In the midst of the assembled monkeys, Sugrīva described a wondrous place—the supreme mountain Meru, standing resplendent at the world’s edge. Long ago, Meru had received a boon from the gracious Sun himself. The Sun had spoken to Meru, lord of mountains, saying, “All who depend on you shall, by my grace, be golden both by day and by night.” Because of this blessing, the gods, gandharvas, and demons who dwell upon Meru shine with a radiant golden glow and are filled with devotion. Every evening, as the sun sets in the west, the Viśvedevas, Vasus, Maruts, and other celestial beings approach Meru, the supreme mountain, at the hour of twilight. The sun, in its swift course, covers ten thousand yojanas to reach Meru’s peak in just half a muhūrta. Atop this summit stands a magnificent and divine palace, radiant as the sun itself, crowded with splendid mansions, all crafted by the divine architect Viśvakarman. This summit is adorned with various trees and alive with many kinds of birds. Here lies the splendid abode of the great-souled Varuṇa, the lord who holds the noose. Between Meru and the place where the sun sets, there stands a remarkable palm tree with ten trunks, made entirely of pure gold, its platform wondrously decorated. Sugrīva instructed the monkeys to search all these fortresses, lakes, and rivers, for in these places Rāvaṇa and Vaidehī (Sītā) might be found. On Meru dwells the sage Merusāvarṇi, renowned for his righteousness and purified by his own austerity, his radiance equal to Brahmā’s. Sugrīva urged the monkeys to approach this sage with respect, bowing their heads to the ground, and to ask him for news of Maithilī (Sītā). Sugrīva explained that up to this point—the summit of Meru, where the sun sets at the end of night and dispels all darkness—the world of living beings ends. Beyond this, the land is sunless and boundless, unknown to all. He instructed the monkeys to search diligently up to this place. Once they had ascertained the whereabouts of Vaidehī and the dwelling of Rāvaṇa, they were to return by the end of a full month. If they delayed beyond a month, Sugrīva warned that they would incur his punishment, and even his valiant father-in-law would share their fate. He reminded them to listen closely to his instructions, for his mighty father-in-law was their teacher and guide. Sugrīva praised their valor and reliability, urging them to look to the west with his father-in-law as their standard. “When the wife of the king of immeasurable splendor is found,” he said, “our task will be fulfilled and our purpose accomplished. If there is any other action that would help this mission, you should consider it, taking into account the place, time, and purpose.” Having heard Sugrīva’s careful words, the monkeys led by Suṣeṇa saluted their lord and set out for the region protected by Varuṇa. At this point, the narration of the forty-third chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa in the Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa is invoked. Sugrīva then turned to his father-in-law and sent the heroic monkey Śatabali towards the western direction. The king, wise and foremost among monkeys, spoke words that were beneficial both for himself and for Rāma. He instructed Śatabali to take a hundred thousand forest-dwelling monkeys, along with the sons of Vaivasvata, and enter the northern quarter with all his ministers. They were to search every direction of the mighty northern region, adorned with the Himalayan mountains, for Rāma’s illustrious wife. Sugrīva assured them that once this task was accomplished and the beloved of Daśaratha’s son was found, they would be freed from their debt and known as those who fulfill their purpose. He reminded them of the great favor Rāghava (Rāma) had done for them; if they could repay him, their lives would have borne fruit. Sugrīva reflected that even if one fulfills the wish of a supplicant who has done nothing for him, his birth is fruitful—how much more so when one repays a benefactor. With this resolve, Sugrīva urged the monkeys to act with all their strength and devotion so that Jānakī (Sītā) might be found. He praised Rāma, the conqueror of enemy cities, honored by all beings and beloved by the monkeys. Sugrīva instructed them to search through many difficult regions—rivers and mountain ranges—using their intelligence, courage, and resources. They were to examine the lands of the Mlecchas, Pulindas, Shurasenas, Prasthalas, Bharatas, Kurus, and Madrakas. They were also to investigate the Kambojas, Yavanas, and the cities of the Shakas, and then search the Daradas and the Himalaya. Everywhere—in the groves of lodhra and padmaka trees, and in the forests of deodar—Rāvaṇa and Vaidehī must be sought. Afterward, they were to reach the hermitage of Soma, frequented by gods and gandharvas, and then proceed to the great mountain called Kala. On the vast slopes and within the caves of that mountain, they were to search for Rāma’s blameless wife. Passing beyond that lord of mountains, with its golden peaks, they should then proceed to the mountain called Sudarśana. Beyond Sudarśana lies Devasakha, the mountain beloved of birds, crowded with many species and adorned with various trees. In its groves, waterfalls, and caves, Rāvaṇa and Vaidehī must be sought everywhere. Beyond Devasakha, they would come upon a vast expanse of sky—one hundred yojanas in all directions—without mountains, rivers, trees, or living beings. Thus, Sugrīva instructed the monkey hosts, laying out the path for their search, and inspiring them to fulfill their mission for Rāma’s sake.