With deep earnestness, Sugrīva addressed the assembled vanaras, giving them careful instructions for their quest. “When you reach the westernmost boundary of the world, you must approach the great sage Merusāvarṇi, radiant as the sun. Bow your heads to the ground before him and respectfully inquire about Maithilī—our beloved Sītā. For up to this point, the sun, after dispelling the darkness at the end of night, sets upon the mountain that marks the edge of the world of living beings. Thus far, O foremost of monkeys, you may go; beyond this, the realm is sunless and boundless, and nothing is known to us. “Having discovered the whereabouts of Vaidehī and Rāvaṇa’s dwelling, and having reached the setting mountain, you must return within a full month. Do not remain beyond a month, for if you do, you shall incur my punishment. Along with you, my valiant father-in-law will also depart. All these instructions must be carefully listened to and followed, for this mighty-armed one—my father-in-law of great strength—is your teacher and guide. “All of you are valiant and trustworthy in every way. Take him as your measure and look toward the western direction. When the wife of the king of immeasurable splendor is found, our task will be fulfilled, and we shall have accomplished what we set out to do. If there is anything else that would further aid this mission, consider it well, taking into account place, time, and purpose.” Hearing Sugrīva’s careful words, the monkeys led by Suṣeṇa listened attentively, saluted their lord with devotion, and set out for that region protected by Varuṇa. Now, Sugrīva, having thus instructed his father-in-law, sent forth the heroic vanara Śatabali toward the western direction. The wise and all-knowing king, foremost among monkeys, spoke further words for the benefit of himself and for Rāma. “Go forth with a hundred thousand forest-dwelling vanaras like yourself, together with the sons of Vaivasvata, and all your ministers. Search in every direction of the mighty northern quarter, adorned with the Himalayan mountains, for the illustrious wife of Rāma. “When this task is accomplished and the beloved of Daśaratha’s son is found, we shall be freed from our debts and be foremost among those who fulfill their purpose. For the great-souled Rāghava has shown us immense favor; if we are able to repay him, our lives will have borne fruit. Even if a supplicant has done nothing for you, fulfilling their wish makes one’s birth worthwhile—how much more so when repaying a benefactor! Therefore, holding firmly to this resolve, you who seek what is dear and beneficial to us must act so that Jānakī may be found. For Rāma, conqueror of enemy cities, is honored by all beings and has won our affection. “You must search through the many difficult regions—rivers and mountain ranges—using your intelligence, courage, and resources. Examine the lands of the Mlecchas, Pulindas, Shūrasenas, Prasthalas, Bharatas, Kurus, and Madrakas. Investigate also the Kambojas, Yavanas, and the cities of the Shakas; after that, search the Daradas and the Himalaya. In the groves of lodhra and padmaka trees, and in the forests of deodar, search everywhere for Rāvaṇa together with Vaidehī. “Then, when you reach the hermitage of Soma—frequented by gods and gandharvas—proceed to the great mountain called Kāla. On its vast slopes and in its caves, search for Rāma’s blameless wife, O noble ones. Passing beyond that lord of mountains, the great golden-peaked mountain, proceed then to the mountain called Sudarśana. After that is Devasakha, the abode of birds, crowded with many kinds of birds and adorned with various trees. In the groves, waterfalls, and caves of that mountain, search everywhere for Rāvaṇa and Vaidehī. “Beyond that, there is a sky expanse a hundred yojanas in all directions, without mountains, rivers, or trees—devoid of all living beings. Quickly crossing that terrifying wilderness, you will reach the pale Kailāsa mountain and be filled with joy. There stands the delightful mansion of Kubera, resembling a pale cloud, adorned with gold, and constructed by Viśvakarma. There is a vast lake, filled with abundant lotuses and blue lilies, crowded with swans and cranes, attended by groups of celestial nymphs. “There, King Vaiśravaṇa, revered by all the worlds, the wealthy and illustrious lord of the Yakṣas, delights together with the Guhyakas. In the caves and on the moon-bright mountains there, search thoroughly for Rāvaṇa and Sītā in every place. Upon reaching Mount Krauñca, its cave—extremely difficult to enter—must be entered with great care, for it is known to be hard to access. There dwell great sages, radiant as the sun, divine in form, who, having been earnestly requested by the gods, resemble the great seers. The other caves, slopes, peaks, ravines, and foothills of Mount Krauñca must also be thoroughly searched in every direction. “There is the treeless Kāma mountain and the Mānasa lake, abode of birds; neither gods, spirits, nor demons can go there. That mountain, Krauñca, with its slopes, plateaus, and peaks, must be completely searched; beyond it lies the mountain called Maināka.” Thus, under Sugrīva’s wise and resolute guidance, the vanaras, inspired by duty and gratitude, set forth in all directions, determined to find Sītā and fulfill their sacred mission.