Having wandered long and become parched with thirst, the band of monkeys found themselves at the mouth of a vast opening in the earth. Within that mysterious cavern, they beheld many wondrous sights that filled them with amazement and confusion. Their minds unsettled by all they saw, they questioned in awe: “To whom belong these golden trees, shining like the rising sun? Whose are these pure foods—these roots and fruits—these golden palaces and houses of silver?” Their eyes took in houses adorned with golden windows and jewel-latticed balconies, all surrounded by blossoming, fruitful, and fragrant trees. The monkeys wondered aloud, “By whose power have these trees of Jāmbūnada gold sprung forth? Who caused these golden lotuses to bloom in these clear waters? And how is it that golden fish and turtles swim together here? Are these marvels the result of your own power, or the ascetic energy of another?” Confessing their ignorance, they turned to the ascetic woman before them and implored, “We do not know the truth of these wonders. Please, tell us everything.” Thus addressed by Hanuman, the ascetic woman, who walked the path of righteousness, replied gently, “O foremost of monkeys, know that there once lived a mighty and magical being named Maya. He was the chief architect among the Dānavas, like Viśvakarman among the gods, and by his power of illusion, he created this entire golden forest in ancient times. “In this great forest, after practicing severe austerities for thousands of years, Maya constructed this golden, divine, and most excellent mansion. At last, he obtained a boon from the Grandsire Brahmā, receiving all the wealth of the descendants of Uśanas and becoming lord over every desire. “For a time, he dwelt here joyfully, but he became enamored of the Apsaras Hemā. Yet, after a mighty struggle, Indra, lord of the heavens, struck Maya down with his thunderbolt. Brahmā then bestowed this splendid forest and its eternal pleasures upon Hemā. “I am Svayamprabhā, daughter of Merusāvarṇa, and Hemā is my mother. I am the guardian of this mansion, which was granted to Hemā, my dear friend, who is skilled in dance and song. Blessed by her boon, I protect this great dwelling. Now, O best of monkeys, tell me: for what purpose and for whose sake have you entered this wilderness? How did you come to see this difficult and inaccessible forest? Having eaten these pure roots and fruits and refreshed yourselves, please share your story with me.” As the monkeys rested, their fatigue eased by the fruits they had eaten, the ascetic woman, steadfast in righteousness, addressed them again: “Monkeys, if your weariness has been relieved and it is proper for me to hear, I wish to listen to your tale.” Hanuman, son of the Wind, responded truthfully and directly: “There is a king of all the world, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, radiant and equal to Mahendra and Varuṇa, who has entered the Daṇḍaka forest with his brother Lakṣmaṇa and his wife Sītā. But Sītā was seized by Rāvaṇa, taken by force from Janasthāna. “Our king Sugrīva, the heroic monkey lord, is a dear friend of Rāma. At his command, we, led by Aṅgada and the foremost of monkeys, have come to the southern quarter, the realm protected by Yama and sanctified by Agastya, to search for Rāvaṇa, the rākṣasa who can assume any form, and for Sītā, the daughter of Videha. “We searched the forests and the southern lands as far as the ocean, but, hungry and weary, we took shelter at the root of a tree. Our faces pale and hearts troubled, we could find no way forward, submerged in an ocean of anxiety. “As we looked about, we discovered a great cave, hidden by creepers and trees, its depths shrouded in darkness. From its mouth, swans, cranes, and herons with wings wet from water flew out, their feathers sprinkled with droplets. ‘It is safe to enter here,’ I told the others, and all agreed. Hand in hand, we entered, descending deep into the darkness, intent on our mission. “Thus, we found ourselves here, distressed and famished, and you have shown us the law of hospitality by offering roots and fruits. Tormented by hunger, we ate, and by your generosity, we who were perishing have been preserved. “Now, please tell us what service we monkeys may render you in return.” Svayamprabhā, wise and all-knowing, replied, “I am fully satisfied with all these energetic monkeys. Living by my own dharma, I have no business here with anyone else.” Hearing these auspicious and righteous words, Hanuman addressed her with reverence: “We have all sought refuge with you, O righteous one. The time set by the great-souled Sugrīva has now passed; please, let us return from the cave.” Thus, in this wondrous and enchanted place, the monkeys learned the story of the golden forest and its guardian, and prepared to resume their sacred quest.