From all corners of the earth, an astonishing multitude of monkeys began to assemble, their voices booming like thunderclouds. Some were born from the mountains, others from the depths of the ocean, all possessed of immense strength, while many others made the forests their home. Their forms were as varied and wondrous as creation itself: some shone with the fiery hue of the rising sun, others glowed pale as the moon; some bore the golden-white brilliance of lotus filaments, and others gleamed as if fashioned from pure gold. At this moment, the illustrious and heroic monkey Shatabali appeared, surrounded by ten thousand million companions. Soon after came the valiant father of Tara, resplendent like a golden mountain, leading countless thousands and millions. Likewise, the mighty father of Ruma, Sugriva’s own father-in-law, arrived with a thousand million monkeys at his side. Among the gathering, one stood out, resembling a lotus filament, his face aglow like the rising sun. Intelligent and renowned as the foremost among monkey warriors, he shone as the best of his kind. Not far behind came the illustrious Kesari, father of Hanuman, encircled by countless thousands of monkeys. The mighty king of monkeys, Gavaksha, with his long tail and terrifying valor, appeared at the head of a thousand million followers. Dhumra, the swift and fearsome leader of the bears, destroyer of enemies, advanced with two thousand million fierce bears. Panasa, powerful and immense as a great mountain, arrived with three million monkeys. Nila, dark as a mass of collyrium and of great stature, was seen with ten million monkeys in his train. The mighty Gavaya, shining like a golden mountain, came surrounded by five million monkeys. Darimukha, strong and imposing, approached with a thousand million followers, standing near Sugriva. Mainda and Dvivida, the two mighty sons of the Ashvins, were seen amidst hundreds of thousands of millions of monkeys. The powerful and heroic Gaja advanced with three million monkeys, his energy undiminished as he approached Sugriva. The illustrious king of the bears, Jambavan, surrounded by ten million bears, stood ready and obedient before Sugriva. Radiant and powerful, Rumana arrived swiftly, leading a hundred million valiant monkeys. Gandhamadana followed, accompanied by a vast host numbering in the hundreds of thousands of thousands, and more. Then came Prince Angada, equal in valor to his father, surrounded by a thousand lotuses and a hundred spears—his presence commanding respect. From afar, Tara, shining like a celestial star, was seen surrounded by five crore monkeys of formidable prowess. Indrajanu, wise and heroic, appeared with eleven crore monkeys under his command. Rambha, radiant as the rising sun, arrived with ten thousand and a thousand and a hundred monkeys. Next came Durmukha, the heroic monkey chief, mighty and accompanied by two crore monkeys. Hanuman himself was seen, surrounded by a hundred thousand crore monkeys of immense strength, their forms resembling the lofty peaks of Kailasa. Nala, of great might, arrived with a host of monkeys dwelling in the trees—one hundred million and a thousand times a hundred. Dadhimukha, illustrious and roaring, came with ten crore monkeys, announcing his arrival before the noble Sugriva. Śarabha, Kumuda, Vahni, and the swift Raṃha were also present, along with many other monkeys blessed with the power to assume any form at will. All these monkeys, having arrived and settled upon the earth, leaped, sprang, and roared in joy, gathering around Sugriva as clouds gather around the sun. The mighty-armed leaders, their voices resounding, bowed their heads in homage to Sugriva, the king of monkeys. Other foremost monkeys, assembled in proper order, stood respectfully before Sugriva with joined palms. Sugriva, swift and attentive, reported the arrival of all these foremost monkeys to Rama. Knowing righteousness and the ways of kingship, he stood with joined palms and spoke. He saw to it that the vast armies were properly stationed for comfort, whether by mountain streams or in the forests, ever skilled in assessing strength and ever eager to review the assembled forces. Now hear the fortieth sarga of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, in the Kishkindha Kanda. Sugriva, king of the monkeys—now prosperous and accomplished—addressed Rama, the tiger among men and destroyer of enemy hosts. “O Rama,” he said, “all the mighty, shape-shifting monkey lords, radiant as Indra, who dwell within my realm, have arrived and taken their places. These fearsome monkeys, equal in might to demons and titans, have come—valiant, powerful, and of terrifying prowess. Renowned for their deeds, strong and tireless, famed for valor and determination, they are ready. O Rama, these hosts of monkeys—dwelling on earth, in water, and in the sky, from many mountain abodes—have assembled in countless multitudes as your devoted servants. All are obedient to command, devoted to their leader’s will, and, O subduer of foes, will accomplish whatever you desire. These fearsome monkeys, equal to demons and titans, have come with thousands of divisions, each of terrifying might, ready to serve you.” Thus did the mighty monkey hosts gather, a wondrous and loyal army, awaiting the command of Rama and Sugriva.