Sugriva, the wise king of the vanaras, spoke to his mighty followers, guiding them in their search for Sita, the beloved daughter of Videha and wife of Rama. “Set out toward the eastern quarter,” he instructed, “where mountains rise, forests spread, and groves flourish. There, seek Sita and the hidden dwelling of Ravana. “Search every stronghold among the mountains, comb the forests, and follow the courses of the rivers. Let your eyes look upon the sacred Bhagirathi, the Sarayu, and the gentle Kaushiki. Do not overlook the beautiful Kalindi, the Yamuna and her great mountain source, the Sarasvati, the Sindhu, and the Shona, whose waters glisten like jewels. “Journey through the land of Kalinga and the regions graced with mountains and forests. Let your search extend to Brahmamala, Videha, Malava, Kashi, and Kosala. Visit the great villages of Magadha, and do not neglect the territories of the Pundras and Angas, nor the lands famed for weaving and those rich in silver mines. “In every direction, leave no place unsearched, for Sita, Rama’s cherished wife and Dasharatha’s daughter-in-law, may be concealed anywhere. Scale the mountains that descend into the ocean, enter the cities, and explore the dwellings perched atop the peaks of Mandara. “Be prepared to encounter wondrous peoples: those who cover their ears, those whose lips serve as ears, those with fearsome iron mouths, the swift-footed, and even those who walk on a single foot. You may see the inexhaustible and powerful ones, and the man-eaters; the Kiratas, sharp-crested, golden, and pleasing to behold. Among them are Kiratas who eat raw fish, island-dwellers, fierce water-dwellers known as human tigers. “Search among all forest-dwellers who find refuge in these lands, whether they are reached by mountain paths, by swimming across waters, or by boats. With diligence, extend your quest to Yavadvipa, the island adorned by seven kings, radiant with gold and silver, and gleaming with gold mines. “Beyond Yavadvipa, you will find the mountain Shishira, whose summit touches the sky itself, where gods and danavas are said to dwell. In every mountain stronghold, on cliffs and in forests along the way, search together for Sita, Rama’s illustrious wife. “Then, reach the river Shona, whose red waters flow swiftly, and cross to the far shore of the ocean, a place frequented by siddhas and charanas. Along its beautiful fords and in its wondrous forests, search everywhere for Ravana and Vaidehi. “Let your search include rivers that arise from the mountains, their banks cut by dreadful ravines, as well as the caves hidden within the mountains and the forests. Afterward, behold the islands of the ocean—terrifying, wavy, fierce, and roaring, whipped into fury by the wind. “There, mighty-bodied asuras, permitted by Brahma and long famished, are said to seize even shadows. As you approach the vast, roaring ocean—dark as a rain cloud and haunted by great serpents—you will come to its sacred waters. “Journey onward to the dreadful Lohita ocean, whose waters are red as blood. There, you will see the towering Kuta-Shalmali tree. In that place, terrifying demons known as Mandehas, as large as mountains, hang from the mountain peaks in many fearsome forms. At sunrise each day, scorched by the sun’s rays, they fall into the waters, only to rise and hang suspended again. Each day, the radiance of Brahma destroys them anew. “Then, you will behold the Kshiroda ocean, white as pale clouds. In its midst stands the great white mountain called Rishabha, adorned with waves like a garland of pearls. This mountain is surrounded by others covered with divine, fragrant blossoms, and nearby is a lake filled with radiant lotuses, their filaments of gold. “That lake, Sudarshana, is crowded with royal swans. There, gods, celestial bards, yakshas, kinnaras, and groups of apsaras gather, drawn by its beauty. Joyful, they come to this lotus-filled lake. After crossing the Kshiroda ocean, O vanaras, you will see the swift and fearsome Jaloda ocean, terrifying to all beings. In that place, the great fiery energy, taking the form of a horse’s mouth, was created. Its mighty force draws in all beings, moving and unmoving, within its jaws. There, the cries of ocean-dwellers and other creatures are heard, helpless before the dreadful Vadavamukha. “On the northern shore of that sweet ocean, thirteen yojanas away, stands the shining golden mountain Jatarupa-shila. There you will see the lord of serpents, resembling the moon, his eyes wide as lotus petals, resting upon the mountain. At the summit sits the divine Ananta, the thousand-headed one, clothed in blue garments, worshipped by all the gods. “Upon the peak of this great soul’s mountain, a golden banner with three heads stands upon a platform, shining brilliantly. On the eastern side, this structure was built by the lords of the gods. Beyond lies the splendid, golden Udaya mountain. Its peak, stretching a hundred yojanas high, touches the sky; a divine, golden, radiant summit with a shining platform is there. “It is adorned with blossoming sala, palm, tamala, and karnikara trees, all made of pure gold and shining like the sun. There stands the peak Saumanasa, ten yojanas high and one yojana wide, made entirely of pure gold. “In ancient times, Vishnu placed his first step here during his three strides, and his second upon the summit of Meru. Circling northward around Jambudvipa, the sun becomes visible, especially upon that great and lofty peak. “Let your search be thorough and unwavering, for only then will you find the path to Sita and bring joy to Rama’s heart.