As Hanuman journeyed onward, his keen eyes took in the wondrous sights around him. He saw groves of sal trees, karnikara, date palms in full blossom, priyala, muculinda, kutaja, and ketaka, all flourishing in the landscape. The air was filled with the fragrance of priyangu trees, and he beheld nipa, saptachhada, asana, kovidara, and the blossoming karavira as well. The trees were laden with flowers, some still in bud, their crowns gently stirred by the wind, while birds nestled and flitted among their branches. As he continued, Hanuman saw serene ponds teeming with swans and cranes, their surfaces covered with lotuses and water lilies. These delightful waters served as playful retreats, surrounded by various reservoirs. The mighty monkey marveled at gardens adorned with a multitude of trees, bearing fruit and flowers in every season. Drawing closer to his destination, Hanuman approached the splendid city of Lanka, ruled by Ravana. The city was encircled by moats filled with blooming lotuses and water lilies, enhancing its beauty. Since Sita’s abduction, Lanka had been fiercely guarded on all sides by rakshasas, armed with deadly bows and ever watchful. Hanuman gazed upon the magnificent city, encircled by a golden wall, with houses towering like mountains and autumn clouds. Tall, pale avenues lined the city, adorned with hundreds of towers, bright with fluttering banners and flags. The city shone with divine golden gateways and rows of vines, resembling the city of the gods themselves. Perched atop a mountain, Lanka’s splendid pale buildings seemed to soar into the sky. Hanuman saw that this city, protected by the king of rakshasas and built by Vishvakarma, appeared to float above the earth itself. Its ramparts and walls formed its hips, vast water bodies lay like garments, while its edges were lined with weapons and towers, like ornaments gracing a celestial being. Reaching the northern gate, Hanuman considered the grandeur of Lanka, as if it had sprung from the mind of Vishvakarma alone. Its lofty mansions, reminiscent of Kailasa, seemed to paint the sky, as if supporting the very heavens. The city was filled with fierce rakshasas, like Bhogavati filled with serpents—an inconceivable, well-built, and clear abode, once inhabited by Kubera. All around, many rakshasas stood guard, armed with spears and pikes, their fangs bared, like a cavern protected by venomous serpents. Observing the city’s formidable defenses and the surrounding ocean, Hanuman pondered the might of Ravana, the dreadful enemy. He reflected, “Even if the monkeys come here, their efforts will be fruitless; for Lanka cannot be conquered by battle, not even by the gods. Even if the mighty-armed Raghava reaches this impassable, fortified Lanka, guarded by Ravana, what could he possibly do? Among the rakshasas, there is no room for conciliation, nor for gifts, nor for division, nor even for battle.” Hanuman considered, “Only four swift monkeys have a way here: the son of Vali, Nila, myself, and our wise king. Until I know whether Vaidehi lives or not, I must search for Janaka’s daughter and then decide what must be done.” Standing atop the mountain peak, Hanuman, the elephant among monkeys, paused for a moment, contemplating the success of Rama’s mission. “With my present form, I cannot enter the city of the rakshasas, guarded as it is by cruel and powerful beings. All these mighty rakshasas must be deceived by me as I search for Janaki. By making myself visible and invisible, I must enter Lanka at night, at the right time, to accomplish my great task.” Hanuman sighed repeatedly as he pondered the formidable city, unconquerable even by gods and demons. “By what means can I see Maithili, Janaka’s daughter, without being seen by Ravana, the wicked king of rakshasas? How can Rama’s purpose not be lost? Alone, I must see Janaka’s daughter in secret.” He reflected further, “Plans are lost when place and time are not considered, especially with a timid messenger, just as darkness is dispelled at sunrise. Even a decision made after weighing gain and loss fails if it destroys the intended purpose; messengers who consider themselves wise often ruin matters here. How can the task not be lost, how can faint-heartedness not arise, and how can crossing the ocean not become futile?” Hanuman realized, “If I am seen by the demons, this mission will become useless, both for Ravana, who seeks harm, and for Rama, who knows himself. It is impossible to remain undetected among the demons, even in their own form—how much less in any other form. Even the wind, I believe, could not move here unnoticed, for nothing escapes these demons of terrible deeds. If I remain here in my own form, concealed, I will be destroyed, and my master’s purpose will be lost.” Resolving his course, Hanuman decided, “Therefore, I will enter Lanka at night, having assumed a small form, for the accomplishment of Raghava’s purpose. Entering Ravana’s city at night, which is very difficult to approach, I will search every palace and see the daughter of Janaka.” With this firm resolve, Hanuman, eager to see Vaidehi, waited patiently for the sun to set, preparing himself for the great task ahead.