In that wondrous region, the air was ever filled with the enchanting sounds of singing and musical instruments, mingled with peals of joyous laughter—a melody that delighted all beings who heard it. There, sorrow was unknown; no one was ever unhappy or disagreeable, and with each passing day, delightful virtues only grew stronger among its dwellers. Beyond this blissful land stretched the northern ocean, and rising from its midst stood the mighty golden mountain called Soma. This radiant peak shone so brilliantly in the heavens that even the gods who dwell in Indra’s world and those residing in Brahma’s realm gazed upon it with awe, marveling at its splendor. The region needed no sunlight to illuminate it, for it glowed with its own innate radiance, rivaling the very brilliance of the sun itself. Upon that sacred mountain resided the blessed Lord Shiva, soul of the universe, manifest in eleven forms—the god of gods—alongside Brahma and surrounded by a host of great sages. Yet none should venture beyond the northern region of the Kurus, for even other celestial beings do not traverse further. The mountain Soma is difficult to reach, even for the gods themselves; having beheld it, one should turn back without delay. O foremost of monkeys, you may journey only as far as this; what lies beyond the sunless, boundless region is unknown to us. Everything I have described must be searched thoroughly, and if there is anything I have not mentioned, let your minds attend to that as well. In doing so, you will render a great service to Rama, son of Dasharatha, and to me. The deed of finding the daughter of Videha—a task suited to one as swift as the wind and as powerful as fire—will be accomplished. Then, having fulfilled your purpose, you and your companions, honored by me with all delightful virtues, will roam the earth with your beloveds, your enemies subdued and your hearts at peace. Now, listen to the forty-fourth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa. Sugrīva, the mighty lord of the forest-dwellers, turned especially to Hanumān, for he was certain that success would favor the task in the hands of this best among monkeys. Pleased, Sugrīva addressed Hanumān, the heroic son of the Wind, saying, “O best of monkeys, I see no obstacle to your movement—be it on earth, in the sky, through the air, in the abodes of the immortals, or in the waters. You are familiar with all the worlds, their oceans and mountains, as well as the asuras, gandharvas, nāgas, humans, and gods. “Your speed, brilliance, and lightness, O great monkey, are equal to your father, the mighty Wind. There is none on earth who matches your radiance, so consider carefully how Sītā may be found. In you alone, Hanumān, reside strength, intelligence, valor, adaptability to place and time, and wise policy.” Understanding Hanumān’s readiness, and knowing his steadfastness, Rama too began to reflect. In every way, the lord of the monkeys was convinced of success with Hanumān, and Hanumān was 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 achievement of the goal is assured. Seeing Hanumān, that monkey of great energy and resolute purpose, Rama rejoiced as if his aim were already fulfilled, his senses and mind delighted. Then, pleased, Rama took a ring adorned with his name and gave it to Hanumān as a token for Sītā. “With this, O best of monkeys, the daughter of Janaka will know you have come from me, and she will not be afraid. Your resolve, your strength, and the command of Sugrīva all assure me of success.” Taking the ring, Hanumān, the foremost of monkeys, bowed low with hands joined upon his head, and set forth, a true leader among vanaras. Drawing forth the great strength of the monkeys, Hanumān shone like the moon in a clear sky after the clouds have parted, adorned by the host of stars. Relying on your extraordinary strength, O son of the Wind, act as Hanumān must, so that Janaka’s daughter may be found. Now, listen to the forty-fifth sarga. Sugrīva, the foremost of monkeys, summoned all the vanaras and addressed them as king, urging them to accomplish Rama’s purpose. “You, the best of vanaras, must search as I have instructed, understanding the firm command of your lord, O leaders of the monkey hosts.” Like a swarm of locusts covering the earth, they set out, while Rama remained at Prasravaṇa with Lakṣmaṇa, waiting out the month appointed for the search for Sītā. The delightful northern direction, encircled by great mountains, was assigned to be searched. The heroic monkey Śatabali quickly set out for the north, Vinata, leader of the monkeys, went east, and Hanumān, son of the Wind, together with Tāra, Aṅgada, and others, departed toward the southern quarter—the region traversed by Agastya. Suṣeṇa, lord of the monkeys, went to the dreadful west, the region protected by Varuṇa, like a tiger among monkeys. Having dispatched all the directions properly, the heroic commander of the monkey army, Sugrīva, rejoiced happily. Thus urged by their king, all the leaders of the monkey troops, each intent on their own direction, swiftly set out to fulfill their noble quest.