With deep reverence, one of Sugrīva’s counselors spoke earnestly to the monkey king, reminding him that a ruler must always seek the guidance of trusted advisors for his own welfare. Setting aside any fear, he offered his counsel, even though Sugrīva had not asked for it. He warned that when Rāghava—Rāma himself—takes up his bow in anger, he possesses the power to subdue the entire world, including gods, demons, and gandharvas. Such a person, who can be appeased yet angered again, should never be provoked, especially by one who remembers past favors and remains grateful. Therefore, the counselor advised Sugrīva to bow before Rāma, along with his son and friends, and to remain within the proper bounds of kingship, just as a wife is subject to her husband. He emphasized that even in thought, Sugrīva should not disregard the commands of Rāma or Lakṣmaṇa, for soon he would witness the human strength of this radiant Rāghava, whose brilliance rivals that of Indra. Now begins the thirty-third chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā section. At Rāma’s command, Lakṣmaṇa, the destroyer of enemy heroes, entered the beautiful cave of Kiṣkindhā. At the entrance, mighty monkeys stood, their size and strength impressive. Seeing Lakṣmaṇa, they greeted him with joined palms, but, noticing the son of Daśaratha breathing heavily and angry, fear gripped them and they did not surround him. Lakṣmaṇa beheld the great cave, adorned with gems and divine, its blossoming gardens beautiful and filled with precious stones. Mansions and palaces crowded the space, embellished with various jewels, and blossoming trees that granted every desire beautified the surroundings. Monkeys, sons of gods and gandharvas, capable of assuming any form, wore divine garlands and garments, making the place pleasing to behold. The air was fragrant with sandalwood, aloe, and lotus, and the grand avenues were perfumed by mead and honey. Lakṣmaṇa saw multi-storied palaces resembling the Vindhya and Meru mountains, with pure rivers and springs within. He observed the splendid homes of Aṅgada, Mainda, Dvivida, Gavaya, Gavākṣa, Gaja, and Śarabha, as well as those of Vidyunmāli, Sampāti, Sūryākṣa, Hanumān, Vīrabāhu, Subāhu, and the noble Nala. He also saw the homes of Kumuda, Suṣeṇa, Tāra, Jāmbavat, Dadhivaktra, Nīla, Supāṭala, and Sunetra. These grand and splendid homes of the monkey leaders lined the royal road. The homes shone like pale clouds, scented with garlands, abundant in wealth and grain, and adorned with women of exceptional beauty. Encircled by a pale mountain, difficult to approach, was the splendid home of the monkey king, delightful and resembling Mahendra’s mansion. Its white palace spires rose like the peaks of Kailāsa, while blossoming trees that granted every desire beautified the grounds. Glorious trees, gifts from Mahendra, stood dark as rainclouds, bearing divine flowers and fruits, offering cool shade and delight. The gates were guarded by strong monkeys, armed with weapons, adorned with divine garlands, shining, and with archways of refined gold. Lakṣmaṇa, mighty son of Sumitrā, entered the splendid house of Sugrīva unobstructed, like the sun entering a great cloud. He saw seven enclosures filled with vehicles and seats, and within, the vast and well-guarded inner palace. Everywhere were golden and silver couches, excellent seats, all covered with precious spreads. As he entered, Lakṣmaṇa heard sweet sounds, filled with the music of strings, perfectly tuned in melody and rhythm. He saw many women in Sugrīva’s palace, of various forms, proud of their beauty and youth. Noble women, adorned with garlands, were intent on making the finest wreaths and decorated with the best ornaments. Sugrīva’s attendants appeared neither unsatisfied nor overly eager, nor with neglected attire. Hearing the jingling of anklets and the sound of girdles, Lakṣmaṇa, the illustrious son of Sumitrā, became embarrassed. Angered by the rush of wrath and the sound of ornaments, he made his bow-string twang, filling the quarters with its sound. Feeling dishonored and filled with Rāma’s anger, Lakṣmaṇa stood aside in solitude. The sound of the bow alerted Sugrīva, lord of the monkeys, to Lakṣmaṇa’s arrival. Frightened, Sugrīva rose from his excellent seat. As Aṅgada had previously informed him, it was clear that Sumitrā’s son, devoted to his brother, had now arrived. Informed by Aṅgada and the twang of the bow, Sugrīva understood Lakṣmaṇa had come, and his face dried up with fear. Disturbed by fear and confusion, yet composed, Sugrīva spoke words of benefit to Tāra, who was pleasing to behold. “O beautiful one,” he said, “what could be the reason that this younger brother of Rāghava, whose nature is gentle, has come here appearing angry? If you perceive that we have done anything displeasing to him, then, after careful consideration, let it be quickly and clearly stated. Or, O lovely one, you yourself should go to see him and try to appease him with words full of gentleness.