As the preparations to search for Sita reached their peak, a magnificent assembly of monkey and bear leaders began to arrive, each surrounded by vast armies. First, the mighty Gavaya, radiant as a golden mountain, appeared, accompanied by five million monkeys. At that moment, the strong Darimukha approached, bringing a thousand million monkeys and standing close to Sugriva, their king. Mainda and Dvivida, the powerful twin sons of the Ashvins, were seen with hundreds of thousands of millions of monkeys surrounding them. Gaja, heroic and energetic, arrived with three million monkeys, eager to serve Sugriva. The illustrious bear king Jambavan, obedient and steadfast, came with ten million bears, ready to join the cause. Swift and radiant Rumaṇa arrived, leading a hundred million valiant monkeys. Gandhamādana followed, trailed by countless monkeys—hundreds of thousands multiplied by thousands, and hundreds times thousands. Prince Aṅgada, whose valor matched his father’s, came surrounded by a thousand lotuses and a hundred spears, symbols of his leadership. From afar, Tārā, shining like a star, was seen with five crore monkeys of formidable strength. Indrajānu, wise and heroic, appeared with eleven crore monkeys under his command. Rambha, radiant as the rising sun, arrived with ten thousand, a thousand, and a hundred monkeys. Durmukha, a mighty chief, was seen with two crore monkeys at his side. Hanumān, of immense strength and resembling the peaks of Kailāsa, was surrounded by a hundred thousand crore monkeys. Nala, of great might, arrived with monkeys who dwelled in the trees—one hundred million and a thousand times a hundred. Dadhimukha, illustrious and roaring, approached with ten crore monkeys before Sugriva. Śarabha, Kumuda, Vahni, and the swift Raṃha, along with many other monkeys capable of assuming any form, also made their presence known. All these monkeys, having gathered and settled on the earth, leaped, sprang, and roared, encircling Sugriva like clouds around the sun. With great sounds, these mighty-armed leaders bowed their heads to Sugriva, the king of monkeys. Other foremost monkeys assembled as appropriate, standing before Sugriva with joined palms, showing their respect and readiness. Sugriva, swift and skilled, reported the arrival of these foremost monkeys to Rāma. Knowing righteousness, he stood with joined palms and spoke. He arranged the forces for comfort in the mountain streams and forests, skillfully stationing them and desiring to review the army. Now, listen to the fortieth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa. Sugriva, now prosperous and accomplished as king of the monkeys, addressed Rāma, the tiger among men and destroyer of enemy hosts. 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, are valiant and powerful, possessing terrifying prowess. Renowned for their deeds and exploits, strong and tireless, they are famed for valor and excel in determination. “O Rāma, these hosts—dwelling on earth, in water, and in the sky, from many mountain abodes—have arrived in countless multitudes as your 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 many thousands of divisions, all of terrifying might. Therefore, O tiger among men, declare what you think is timely; your army is ready and subject to your command—you should issue your order. I know exactly what is to be done for them; yet, even so, you should give your command as is proper.” Rāma, son of Dasharatha, embraced Sugriva with both arms and spoke: “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, O lord of monkeys. You alone, O mighty one, should command the resolution of my task; for you, hero, surely know my purpose—there is no doubt. You are a true friend, unrivaled in valor, wise, and knowing the right time; you are devoted to our welfare, a trusted companion, and best among those who understand aims.” Thus addressed, Sugriva spoke to Vinata, the monkey chief, in the presence of Rāma and the wise Lakshmana: “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. He is skilled in discerning time, place, and strategy, and in deciding tasks; let him be accompanied by a hundred thousand swift monkeys.” With these words, the great assembly of monkey and bear warriors stood ready, united in purpose and awaiting the command to begin their sacred quest.