The lord of the monkeys, Sugrīva, was certain that success in the great task before them rested with Hanumān, for Hanumān’s resolve outshone all others. Hanumān, in his heart, was even more determined to accomplish Rāma’s purpose. Indeed, when one sets out with firm resolve, proves himself by his deeds, and is favored by his master, the achievement of his goal is assured. As Rāma beheld Hanumān, that monkey of immense energy and unwavering purpose, his own heart was filled with joy, as if the mission were already fulfilled. His senses and mind blossomed with delight. Pleased, Rāma took a ring, adorned with his own name, and gave it to Hanumān as a token—a sign for the princess Sītā. He said, “With this token, O best of monkeys, the daughter of Janaka will know you have come from me, and she will not be anxious.” Rāma continued, “O hero, your resolve, your courage endowed with strength, and the command of Sugrīva—these all assure me of success.” Hanumān, the foremost of monkeys, received the ring with reverence. Bowing to Rāma’s feet and joining his hands upon his head, he set forth, radiant among the vanaras like the moon shining in a clear sky after the clouds have parted, adorned by the host of stars. With the strength of the monkeys surging within him, Hanumān was ready. Rāma called out, “Relying on your extraordinary strength, O best of monkeys, with your unmatched valor, O son of the wind, do as Hanumān must, so that Janaka’s daughter may be found.” Thus ended the forty-fifth sarga. When the new sarga began, Sugrīva, the king and foremost of monkeys, summoned all the vanaras. He spoke to them for the accomplishment of Rāma’s purpose, commanding, “You, the best of vanaras, must search thoroughly, understanding the stern command of your lord, O leaders of the monkeys.” At Sugrīva’s command, the vanaras set out like locusts covering the earth. Rāma remained at Prasravaṇa with Lakṣmaṇa, waiting for the appointed month for the search for Sītā, while the delightful northern direction, encircled by great mountains, was assigned for search. The heroic monkey Śatabali quickly set out for the north, while Vinata, another leader, went to the east. Hanumān, the son of the wind, together with Tāra, Aṅgada, and others, journeyed to the southern quarter, the region traversed by the sage Agastya. Suṣeṇa, lord of the monkeys, went to the dreadful western direction, the realm protected by Varuṇa, like a tiger among monkeys. Having dispatched search parties to all directions, the heroic commander Sugrīva rejoiced. The leaders of the monkey troops, each intent on their own direction, quickly set out, roaring, bellowing, and shouting as they ran, filling the air with their cries. Inspired by Sugrīva, the vanara leaders declared with conviction, “We will bring back Sītā and we will slay Rāvaṇa. If he comes to battle, I alone will slay Rāvaṇa, and swiftly bring back the daughter of Janaka. Even if she is trembling from exhaustion, be steadfast; I alone will bring back Jānakī even from the netherworld. I will shatter trees, split mountains, rend the earth, and agitate the oceans. I can leap distances measured in yojanas, even more than a hundred yojanas. Whether on earth, in the sea, among mountains or forests, or even in the depths of the underworld, nothing can hinder my movement.” Thus, each mighty monkey, filled with strength and pride, spoke before their king, ready for the task. Thus ended the forty-sixth sarga. When the monkey lords had departed on their missions, Rāma turned to Sugrīva and asked, “How do you know the entire expanse of the earth?” Sugrīva, with humility, replied, “Listen, Rāma, I will tell you everything in detail. When Vāli was confronting the demon named Dundubhi, who had taken the form of a buffalo, he went toward the Malaya mountain. The buffalo entered a cave at Malaya, and Vāli followed, intent on killing him. At that time, I waited humbly at the mouth of the cave, but Vāli did not emerge, even after a year had passed. Then, the cave suddenly filled with a rush of blood. Seeing this, I was astonished and overcome with grief for my brother. My mind confused, I believed my elder was slain. I placed a stone, like a mountain, at the cave’s entrance, thinking the buffalo would perish inside. I returned to Kiṣkindhā, having lost hope for Vāli’s life. Having gained the kingdom, and Tara along with Rumā, I lived there with friends, free from anxiety. But then, Vāli, the foremost of monkeys, returned after slaying the demon. Out of respect and fear, I gave him back the kingdom. Yet Vāli, with evil intent and disturbed senses, sought to kill me. He pursued me as I fled with my ministers. Driven by Vāli, I ran, seeing many rivers, forests, and cities along my path.” Thus, Sugrīva recounted the tale of his knowledge of the earth, born from his wanderings and trials, as the great search for Sītā began under Rāma’s command.