Standing before Hanumān, the heroic son of the wind, there appeared a fearsome figure—Lankā herself, the mighty guardian of the city. She roared with great force and challenged him, her voice echoing through the night: “Who are you, forest-dweller, and for what purpose have you come here? Speak the truth while your breath still remains in you. O monkey, it is not possible for you to enter this Lankā, which is guarded on all sides and protected by Rāvaṇa’s forces.” Hanumān, undaunted, replied with calm courage, “I will tell you the truth of what you ask me. But first, who are you, standing at the city gate with such strange and deformed eyes? And why do you, in anger, rebuke me so harshly?” At this, Lankā, who could take any form at will, responded with fury, her words sharp: “I am the invincible guardian of this city, awaiting the command of the great Rāvaṇa, king of the Rākṣasas. None can enter this city, disregarding me. Today, slain by me, you will sleep here, your life abandoned. I myself am the city of Lankā, O monkey—I guard it on all sides. Thus have I told you.” Hearing these words, Hanumān, steadfast as a mountain, stood firm. Observing her monstrous form, disguised as a woman, he spoke with wisdom and composure: “I have come here out of curiosity, wishing to see the renowned city of Lankā, its ramparts, walls, and gateways. I desire to behold its forests, groves, gardens, and principal houses from every side.” But Lankā, her anger unyielding, replied even more harshly, “O lowest of monkeys, you shall not see this city, protected by the lord of the Rākṣasas, unless you first defeat me, wicked-minded as I am.” Then Hanumān, that tiger among monkeys, addressed her, “Having seen this city, O good lady, I shall return the way I came.” But the terrifying guardian of Lankā, with a great roar, struck the best of monkeys with her swift palm. Hanumān, mighty son of the wind-god, received the blow and let out a tremendous roar of his own. Filled with righteous anger, he curled the fingers of his left hand and struck her with his fist. Yet, mindful that she was a woman, he restrained his full might. Even so, struck by him, Lankā’s limbs reeled, and she collapsed to the ground, her face distorted. Seeing her fallen, Hanumān’s heart was moved with compassion. He regarded her as a woman, and his anger subsided. Lankā, greatly shaken, struggled to speak, her words faltering but still proud: “Be gracious, O mighty-armed one, and protect me, best of monkeys. The strong and virtuous always keep to their bounds, gentle one. I am the city of Lankā herself, O monkey. I have been conquered by your valor and might.” She continued, “Hear this truth, O lord of monkeys. A boon was granted to me by the Self-born creator: whenever any monkey, by his prowess, brings me under his control, then know that danger is near for the Rākṣasas. That very condition, gentle one, has now been fulfilled by your coming. The destruction of all the Rākṣasas has arrived, because of Sītā and the evil-minded king Rāvaṇa. Therefore, O best of monkeys, enter the city guarded by Rāvaṇa and accomplish all your tasks here. Enter the blessed city, protected by the foremost of Rākṣasas, and search everywhere for Sītā, daughter of Janaka, as you wish.” Thus, having conquered the guardian of Lankā and the city itself by his valor, the illustrious Hanumān, best among monkeys, prepared to enter. With extraordinary courage, he leapt over the wall in the darkness of night, not using the gate, and entered Lankā for the sake of the monkey-king. He placed his left foot upon the heads of the enemies, a sign of his triumph. As he approached the beautiful city, he was greeted by the resounding blare of laughter and the loud music of instruments. The splendid city shone with mansions adorned with lattices strong as thunderbolts and decorated with diamond networks, rising like clouds in the sky. At that time, Lankā blazed with the white, cloud-like houses of the hosts of demons, adorned with lotus and svastika designs. Hanumān beheld the city, its ever-increasing houses beautifully decorated and adorned with varied garlands and ornaments. He moved about for the sake of Rāghava, rejoicing as he went from mansion to mansion. The monkey-elephant saw mansions of many forms and shapes, and heard charming songs embellished with the threefold notes, all as he searched for the noble Sītā.