With deep understanding of what needed to be done, Sugriva respectfully awaited Rama’s command, saying, “I know well the actions required for your cause, yet, as is proper, you should instruct me yourself.” Hearing these words, Rama, son of Dasharatha, embraced Sugriva with both arms and spoke warmly: “O gentle Sugriva, let it be discovered whether Vaidehī still lives, and also the land where Ravana has taken her. Once Sita and the dwelling place of Ravana are found, I will act at the right moment together with you. “In this quest, O king of the monkeys, neither I nor Lakshmana are the leaders—you are the very cause and master of this undertaking, O lord of vanaras. You alone, mighty one, must command the search for my beloved; for you, heroic friend, understand my purpose completely—there is no doubt. You are a true companion, unrivaled in valor and wisdom, discerning the right time for action, devoted to our welfare, and best among those who understand the aims of a task.” Thus addressed, Sugriva turned to Vinata, the monkey chief, in the presence of Rama and the wise Lakshmana. He said, “O best of monkeys, summon the mighty Vinata, whose roar is like thunder, whose form is mountain-like, and gather with him monkeys radiant as the moon and sun. Vinata is skilled in discerning time, place, and strategy, and in making sound decisions—let him be accompanied by a hundred thousand swift vanaras. “You must all go to the eastern quarter, with its mountains, forests, and groves. There, search for Sita, the daughter of Videha, and also for Ravana’s dwelling. Search thoroughly in the mountain strongholds, in the forests, and along the sacred rivers: the lovely Bhagirathi, the Sarayu, and the Kaushiki; the beautiful Kalindi, the Yamuna, the great mountain of Yamuna, the Sarasvati, the Sindhu, and the shining waters of the Shona. “Seek also in the land of Kalinga, and in the regions adorned with mountains and forests—Brahmamala, Videha, Malava, Kashi, and Kosala. Explore the great villages of Magadha, and likewise the lands of the Pundras and Angas, the land of weavers, and the country rich in silver mines. Every corner must be searched by those seeking Sita, Rama’s beloved wife, daughter-in-law of Dasharatha. “Search the mountains descending into the ocean, the cities, and the dwellings established on the peaks of Mandara. You must look even among the strange peoples: those who cover their ears, those whose lips serve as ears, those with terrifying iron mouths, the swift-footed, and the one-footed. Seek out the inexhaustible and powerful ones, and also the man-eaters, the Kiratas with sharp crests, golden in appearance and pleasing to behold. Search among the Kiratas who eat raw fish, the island-dwellers, and the fierce water-dwellers known as human tigers. “Leave no forest-dweller unsearched, whether they dwell among mountains, can be reached by swimming, or by boats. With effort, search as far as Yavadvipa, adorned by seven kings, the island of gold and silver, decorated with gold mines. Beyond Yavadvipa stands the great mountain called Shishira, whose peak touches the sky, attended by gods and danavas alike. In all these mountain strongholds, precipices, and forests, search together for Rama’s illustrious wife. “Then, reaching the river Shona with its swift, red waters, cross over to the far shore of the ocean, frequented by siddhas and charanas. On its beautiful fords and wondrous forests, seek everywhere for Ravana and Vaidehi. Search all the rivers arising from mountains, with their dreadful ravines, as well as the caves within the mountains and the forests. “Afterwards, behold the islands of the ocean—terrifying, wavy, fierce, roaring, and agitated by the wind. There, great-bodied asuras, permitted by Brahma, lie in wait, seizing shadows, long famished. Approaching that vast and roaring ocean, dark as a rain cloud and frequented by great serpents, you will reach the sacred waters. “Then, go to the dreadful ocean called Lohita, whose waters are red as blood, and you will see the towering Kuta-Shalmali tree. There, terrifying demons known as Mandehas, mountain-like in form, hang from the peaks in fearsome shapes. Each day, as the sun rises, they fall into the water, scorched by its rays, and again and again they hang suspended. These demons are destroyed daily by the radiance of Brahma. “Beyond, you will see the ocean called Kshiroda, white as pale clouds. Upon reaching it, you will behold the formidable ocean, its waves like a garland of pearls; in its midst stands the great white mountain called Rishabha, surrounded by mountains covered in divine, fragrant blossoms. There is a lake filled with radiant lotuses with golden filaments—this is Sudarshana, crowded with royal swans. Gods, celestial bards, yakshas, kinnaras, and groups of apsaras gather there, drawn by the lake’s beauty. “After crossing the Kshiroda ocean, O vanaras, you will see the swift and fearsome ocean called Jaloda, terrifying to all beings. There, the great fiery energy, taking the form of a horse’s mouth, was created. Its mighty force, together with all moving and unmoving beings, is drawn in by its jaws; there, the cries of ocean-dwellers and other beings are heard, helpless as they behold the Vadavamukha.” Thus, with reverence and clarity, Sugriva outlined the vast lands, rivers, mountains, and peoples to be searched, sending his mighty vanaras forth on the sacred quest to find Sita, beloved of Rama.