendant of Kakustha, bring him hither. Go soon and make no delay.”

Lakshmana (ever) obedient to the behests and devoted to the welfare of his superiors, thus addressed by his brother, took his beautiful bow together with string and arrows and (soon) set out (for Kishkindha).

And reaching the gate of Kishkindha he entered (the city) unopposed. The monkey-king deeming him to be angry advanced (to meet him).

And with a humble mind, the monkey-king accompanied by his consort, welcomed him joyously and respectfully. (Then) the dauntless son of Sumitra made him acquainted with the words told by Rama.

O king of kings, hearing all this in detail, Sugriva, the lord of the monkeys together with his consort and attendants joined his palms with humility and joyfully told Lakshmana, the most valiant of men, these words.

"O Lakshmana, I am neither evil-minded nor ungrateful nor cruel. Listen, what pains I have taken in the direction of the discovery of Sita.

I have sent (many) intelligent monkeys in all the directions and have appointed a month for the return of them all.

O mighty hero, the entire earth with its forests, mountains, cities, seas, villages, towns and mines will be ransacked by them.

That month will be complete in another five nights. And then you will, together with Rama, hear that great and joyful news about the discovery of Sita)."

Thus addressed by the intelligent monkeyking, the magnanimous Lakshmana, giving up his anger, adored Sugriva.

Accompanied by Sugriva he then returned to Rama who was dwelling on the plateau of the mountain Malyavana and approaching him related the success of his mission,

Thousands of monkeys 3oon began to return after searching, the three quarters, excepting those who were sent towards the south.

And they told Rama “Although we have searched the (entire) sea-girt earth, we have not found either the princess of Videha or Ravana.

And though sorely grieved (at this unpleasant news) the descendant of Kakustha dragged his existence hopeful of the success of those great monkeys who were despatched towards the south.

When two months had passed away, (some) monkeys hastily approaching Sugriva told him these words.

"O chief of the monkeys, the great and extensive orchard, Madhuvana which was (so) carefully preserved by Bali and is well-guarded by you also, is being pillaged by the son of Pavana,

Angada, the son of Bali and other foremost of monkeys who, O monarch, were despatched by you to search the southern direction."

Hearing of this act of indulgence on their part, he (Sugriva) thought they successful, for such behaviour could be possible for those servants whose efforts were crowned with success.

Then that intellectual and foremost of monkeys informed Rama of this. And Rama too inferred (from the statement of Sugriva) that Sita must have been seen (by the monkeys).

(Meanwhile) those monkeys with Hanuman at their head, having rested themselves, were approached the monkey-king who was with Rama and Lakshmana.

O Bharata, observing the gestures of Hanuman and the colour of his face, Rama became thoroughly convinced of the discovery of Sita.

The monkeys, headed by Hanuman and successful in their mission, duly bowed down to Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva.

(Then) Rama, holding (in his hand) his bow together with arrows, addressed those assembled (monkeys) thus, “Will you make me bear life? Have you been successful?

Having killed my enemy in battle and delivered the daughter of Janaka, will you enable me to reign at Ayodhya?

Deprived of my wife and honour, I do not wish to live so long as the princess of Videha is not rescued and my enemies are not slain."

Rama having said this, Hanuman the son of the wind-god thus replied to him. “O Rama, I am giving you good news. The daughter of Janaka has been seen by me.

Searching the southern direction with all its mountains, forests and mines, we got fatigued and then after the expiration of the appointed time we saw a great cave.

We then entered it (the cave) extending over many a yojana, dark, woody, deep and infested by insects.

Having traversed a great way through it, we saw the splendour of the sun and a beautiful palace within it.

O scion of Raghu's race, that palace belonged to the Daitya Maya. There a female ascetic Prabhavati by name, was engaged in austerities.

She gave us many sorts of eatables and drinkable. Regaining our strength after partaking of food, we proceeded along the route indicated by her.

And issuing out of the cave (we) beheld near the briny ocean the Sahya, the Malaya and the mighty Dardura mountains.

Then ascending the Malaya mountain (when) we beheld the abode of Varuna (i.e. the ocean-god), we became sorely grieved, afflicted and dejected and gave up all hopes of life.

Considering that this mighty ocean was many hundred yojanas in width and the abode of whales, alligators and fishes, we became sorely grieved.

Then we sat down resolving to die of starvation. Then in the course of our conversation, we happened to talk of the vulture Jatayu.

Then we beheld an awe-inspiring and a terrible-looking bird huge as mountain-peak and looking like another son of Vinata (Garuda).

And desirous of devouring us, he approached us and spoke these words “who is it that is speaking of my brother Jatayu?

I am his elder brother Sampati by name and the lord of birds. Once desirous of competing with each other we soared toward the sun.

In consequence of which my wings were burnt but those of Jatayu were not. That was the last time when I saw my dear brother, the king of the vultures. My wings being burnt I fell down and have been since lying on this mighty mountain."

He, having said this, we told him of the death of his brother. And we informed him briefly of your calamity.

Hearing this very disagreeable news, O king, Sampati, became dejected at heart and O tormentor of foes again asked “who is this Rama? Why was Sita abducted? And how was Jatayu slain? O best of monkeys, I am desirous of hearing all this."

I then fully informed him of the calamity that has befallen your worshipful self and of the cause of our resolve to die of starvation.

But that monarch of birds stirred us up with these words. Ravana is indeed known to me. His mighty capital, Lanka, can be seen across the sea (situate) in a valley of the Trikuta mountains. The princess of Videha must be there. I have no doubt on this point.

Hearing him thus speak, we got up soon and O tormentor of foes, held a consultation together as to how to cross the sea;

But none had courage enough to attempt it. Then inspired with the energy of my father, whom I invoked, I crossed the vast ocean, a thousand yojanas wide, after having killed a Rakshasa woman (on my way) who lived in the waters.

I (then) discovered the chaste Sita in the । Ravana's household observing austerities and fasts, eager to behold her husband,

With clotted hair, covered with dirt, melancholy, lean and lank and devoted to asceticism. Knowing her to be Sita by these unusual signs,

I approached her and bowing down to that worshipful lady who was alone, said “Sita, I am Ram's messenger, a monkey and the son of Pavana (the wind-god).

Desirous of seeing you, I have come here ranging through the firmament. Those princes, the brothers Rama and Lakshmana are all right,

Being well cared for by Sugriva and the monkeys. O Sita, both Rama and the son of Sumitra have enquired of your welfare.

And Sugriva too being a friend (of them) has enquired of your welfare. Your husband will soon arrive (here) accompanied by all the monkeys. O divine lady, believe in me. I am a monkey and not a Rakshasa.

Reflecting a moment on what I said, Sita replied to me, “From what has been said by Avindhya I know you to be Hanuman. O (monkey) of mighty arms, Avindhya is an old and a revered Rakshasa.

He told me “Sugriva is surrounded by such advisers as you" Then asking me to go away Sita gave me this jewel (as a token), which enabled the faultless princess of Videha to bear life so long. And the daughter of Janaka further told me these words as a credential.

(Namely) that while dwelling in the mighty mountain Chitrakuta, O most valiant of meen, you shot a straw at a crow.

Then suffering myself to be seized (by the guards) and setting fire to that city (Lanka) I have come back" (Hearing these words) Rama adored that being who spoke agreeable words.