Moved by gratitude for an old favor, the noble mountain addressed Hanuman with great respect. “Because of my debt to your father, the mighty Wind, you are worthy of my honor,” he said. “For your sake, I have been approached with deep regard. This heroic monkey has just leapt a hundred yojanas through the sky—let him rest upon my slopes before continuing his journey.” Turning to Hanuman, the mountain spoke warmly, “Stay here, O tiger among monkeys. Rest upon me, and then go on your way. Here you will find many sweet, fragrant roots, tubers, and fruits. Taste these, O best of monkeys, and recover your strength. You are renowned throughout the three worlds for your virtues, and you share a special bond with us.” The mountain continued, “Among all the swift and leaping Vanaras, O son of the Wind, I consider you the foremost—an elephant among monkeys. Even an ordinary guest deserves honor from those who know righteousness, and how much more so for someone like you, born of the most excellent god, the great-souled Wind. In speed, you are his equal. When you are honored, O knower of righteousness, your father, the Wind himself, is honored. Therefore, you are to be honored by me. Listen now to the reason for this bond between us. “In the ancient Krita age, mountains bore wings and sped across the sky like Garudas, flying in all directions. Their movements frightened the gods, sages, and all beings, who feared the mountains might fall upon them. Then Indra, the thousand-eyed lord, became enraged and, wielding his thunderbolt, severed the wings of hundreds of thousands of mountains. When he approached me, too, with his thunderbolt raised, I was suddenly swept away by your great-souled father, the Wind. Thus, O best of monkeys, I was cast into this salty ocean, my wings hidden but my form preserved, protected by your father. “For this reason, I honor you, O son of the Wind, and you are worthy of my respect. Through you, this connection has arisen. Now, in matters concerning both myself and the ocean, you, wise one, should act with a delighted mind and bring me joy. Relieve your fatigue, accept my hospitality, and receive my affection, O best among monkeys, for you are honored, and your arrival pleases me.” Hearing these words, Hanuman, chief of the monkeys, replied to the excellent mountain, “I am pleased by your hospitality; let any resentment be set aside. But the time for action presses upon me, and the day is passing. I have given my word and cannot remain here any longer.” Having spoken thus, Hanuman, the foremost of monkeys, touched the mountain gently with his hand, then soared into the sky, powerful and seeming to smile. The mountain and the ocean watched him depart with great respect, honoring him and blessing him with fitting benedictions. Ascending higher, leaving behind the mountain and the vast ocean, Hanuman reached his father’s path and moved swiftly through the clear sky. Looking back at the mountain, he pressed onward, the mighty leader of monkeys, unsupported and resolute. Witnessing Hanuman’s second, exceedingly difficult feat, all the gods, perfected beings, and supreme sages praised him. The deities rejoiced at his deed, including Sunabha, the golden-naveled mountain, and Indra, the thousand-eyed lord. Indra, lord of Shachi, spoke joyfully to Sunabha: “O Sunabha, lord of mountains with golden navel, I am greatly pleased with you. I grant you fearlessness—go as you wish, gentle one. You have rendered great assistance to Hanuman, who rested here, enabling him to traverse a hundred yojanas, step by step, fearless amidst danger. This monkey acts solely for the welfare of Rama, son of Dasharatha. By your act of hospitality and your power, you have firmly pleased me.” The excellent mountain was filled with joy, seeing Indra, lord of the gods, fully satisfied. Having received this boon, the mountain remained there, and Hanuman, within a moment, crossed over the wide ocean. Now, the gods, along with the Gandharvas, Siddhas, and supreme sages, turned to Surasa, the radiant serpent-mother. “This illustrious son of the Wind, Hanuman, is crossing the ocean; for a moment, you must create an obstacle for him. Take on a terrifying and monstrous form, like a great mountain, with dreadful fangs, tawny eyes, and a mouth reaching the sky. We wish to test his strength and further his prowess—either he will overcome you by some means, or he will fall into despair.” Honoring the gods’ request, Surasa assumed a fearsome, demonic form in the midst of the ocean. Grotesque and terrifying, she blocked Hanuman’s path as he flew, and thundered, “You have been appointed as my food by the gods, O foremost of monkeys! I will devour you—enter my mouth! The Creator once granted me this boon: ‘Be swift!’” With her vast mouth opened wide, she stood before the son of the Wind. Confronted by Surasa, Hanuman’s face shone with calm confidence. He replied, “Rama, son of Dasharatha, has entered the Dandaka forest with his brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita. Absorbed in other duties and bound by enmity with the demons, his illustrious wife Sita was carried off by Ravana.