Sugrīva, the wise and valiant lord of the monkeys, addressed the assembled vānaras with firm resolve. “Do not remain away for more than a month,” he commanded. “If you tarry beyond that, you will incur my wrath. Once you have fulfilled your mission and found Maithilī—Sītā herself—return at once. Search diligently in the southern regions adorned with the Mahendra mountain and its vast forests. When you have found Sītā, beloved of the Raghu dynasty, come back with joy in your hearts.” Now, listen as the forty-first chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa unfolds, within the Kiṣkindhā section. Then Sugrīva, ever mindful of his promise to Rāma, dispatched the great monkey army to the southern direction. He appointed illustrious leaders for this noble quest: Nīla, the fiery son of Agni; Hanumān, the swift and wise; and Jāmbavān, the mighty son of the Grandfather. Along with them went Suhotra, Sharari, Sharagulma, Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sushena, and Vrishabha. Also among them were Mainda and Dvivida, Sushena, Gandhamadana, Ulkamukha, Ananga, and the two sons of Hutashana. Sugrīva, adept at discerning strength and virtue, entrusted the leadership of these mighty heroes to Angada, renowned for his speed and prowess. He named Angada, strong as a lion, chief among the searchers and sent them forth to the southern quarter. He described the challenges of that southern land in detail, naming each difficult region for their guidance. “You must pass the Vindhya mountains, with their thousand peaks clothed in trees and creepers, and the lovely Narmada river, where great serpents dwell. Next, cross the beautiful Godavari, the sacred Krishnaveni, and the illustrious Varada, also haunted by serpents. Search the cities of Mekhala, Utkala, and Dasharna, then Abravanti and Avanti. Observe the lands of the Vidarbhas, Rishṭikas, and the charming Mahishakas. “Likewise, search among the Vangas, Kalingas, and Kausikas. Explore the Dandaka forest, with its rugged mountains, flowing rivers, and hidden caves. Survey the full length of the Godavari, and visit the peoples of the Andhras, Pundras, Cholas, Pandyas, and Keralas. “Go to Ayomukha, the mountain adorned with minerals, its peaks and forests blooming with myriad flowers. Seek the great sandalwood groves, and the divine river whose waters are pure and tranquil. There you will find the Kaveri, where Apsaras frolic, at the foot of the powerful Malaya mountain. “There you will meet Agastya, foremost of sages, radiant as the sun. When that gracious soul permits, cross the broad Tamraparni river, whose crocodile-filled waters hide islands and whose banks are fragrant with sandalwood forests. Like a lovely maiden embracing her beloved, the Tamraparni flows into the ocean. “At the ocean’s edge, you will behold the divine golden gate, adorned with pearls and gems, belonging to the Pandyas. There, pause and reflect on your purpose, for across the southern ocean lies your greatest challenge. “In the midst of the sea stands the splendid Mahendra mountain, established by Agastya, its peaks dazzling and diverse. Deep within the ocean is a radiant island of pure gold, adorned with blossoming mountains and creepers. This place shines with the presence of gods, sages, yakṣas, and apsarases, and is gladdened by gatherings of siddhas and cāraṇas. “At every festival, Indra, the thousand-eyed, visits this island. Beyond it, on the far shore, lies another island, a hundred yojanas wide, inaccessible to mortals and blazing with light. There, above all, search for Sītā with unwavering effort, for that is the domain of the wicked Rāvaṇa, the slayer, lord of the rākṣasas, whose brilliance rivals Indra’s. “In the heart of the southern ocean dwells a rākṣasī named Aṅgārakā, famed for seizing and devouring shadows. Having resolved all doubts and with minds clear, search for the wife of the illustrious king. “Beyond that, a hundred yojanas further into the ocean, stands the splendid mountain Puṣpitaka, frequented by siddhas and cāraṇas. Its peaks gleam like the rays of the moon and sun, and it is embraced by the ocean’s waters, rising so high as if to scratch the sky. “One golden peak is worshipped by the sun, while a silver-white peak is revered by the moon. Only the grateful, the pure-hearted, and the faithful are blessed to see it. Bow your heads to this sacred mountain, O vānaras, and search thoroughly. Beyond it lies the formidable mountain Sūryavān, with a path stretching fourteen yojanas and difficult to traverse. Then, farther still, is the mountain Vaidyuta. “There you will find trees that grant every desired fruit, delightful in every season. Enjoy the finest roots and fruits, and drink the excellent honey. Then proceed to the mountain Kuñjara, pleasing to the eye and heart. “There stands the abode of Agastya, built by Viśvakarman, rising ten yojanas high and one yojana wide. Within is a divine golden sanctuary, adorned with many jewels, and nearby lies the city of Bhogavatī, home of the serpents. Its wide streets are formidable and well-guarded, protected on all sides by fierce serpents with sharp fangs and deadly venom. “Thus, O heroes, search every place I have named with diligence and courage. Let your hearts be steadfast, and bring back news of Sītā, the beloved of Rāma.