As Hanumān, the wise and steadfast son of the wind-god and the foremost among monkeys, approached the city of Laṅkā, he encountered a peculiar figure—Lankā herself, the guardian of the city, who had taken on the guise of a woman, though deformed. Hanumān, resolute and undaunted, addressed her courteously, saying, “I have come here out of curiosity, wishing to see the city of Laṅkā—its ramparts, walls, and gateways. I desire to observe its forests, groves, gardens, and the principal houses from every side.” But Lankā, who could assume any form she wished, responded harshly, “O lowest of monkeys, you cannot see this city, protected by the lord of the Rākṣasas, unless you first defeat me, wicked-minded as I am.” Hanumān, the tiger among monkeys, calmly replied to the night-wandering guardian, “O good lady, once I have seen this city, I shall return the way I came.” Suddenly, the terrifying guardian of Laṅkā, with a great roar, struck Hanumān with her palm, moving swiftly. Hanumān, mighty and valiant, let out a great roar as he was struck. Filled with anger, he curled the fingers of his left hand and struck her with his fist. Yet, remembering she was a woman, he restrained his wrath and did not strike her with excessive force. Nevertheless, the blow sent Lankā reeling; her limbs shook and she fell suddenly to the ground, her face distorted. Seeing her fallen, Hanumān’s heart was moved with compassion, for he regarded her as a woman. Lankā, greatly agitated and her words faltering, spoke with pride to Hanumān, “Be gracious, O mighty-armed one, protect me, best of monkeys. The strong and virtuous always keep to their bounds, gentle one. I am the city of Laṅkā herself, O monkey. By your great valor and might, you have conquered me.” She continued, “Hear this truth: a boon was granted to me by the Self-born himself. Whenever any monkey, by his prowess, brings me under his control, then know that danger has come for the Rākṣasas. That very condition has now been fulfilled by your coming. It is established by the Self-born, true and unbreakable. Because of Sītā, and because of the evil-minded king Rāvaṇa, the destruction of all the Rākṣasas has now arrived. Therefore, O best of monkeys, enter the city guarded by Rāvaṇa and accomplish all the tasks you desire here. Enter the blessed city, protected by the foremost Rākṣasas, though struck by a curse, and search everywhere for Sītā, daughter of Janaka, as you wish.” Thus ends the third chapter; now begins the fourth in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Sundara Kāṇḍa. Having conquered the excellent city of Laṅkā and its shape-shifting guardian by his valor, the illustrious Hanumān, best among monkeys, entered the city at night. With extraordinary prowess, he leapt over the wall, not using the gate. Entering Laṅkā for the good of the monkey-king, he boldly placed his left foot upon the heads of the enemies. As Hanumān approached the beautiful city, he was greeted by the resounding blare of laughter and loud musical instruments. The splendid city shone with mansions adorned with lattices like thunderbolts and decorated with diamond networks, resembling clouds in the sky. At that time, Laṅkā blazed with the magnificent houses of the hosts of demons, white as clouds, adorned with lotus and svastika designs. Everywhere, the city was filled with ever-increasing houses, beautifully decorated on all sides, adorned with varied garlands and ornaments. Hanumān, acting for the monkey-king’s good, moved about, rejoicing as he went from mansion to mansion. He saw mansions of various forms and shapes, and heard charming songs embellished with the threefold notes. He heard the jingling of girdles and the sound of anklets worn by women struck by love, like the celestial nymphs in heaven. He also heard the sounds of footsteps in the mansions of the great-souled, as well as the clapping of hands and whistling here and there. In the houses of the demons, he heard the chanting of mantras by those reciting, and saw the night-wanderers devoted to their own study. Hanumān saw a great host of demons, roaring and praising Rāvaṇa, standing and filling the royal road. In the central division, he observed many spies of the demon, consecrated, with matted hair, shaven heads, and clothed in cowhide garments. He saw those armed with darbha grass in their fists, those with fire-pits as weapons, those holding clubs and maces, and those bearing staffs. He saw one-eyed, many-colored, pot-bellied, large-breasted, fierce, crooked-mouthed, monstrous, and dwarfish beings. He saw archers, sword-bearers, those armed with pestles and iron clubs, those with great iron bars in their hands, shining in varied armor. He saw those who were neither too stout nor too thin, neither too tall nor too short, neither too fair nor too dark, neither too hunchbacked nor too dwarfish. Among them were the misshapen, the many-formed, the handsome, the splendid, those bearing banners and flags, and those with various weapons. Thus Hanumān, in service of Rāghava and for the good of the monkey-king, explored the wondrous city of Laṅkā, witnessing its splendor and the diverse forms of its inhabitants, as he searched for Sītā, daughter of Janaka.