There, in the heart of Lanka, Hanuman the monkey gazed upon Mandodari, radiant as gold, the cherished queen of the inner chambers, resting in her beauty. Beholding her, adorned and graceful, the mighty-armed son of the wind was filled with hope. Judging by her beauty, youth, and gentle bearing, he thought, “This must be Sita.” Joy surged within the monkey chief; his heart leapt with delight. In his happiness, Hanuman clapped, kissed his tail, sang, played, and leapt about, climbing pillars and tumbling to the ground, displaying the playful nature of monkeys. But soon, Hanuman set aside that thought. He grew still and entered into a deeper reflection concerning Sita. “That radiant lady, separated from Rama, would not wish to sleep, nor to eat, nor to adorn herself, nor to partake of drink. She would not approach any other man, not even a lord among the gods; for truly, there is no one among the immortals equal to Rama.” Realizing, “This is another,” Hanuman, eager to find Sita, wandered further into the grand hall of drinking. There, he saw women in many states—some exhausted from play, others from singing, and some from dancing; many were overcome by drink. Some stood beside drums and cymbals or on raised platforms for jesting, while others reclined on splendid couches. Hanuman saw Ravana himself, surrounded by a thousand women adorned with brilliant ornaments, skilled in conversation and song, pleasing in form. With one who was apt in time and place, who spoke fitting words and excelled in pleasure, Hanuman saw Ravana united. Elsewhere, he beheld a thousand young women of excellent beauty, skilled in conversation, lying asleep. Among them, one especially apt in time and place, who spoke fitting words, lay sated with pleasure. Thus, the king of the Rakshasas shone amidst them, just as a great elephant is encircled by she-elephants in the forest. The foremost of monkeys beheld the drinking hall, filled with every delight, in the house of that great-souled lord of the Rakshasas. There, in the drinking hall, Hanuman saw portions of the flesh of deer, buffaloes, and boars laid out. In broad golden vessels, untouched peacocks and cocks were displayed as well. He observed boar heads and the flesh of rhinoceros, seasoned with curds and salt, along with skewered meats of deer and peacock. There were various kinds of partridges, goats, and half-eaten hares, buffaloes with many skewers, and sheep prepared for eating. Soft and coarse foods to lick, to drink, and to eat—both rich and plain—were present, as well as various sour and salty dishes and colored confections. Great anklets and armlets were cast aside, treasures lay scattered, drinking vessels overturned, and a variety of fruits were spread about. The earth, having been offered flowers as tribute, shone with abundant splendor; here and there, well-arranged beds and seats were set out. The drinking area, though without fire, appeared as if illuminated, filled with many kinds of delicacies, expertly prepared. Meats were set apart on the drinking floor, and divine, clear liquors—some specially brewed—were at hand. There were sugar-based, honey-based, flower-based, and fruit-based wines, and various perfumed powders, each finely arranged. The ground was splendidly adorned with many garlands, golden vessels, and crystal dishes. Other goblets of gold, shining silver pitchers, and golden jars were scattered throughout. Hanuman beheld that foremost of drinking places, with golden cups and vessels of liquor made of jewels. He saw these various vessels—some full, some half-remaining, and some emptied of their contents. Some drinks were not yet tasted, various foods were in some places, and in others, drinks had been partially consumed. He noticed beds with only half their covers left, while elsewhere, the beds of women were empty in many ways; some beautiful women slept embracing each other. One, having taken another’s garment and embracing her, had fallen asleep, overcome by the power of sleep. The gentle breath of their exhalations caused their garments and garlands to stir, as if moved by a soft breeze. The air was filled with the fragrance of cool sandalwood, sweet liquor, garlands, and many kinds of flowers. The wind carried mingled scents from baths, sandalwood, and incense throughout the Pushpaka palace. There were women of many hues—some dark, some fair, and some beautiful with black complexions. Some had golden-hued limbs; all were overcome by sleep, stupefied by passion. Like sleeping lotuses, they lay in the abode of the rakshasas. Thus, Hanuman of great splendor saw all of Ravana’s inner chambers completely, but did not see Janaki. As he observed those women, the great monkey was seized by deep anxiety, troubled by fear of wrongdoing.