A great favor was about to be done for Rāma, the noble son of Daśaratha, and for Sugrīva as well. The mighty task of finding Sītā, the daughter of Videha, would soon be accomplished by one whose strength and swiftness rivaled that of wind and fire. Sugrīva assured the vanaras that, once their mission was fulfilled, he would honor them and their companions with every delightful virtue. With their enemies subdued, they would roam the earth freely, alongside their beloveds. Now, listen to the forty-fourth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa. Sugrīva, certain of Hanumān’s ability to succeed, spoke especially to him, for Hanumān was the best among the monkeys. The greatly pleased lord of the forest-dwellers addressed the heroic son of the wind, saying, “O best of monkeys, I see no obstacle to your movement—whether on earth, in the sky, in the air, in the abode of the immortals, or in the waters. All the worlds, with their oceans and mountains, asuras, gandharvas, nāgas, humans, and gods, are known to you. Your speed, brilliance, and lightness are equal to your father, the mighty Wind. There is nothing on earth that matches your brilliance, 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 for the task, and knowing his qualities, Rāma himself began to reflect. Sugrīva was confident that Hanumān would succeed, and Hanumān was even more determined to accomplish the mission. 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 Hanumān, resolute in purpose and full of energy, Rāma rejoiced, his senses and mind delighted as if his aim were already accomplished. Pleased, Rāma gave Hanumān a ring adorned with his name—a token for the princess. “With this token, O best of monkeys, the daughter of Janaka will know you come from me and will not be anxious,” Rāma said. “Your resolve, your courage endowed with strength, and Sugrīva’s command—all these assure me of success.” Taking the ring, Hanumān, the foremost of monkeys, bowed respectfully, joining his hands upon his head, and set forth, a bull among the vanaras. Drawing forth the great strength of the monkeys, Hanumān became like the moon in a clear sky after the clouds have departed, adorned by the host of stars. Sugrīva encouraged him, “Relying on your extraordinary strength and unmatched valor, O son of the wind, do as Hanumān must, so that Janaka’s daughter may be found.” Now, listen to the forty-fifth sarga. Thus ends the forty-fifth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa. Sugrīva, the foremost of monkeys, summoned all the vanaras and spoke to them as king, urging them to accomplish Rāma’s purpose. “You must search diligently, O best of vanaras, understanding the stern command of your lord,” he said to the leaders. Like locusts covering the earth, the monkeys set out in all directions, while Rāma remained at Prasravaṇa with Lakṣmaṇa. Waiting for the month appointed for the search for Sītā, Rāma stayed there, while the delightful northern direction, encircled by great mountains, was assigned for exploration. The heroic monkey Śatabali quickly set out for the north, Vinata, leader of the monkeys, went to the east. Hanumān, the son of the wind, together with Tāra, Aṅgada, and others, went to the southern quarter, the region traversed by Agastya. Suṣeṇa, lord of the monkeys, went to the dreadful western direction, the region protected by Varuṇa, like a tiger among monkeys. Having dispatched all directions properly, Sugrīva, the heroic commander of the monkey army, rejoiced happily. Thus urged by the king, all the leaders of the monkey troops, each intent on their own direction, quickly set out. Roaring, bellowing, and shouting, the mighty monkeys made loud noises and ran, crying out as they went. The leaders declared, “We will bring back Sītā and we will slay Rāvaṇa.” Some boasted, “I alone will slay Rāvaṇa if he comes to battle, and then, having swiftly defeated him, I will bring back the daughter of Janaka.” Others said, “Even if she is trembling from exhaustion, you must remain firm; I alone will bring back Jānakī even from the netherworld.” They proclaimed their strength: “I will shatter trees, split mountains, rend the earth, and agitate the oceans. I can leap distances measured in yojanas—indeed, I can cross even a hundred yojanas and more. Whether on earth, in the sea, among mountains or forests, or even in the depths of the underworld, my movement cannot be hindered.” Thus, each of the mighty monkeys, filled with strength and pride, spoke these words in the presence of the monkey king. Hear now the forty-sixth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa. When the monkey lords had departed, Rāma turned to Sugrīva and asked, “How do you know the entire expanse of the earth?