As the command was given, a wondrous sight unfolded on the earth: the mighty leader Nila, dark as a mass of collyrium and vast in stature, appeared at the head of a host of ten million monkeys. Close upon his heels came Gavaya, radiant like a golden mountain, surrounded by five million of his kin. Then Darimukha, strong and formidable, arrived with a staggering thousand million monkeys, taking his stand near Sugriva, the monkey king. Mainda and Dvivida, the valiant twin sons of the Ashvins, were seen next, encircled by hundreds of thousands of millions of monkey warriors. The powerful and heroic Gaja approached with great energy, bringing with him three million monkeys. Among the gathering was also the illustrious king of the bears, Jambavan, who stood obediently before Sugriva, surrounded by ten million bears. Rumaṇa, radiant and powerful, swiftly arrived with a hundred million valiant monkeys at his side. Gandhamādana followed, leading a vast multitude—hundreds of thousands times a thousand, and a hundred times a thousand monkeys—his presence commanding awe. Prince Aṅgada, equal in valor to his mighty father, came surrounded by a thousand lotuses and a hundred spears, a symbol of his prowess. In the distance, Tārā shone like a celestial star, accompanied by five crore monkeys of terrible strength. Indrajānu, wise and heroic, appeared next, leading eleven crore monkeys under his sway. Rambha, radiant as the rising sun, arrived with ten thousand, a thousand, and a hundred monkeys, while the monkey chief Durmukha, mighty and renowned, was seen with two crore companions. Then Hanumān, of immense strength and glory, was beheld, encircled by a hundred thousand crore monkeys, their forms resembling the peaks of Kailāsa. Nala, powerful and skilled, brought with him monkeys from the trees—one hundred million and a thousand times a hundred. Dadhimukha, illustrious and roaring, arrived next with ten crore monkeys, taking his place before the great-souled Sugrīva. Alongside these leaders stood Śarabha, Kumuda, Vahni, and the swift Raṃha, as well as many others—monkeys capable of assuming any form at will. All these hosts, having arrived, settled upon the earth, leaping, springing, and roaring, encircling Sugrīva like clouds gathering around the sun. With great sound and reverence, the mighty-armed leaders bowed their heads to Sugrīva, the king of monkeys. The foremost among them stood before him with joined palms, awaiting his command. Sugrīva, swift and attentive, reported the arrival of all these mighty monkeys to Rāma. Knowing what is right, he stood with joined palms and spoke. He organized the vast forces, stationing them comfortably near the mountain streams and throughout the forests, for Sugrīva was skilled in assessing strength and desired to review his immense army. Thus, the fortieth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa, begins. Now, Sugrīva, the prosperous and accomplished king of monkeys, addressed Rāma, the tiger among men and destroyer of enemy hosts. “O Rāma,” he said, “the mighty, shape-shifting monkey lords—radiant as Indra—who dwell in my domain, have arrived and taken their places. These fearsome monkeys, equal to demons and titans, valiant and powerful, are famed for their deeds and exploits. Tireless and strong, they excel in valor and determination. From earth, water, and sky, from many mountain abodes, these countless multitudes have come as your servants. All are obedient to command, devoted to their leader’s will, and, O subduer of foes, will accomplish whatever you desire. With many thousands of divisions, these fearsome monkeys of terrifying might stand ready. Therefore, O tiger among men, declare what you think is timely. Your army is ready and awaits your command. Issue your order, for I know what is to be done, yet it is proper that you give the command.” Hearing these words, Rāma, son of Dasharatha, embraced Sugrīva with both arms and replied, “Let it be known, gentle one, whether Vaidehī is alive or not, and also the land where Ravana dwells, O wise one. Once Sita and Ravana’s dwelling have been discovered, I will act at the right time together with you. In this matter, O monkey king, neither I nor Lakshmana is the master; you are the cause and lord of this task. You alone, O mighty one, should command the resolution of my task, for you know my purpose without doubt. You are a true friend, unrivaled in valor, wise and timely, devoted to our welfare, a trusted companion, and best among those who understand aims.” Thus addressed, Sugrīva turned to Vinata, the monkey chief, in the presence of Rāma and wise Lakshmana, and spoke: “O best of monkeys, summon the mighty Vinata, whose roar is like thunderclouds, resembling a mountain, together with monkeys shining like the moon and sun.” So, the great monkey hosts, their leaders and multitudes, assembled in readiness, awaiting the command that would begin the search for Sita and the defeat of Ravana.