As the search for Sita pressed on, Sugriva, the wise and foremost of the monkeys, addressed his mighty vanara hosts with precise instructions. “In the same way as before,” he said, “you must now search through the dense thickets of screw-pine, and along the rivers whose cool, auspicious waters flow even against the current. Leave no place unexplored, for Sita may be hidden anywhere.” He guided them further: “Venture into the forests where ascetics dwell, and into the wild mountain ranges that rise across these lands. On the plains, often barren and dry, you will find stones—towering and cold—marking the ruggedness of the terrain. After you have thoroughly searched the western direction, with its chains of mountains and difficult paths, press onward until you reach the vast expanse of the western ocean. “When you arrive at those distant shores, you will see waters alive with whales and crocodiles. There, among the screw-pine thickets and the shadowy groves of tamala trees, you must continue your search. Roam through the coconut groves as well, for there too Sita and the dwelling of Ravana might be hidden. “Do not neglect the mountains and forests that stretch along the shore. Search diligently in the city of Muravipattana, and in the delightful city of Jatapura. Extend your quest to Avanti, Angalepa, and the unmarked forest, as well as the vast kingdoms and cities scattered here and there. “At the confluence where the Sindhu meets the ocean, you will find the great mountain Somagiri, crowned with a hundred peaks and mighty trees. On its beautiful plateaus dwell wondrous lions with wings, who build their nests from whales, fish, and even elephants. The caves and peaks of this mountain are also home to proud and contented elephants, whose mighty calls echo like thunder through the land. These creatures roam everywhere throughout this water-filled region, and Somagiri’s golden peak rises to the sky, adorned with a profusion of trees. “All of this must be swiftly searched by you, O monkeys, for you possess the power to assume any form at will. There, too, lies the golden promontory of the ocean, stretching a hundred yojanas in length. “Beyond this, at the difficult-to-see boundary of Pariyatra, you will encounter a formidable sight: twenty-four crores of swift Gandharvas dwell there. These fierce, shape-shifting beings blaze like living fire, gathered everywhere, their presence as intense as flames. Beware, O monkeys—even those among you of terrifying prowess must not approach these beings, nor should you take any fruit from that region. These heroes are hard to withstand, filled with courage and immense strength, and they fiercely guard the fruits and roots of their domain. “Yet, even there, you must not falter. Make every effort to search for Sita, for those who follow the ways of the vanaras need not fear these guardians. Press on to the great mountain named Vajra, which glistens like beryl, shaped like a diamond, and is covered with a tapestry of trees and creepers. This glorious region stretches for a full hundred yojanas; search its caves thoroughly and with care. “Not far from a quarter of the ocean stands the mountain Cakravān, where Viśvakarman, the divine architect, once fashioned a thousand-spoked wheel. It was here that, after slaying the demons Pañcajana and Hayagrīva, the Supreme Person took up the wheel and the conch. On the delightful slopes and in the vast caves of Cakravān, seek out Ravana and Sita in every direction. “Sixty-four yojanas beyond stands the great mountain Varāha, with golden peaks, immense and deep within the domain of Varuṇa. There you will find the city of Prāgjyotiṣa, built entirely of gold, where the evil-minded demon Naraka resides. Search the pleasant slopes and vast caves of this mountain as well, for Ravana and Sita may be concealed there. “Beyond Varāha, with its golden interiors, lies another mountain made entirely of gold, from which countless streams cascade down. There, elephants, boars, lions, and tigers roar from all sides, exulting in their own mighty voices. “Upon this mountain, the illustrious Indra—the lord of the gods and slayer of Vṛtra—was once anointed king by the gods themselves. This mountain is known as Megha. Beyond Megha, protected by Mahendra, you will come upon sixty thousand golden mountains, radiant on all sides with the color of the rising sun and adorned with trees whose blossoms are made entirely of gold. “In their midst stands king Meru, the supreme mountain, who long ago received a boon from the gracious Sun. The Sun declared: ‘All who depend on you, O Meru, will by my grace be golden both by day and by night.’ And so, gods, gandharvas, and demons who dwell upon Meru become devoted and radiant with a golden glow. “The Viśvedevas, Vasus, Maruts, and other celestial beings, when the western twilight comes, approach Meru, the supreme mountain. The Sun himself, in half a muhūrta, swiftly traverses the ten thousand yojanas to reach Meru’s peak. At its summit stands a great and divine palace, radiant like the sun, crowded with mansions, all constructed by Viśvakarman. “This splendid abode, adorned with many kinds of trees and teeming with birds, is the home of the great-souled Varuṇa, holder of the noose. Between Mount Meru and the place of sunset stands a wondrous palm tree with ten trunks, resplendent, made of pure gold and set upon a beautifully decorated platform. “In all these fortresses, lakes, and rivers, you must search for Ravana and Vaidehī Sita, leaving no place untouched. There also dwells Merusāvarṇi, the knower of righteousness, purified by his own austerity and renowned as equal to Brahmā. “Thus, O monkeys, with diligence and devotion, search every region, every mountain, every forest, and every city in the vast western lands and beyond, for in any of these sacred and wondrous places Sita may yet be found.