With unwavering resolve, the mighty Vanaras pressed onward, journeying a great distance together with their leaders. They scoured the caves and dense thickets of the Vindhya mountains, leaving no stone unturned. Every peak and river fortress, every lake, towering tree, shaded grove, mountain, and forested expanse came under their searching gaze. Yet, despite their heroic efforts in every direction, Sita, the beloved daughter of Janaka, remained unseen. Sustaining themselves on roots and a variety of fruits found along the way, the tireless monkeys took rest wherever night overtook them. The land they traversed was vast and daunting, riddled with caves and dense forests, waterless and deserted—a haunting, empty wilderness that inspired terror even in the bravest hearts. Yet, even in these forbidding forests, their search proved fruitless, and the region’s endless caves and tangled thickets only deepened their affliction. Undeterred, the fearless monkey leaders led their companions out of that place and into another region, even more difficult to penetrate. Here, the trees bore fruit in vain—without flowers or leaves—while the rivers had run dry and roots were scarce. No buffaloes, deer, elephants, tigers, birds, or any wild creatures could be found. The land was utterly barren: no trees, no medicinal herbs, no creepers, not even grass. Only lotus ponds dotted the ground, their blossoms beautiful and fragrant, yet untouched by bees. In this strange and silent realm had once dwelled the great sage Kaṇḍu, a truth-speaking ascetic of immense power and strict vows. Long ago, his ten-year-old son had vanished there, destined to die. Grief-stricken and enraged, the sage, steadfast in righteousness, cursed the entire forest, rendering it desolate, unapproachable, and devoid of birds and beasts. Thus, the Vanaras were instructed to focus their search on the forest’s edges and the mountain caves nearby. With determined minds, they searched the river sources and mountain caves, but still found no trace of Janaka’s daughter, nor any sign of her abductor, Rāvaṇa, who had so angered Sugrīva. As they pressed deeper into a fearsome place thick with vines and shrubs, they suddenly encountered a terrifying, fearless demon. The sight of this monstrous being, towering like a mountain, sent the monkeys recoiling in fear. But the demon, seeing the Vanaras, declared menacingly, “You are lost!” and charged at them, fist raised in fury. In that moment, Vāli’s mighty son, Aṅgada, leapt forward and struck the demon with his palm, recognizing him as Rāvaṇa. The force of Aṅgada’s blow sent the demon crashing to the earth, vomiting blood, his massive form sprawled like a felled mountain. Victorious, the Vanaras searched the mountain caves thoroughly, but still found nothing. Weary and disheartened, they entered yet another dreadful cave, and after searching in vain, they emerged exhausted and gathered beneath a solitary tree, sitting together in sorrowful silence. Now begins the next chapter of their journey. Seeing his companions’ exhaustion and despair, Aṅgada, wise and gentle, offered encouragement. “We have searched every forest, mountain, river, every dense and difficult place, every ravine and cave. Yet nowhere have we found Janaki, nor the wicked Rāvaṇa who took her. Much time has passed, and Sugrīva is a king of stern commands. Therefore, let us all search again, in every direction. “Let us cast aside drowsiness, sorrow, and the weariness that has overtaken us. Let us search for Sita with such diligence that we may at last see the daughter of Janaka. It is said that perseverance, skill, and an undefeated mind bring success in action—so I urge you, let us not falter. Even now, let us search this difficult forest again, abandoning fatigue, and let us comb every part once more. “Those who persist in their efforts surely see the fruit of their labors, but if we give in to despair, all hope is lost. Remember, Sugrīva is a wrathful king who does not hesitate to punish, and we must also fear the great-souled Rama. I speak these words for your welfare—let them be done if they please you. If anyone has a better idea, let it be spoken now.” Hearing Aṅgada’s wise counsel, Gandhamadana, though wearied by thirst and toil, replied with clarity, “Indeed, what Aṅgada has spoken is fitting and beneficial for us all. Let his words be carried out. Let us search again the mountains, caves, rocks, the deserted forests, and the mountain streams. Let us revisit every place designated by the great-souled Sugrīva, searching the forests and mountain strongholds together.” Thus resolved, the mighty Vanaras rose up once more and directed their search southward, into the thick forests of the Vindhya mountains. With renewed determination, they climbed the splendid silver mountain, shining like autumn clouds, its peaks and caves promising new hope for their quest.