As Hanuman, the mighty son of the wind, moved silently through the splendid halls of Ravana’s palace, his eyes beheld a scene of extraordinary beauty and revelry. There, in the dim glow of golden lamps, lay women of surpassing charm, each overcome by the pleasures of music, drink, and sleep. One woman, her eyes heavy with intoxication, slumbered as her graceful limbs rested upon a shining drum, its surface gleaming like gold. Nearby, a slender-waisted, faultless lady, weary from her revels, lay with a small drum nestled between her arms and her side. In another corner, Hanuman saw a woman so attached to her drum that she embraced it in her sleep, much like a radiant mother holding her beloved calf. Another lotus-eyed beauty, her mind clouded by drink, lay pressing a tambourine tightly to her breast, the instrument nearly crushed in the warmth of her embrace. Not far away, a luminous woman, her pitcher cast aside, reclined in sleep like a garlanded creeper in spring, her body adorned with fresh flowers. Hanuman’s gaze fell upon a young woman, utterly surrendered to sleep, her hands crossed over her breasts, which shone like golden pitchers. Another, with lotus eyes and a face radiant as the full moon, lay asleep, her arms wrapped around a shapely-hipped companion, both overwhelmed by intoxication. Throughout the hall, noble women slept, clutching their musical instruments to their chests as if they were beloveds, their beauty and grace undiminished even in slumber. Amidst this scene, lying apart on a magnificent couch, Hanuman’s eyes were drawn to a woman of extraordinary loveliness. Adorned with pearl and gem-studded ornaments, she seemed to illuminate the entire palace with her own radiance. It was Mandodari, fair as gold, cherished queen of the inner chambers, resting in exquisite beauty. Upon seeing her, Hanuman’s heart leapt. Judging by her youth, beauty, and grace, he thought, “This must be Sita!” Overcome with joy, the monkey chief leapt and played, clapping his hands, kissing his tail, and singing with delight. He climbed up pillars and tumbled to the ground, his monkey nature bursting forth in exuberant celebration. But soon, Hanuman set aside his hopeful thought. He paused, reflecting anew on Sita’s character. “A lady so radiant, separated from Rama, would not wish for sleep, nor food, nor adornment, nor drink,” he reasoned. “She would not approach another man, not even a god among the immortals, for truly, there is none among them equal to Rama.” Concluding, “This must be another,” Hanuman, eager to fulfill his mission, ventured further into the great hall of revelry. All around, women lay exhausted—some from playful games, others from singing or dancing, and many overcome by drink. Some stood by drums and cymbals, others reclined on luxurious couches. Amidst this, Hanuman saw Ravana himself, surrounded by a thousand women, all adorned with splendid ornaments, skilled in conversation and song, and pleasing in form. Among them was one woman, surpassing all others in skill and pleasure, who spoke with wisdom and grace, always apt in time and place. Hanuman saw her by Ravana’s side, and elsewhere he saw a thousand young women of exquisite beauty, skilled in speech, lying asleep. Ravana, king of the Rakshasas, shone in their midst like a great elephant encircled by she-elephants in the forest. The drinking hall itself was filled with every delight. There, Hanuman saw portions of deer, buffalo, and boar flesh set out, and in broad golden vessels, untouched peacocks and cocks. He observed boar heads and rhinoceros meat, seasoned with curds and salt, along with skewered venison and peacock. There were partridges, goats, half-eaten hares, buffaloes on many skewers, and sheep, all prepared for feasting. The tables were laden with soft and coarse foods to lick, drink, and eat—rich and simple, sour and salty, and colorful confections. Anklets and armlets lay scattered, treasures gleamed, drinking vessels were overturned, and platters of fruits abounded. The earth, bright with floral offerings, shone with abundant splendor; beds and seats were arranged in orderly fashion. Though no fire burned, the drinking area gleamed as if illuminated from within, with a dazzling array of delicacies. Expertly prepared meats were set aside, and divine liquors—clear, potent, and variously brewed—stood ready for tasting. There were wines made from sugar, honey, flowers, and fruits, as well as scented powders, each beautifully arranged. The ground was strewn with garlands and adorned with golden and crystal vessels, goblets of gold, shining silver pitchers, and golden jars. Hanuman marveled at this foremost of drinking halls, filled with golden cups and jewel-encrusted vessels. He saw containers brimming with drink, some half-full, some emptied, the remnants of a night of excess and pleasure. Thus did Hanuman witness the grandeur and indulgence of Ravana’s palace, even as he pressed on, ever searching for Sita, his heart steadfast in his sacred mission.