Within the heart of Lanka stood a palace beyond imagination—wondrous and immeasurable, crafted by Viśvakarma himself. This marvel soared skyward along the path of the wind, gleaming like the radiant trail of the sun. Every detail within was attended to with care; nothing lacked precious gems, and even among the gods, no distinction could be made, for everything possessed its own remarkable uniqueness. This palace had been earned through austerity, unwavering concentration, and valor, guided by mental discipline and deep reflection. Its many forms were all unique, each crafted with equal distinction. Designed for swift movement, it was difficult to approach, moving as swiftly as the wind itself. It was the foremost abode of the great-souled, the virtuous, the illustrious, and those of splendid brilliance. Resting upon its own unique foundation, the palace was adorned with numerous peaks, delightful to the mind, and pure as the autumn moon; its summits rivaled the wonders of mountain heights. There, night-roaming demons dwelled, their faces adorned with earrings, voracious eaters who moved through the sky. Their wide, rolling, and disheveled eyes flashed with great speed, carried by thousands of ghostly beings. In the midst of this finest dwelling, Hanumān, the son of the wind, beheld a pure and spacious mansion—the best among houses. The great palace of the king of the Rākṣasas stretched half a yojana wide and a full yojana long, crowded with many lofty mansions. Hanumān, the slayer of enemies, searched everywhere for Vaidehī Sītā, she of large eyes, moving about with hope and determination. Observing the finest abode of the Rākṣasas, Hanumān, resplendent in fortune, approached the residence of their king. It was surrounded by four-tusked and three-tusked elephants, unconfined and guarded by warriors bearing mighty weapons. Within, the residence of Rāvaṇa was filled with his wives, Rākṣasī women, and surrounded by royal maidens who had been brought there by force. The grounds were crowded with crocodiles and makaras, teeming with monstrous fish, all stirred by the force of the wind. It was like an ocean filled with serpents. The fortune that belonged to Vaiśravaṇa, the moon, and Garuḍa—such unfailing splendor dwelled delightfully in Rāvaṇa’s house. In the center of that palace, Hanumān saw another well-constructed mansion, furnished with many exits. Built by Viśvakarman for Brahmā’s sake, the celestial aerial car named Puṣpaka was there, adorned with every kind of jewel. Through intense austerity, Kubera had obtained it from the Grandfather; but Rāvaṇa, having conquered Kubera by his own power, claimed it for himself. The Puṣpaka was supported by columns of pure gold and silver, skillfully made and adorned with images of deer in various poses, shining as if ablaze with splendor. It was surrounded by splendid pavilions, resembling Mount Meru and Mandara, as if touching the sky. Made by Viśvakarman, it shone like fire and the sun, equipped with golden stairways and beautiful altars. Latticed windows of gold and crystal graced its sides, with altars of sapphire and great blue gems. Everywhere, the chariot radiated with wondrous coral, precious jewels of great value, and incomparable pearls, shining like the palm of a hand. It was perfumed with red sandalwood and golden-hued incense, fragrant with auspicious scents, gleaming like the young sun. Adorned with various splendid pavilions of excellent form, Hanumān ascended the celestial Puṣpaka chariot. Standing there, he perceived the fragrance arising from drink, food, and offerings, filling the air. He inhaled this divine, blended fragrance, like a beautiful breeze, the scent possessing great power, as comforting as a dear friend’s embrace. Guided by this, Hanumān moved toward the place where Rāvaṇa was, and soon came upon a great and auspicious hall. This hall belonged to Rāvaṇa and was as splendid as a beloved woman, adorned with steps of jewels and shining with lattices of gold. Its floor was covered with crystal, resembling the spaces between teeth, and decorated with pearls, diamonds, coral, silver, and gold. Jewel pillars embellished the hall, richly adorned with numerous columns, all equal, straight, and very tall, beautifully decorated all around. The pillars rose high like wings, as if ascending to the heavens, and the hall was spread with a great carpet marked with the signs of the earth. Expansive like the earth itself, filled with houses and districts, the hall resounded with intoxicated birds and was perfumed with divine fragrances. Costly coverings furnished the space, served by the lord of the rākṣasas; pure and white as a swan, it was scented with smoky agarwood incense. Offerings of leaves and flowers were radiant yet mottled, delighting the mind and pleasing the senses with their colors. This divine hall dispelled sorrow and brought prosperity, satisfying the five senses with their highest objects. Protected by Rāvaṇa, it nourished those within like a mother. Hanumān thought, “This is heaven, the world of the gods, perhaps even Indra’s city, or the highest attainment.” He looked as if pondering, and saw golden lamps there—like tricksters defeated by greater tricksters in a game. The brilliance of the lamps, the radiance of Rāvaṇa, and the gleaming ornaments made the hall appear ablaze. Then Hanumān saw, seated on carpets, a thousand noble women, adorned with garments and garlands of many colors, decorated in diverse attire. At midnight, when half the night had passed, these women were overcome by drink and sleep. Their games had ceased, and strong in slumber, they lay asleep, filling the hall with their presence.