In that wondrous region, the very earth was adorned with jeweled leaves and golden filaments, while groves of blue lotuses blossomed in dazzling variety. Along the riverbanks, pearls of incomparable beauty and great treasures of jewels lay scattered, and the streams themselves ran with gleaming gold. The trees there were ever-laden with flowers and fruits, their branches thick with lush leaves. They exuded divine fragrance, taste, and touch, and from them could be obtained every object of desire. Some trees bore fine garments and ornaments decorated with pearls and cat’s-eye gems, suitable for both women and men. Others yielded fruits enjoyable in every season, and some bore fruits encrusted with precious jewels. Beds appeared, furnished with colorful coverings, while other trees offered garlands delightful to the mind. Exquisite drinks and all varieties of food were found in abundance, and women of virtue, beauty, and youth graced the land. There, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Siddhas, Nagas, and Vidyadharas—resplendent in their radiance—delighted together with lovely women. All who dwelled there performed virtuous deeds, were devoted to pleasure, and lived in joyous company, possessing every object of desire. The air was ever filled with the enchanting sounds of singing, musical instruments, and joyous laughter, pleasing to all beings. No one was ever unhappy or displeasing; day by day, delightful virtues only grew. Beyond this wondrous realm lay the northern ocean, and in its midst stood the great golden mountain called Soma. The gods who had reached Indra’s world and those who had attained Brahma’s world gazed upon this king of mountains, shining in the heavens. Even without the sun, that region shone with its own radiance, glowing with a brilliance rivaling the sun itself. There dwelt the blessed Lord Shiva, the soul of the universe, manifest in eleven forms, the god of gods, and Brahma, surrounded by great sages. Beyond the northern region of the Kurus, none should venture; even other beings do not go further. The mountain Soma is difficult to reach, even for the gods—upon seeing it, one should quickly turn back. O foremost of monkeys, it is possible to go only this far; beyond this sunless, boundless region, nothing is known. Everything I have described must be searched, and if there is anything else not mentioned, let your minds attend to that as well. By doing so, you will render a great service to Rama, the son of Dasaratha, and to me; and the deed of finding the daughter of Videha, accomplished by one equal to wind and fire, will be fulfilled. Then, having achieved your purpose, you and your companions, honored by me with all delightful virtues, will roam the earth with your loved ones, your enemies subdued. Now, listen as the forty-fourth sarga of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, in the Kishkindha Kanda, unfolds. Sugriva, the lord of all forest-dwellers, especially addressed Hanuman, confident that this best of monkeys would accomplish the task. Greatly pleased, Sugriva spoke to Hanuman, the heroic son of the wind: “O best of monkeys, I see no obstacle to your movement on earth, in the sky, in the air, in the abodes of immortals, or in the waters. All the worlds, with their oceans and mountains, asuras, gandharvas, nagas, humans, and gods, are known to you. Your speed, brilliance, and lightness, O great monkey, are equal to your father, the mighty Wind. There is nothing on earth to rival your radiance; therefore, consider well how Sita may be found. “In you alone, Hanuman, reside strength, intelligence, valor, adaptability to place and time, and wisdom. Understanding your readiness, and knowing you, Rama began to reflect. In every way, the lord of the monkeys is certain of success with Hanuman; and Hanuman is even more determined to accomplish the task. For one who has set out, is recognized by his deeds, and is favored by his master, the attainment of the goal is assured.” Seeing Hanuman, resolute and full of energy, Rama rejoiced as if his aim were already accomplished, his heart and mind filled with delight. Pleased, Rama gave Hanuman a ring adorned with his name as a token for Sita. “With this token, O best of monkeys, the daughter of Janaka will know you come from me, and she will not be anxious. Your resolve, your courage endowed with strength, and the command of Sugriva—all these assure me of success.” Taking the ring, the foremost of monkeys bowed with joined hands, touched it to his head, and set forth, the bull among vanaras. The heroic son of the wind, drawing forth the great strength of the monkeys, became like the moon in a clear sky after the clouds have parted, adorned by the stars. Relying on your extraordinary strength, O best of monkeys, with unmatched valor, O son of the wind, do as Hanuman must, so that Janaka’s daughter may be found. Thus ends the forty-fifth sarga in the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda.