Within the grand palace of Ravana, Hanuman, the illustrious leader of the monkeys, moved with careful purpose. His keen eyes beheld Ravana himself, united in pleasure with a woman who was skilled in knowing the right time and place, whose words were always fitting, and who surpassed all others in delight. Elsewhere in the palace, Hanuman saw a thousand beautiful young women, accomplished in conversation, all lying asleep. Among them, he noticed another woman, also wise in time and circumstance, whose words were apt, now resting, content after enjoyment. Ravana, the king of the Rakshasas, shone forth in their midst, surrounded by these women as a great elephant is encircled by she-elephants in the forest. Hanuman, foremost among monkeys, gazed upon the drinking hall in the house of that mighty lord, a place filled with every delight. There, he saw platters of deer, buffalo, and boar meat laid out for feasting. In broad golden vessels, untouched peacocks and cocks were displayed. Boar heads, rhinoceros flesh seasoned with curds and salt, and skewered meats of deer and peacock caught his eye. He observed various partridges, goats, half-eaten hares, buffaloes laden with skewers, and sheep prepared for eating. The hall overflowed with foods both soft and coarse—some to lick, some to drink, some to eat—rich and plain dishes, sour and salty flavors, and confections of many colors. Jewels and ornaments—anklets and armlets—were cast aside, treasures scattered, drinking vessels overturned, and fruits of many kinds lay about. The earth, bright with flowers offered as tribute, gleamed with abundant splendor. Beds and seats, well-arranged and joined, were set here and there. Though there was no fire, the drinking area glowed as if illuminated, filled with delicacies of every description. Expertly prepared meats were set apart, divine and clear liquors—some specially brewed—were arranged nearby. There were wines of sugar, honey, flowers, and fruits, each with their own fragrant powders, all finely arrayed. Garlands lay scattered across the floor, which was adorned with golden vessels and crystal dishes. Goblets of gold, shining silver pitchers, and golden jars covered the ground. Hanuman beheld this foremost of drinking places, filled with golden cups and jewel-encrusted vessels of liquor. He saw vessels in every state: some full, some half-emptied, others drained completely. Some drinks were untouched, some partly consumed, and various foods lay about. He noticed beds with their covers half-pulled, and in other places, the beds of women were empty. Some beautiful women slept, embracing each other; one had taken another’s garment and, holding her, had fallen asleep, overcome by deep slumber. Their gentle exhalations barely stirred the garments and garlands on their bodies, as if a soft breeze played upon them. The air was thick with the mingled scents of sandalwood, sweet liquors, garlands, and many flowers. Fragrances from baths, sandalwood, and incense drifted on the wind, filling the Pushpaka palace. Among the sleeping women, Hanuman saw those with dark complexions, others fair, and some of striking beauty with black or golden-hued limbs. Overcome by sleep and passion, they lay as still and lovely as closed lotuses upon a pond. Thus, Hanuman, radiant with splendor, surveyed all of Ravana’s inner chambers—but nowhere did he see Janaki. As he looked upon these women, a wave of anxiety swept over Hanuman. He was troubled, fearing he had strayed from righteousness by gazing upon the sleeping women of another’s harem. “To look upon the wives of another is a grave breach of dharma,” he thought. “Never before have my eyes lingered on another’s wife with desire, and yet here I have witnessed the possessions of another.” But then, his resolute heart brought forth another thought, steadying his mind. “Though I have seen all these unguarded women of Ravana, not even in my mind does any distortion or desire arise. For the mind is the root of all the senses’ actions, whether good or ill, and mine is well-disciplined.” He reasoned further, “Nowhere else can I search for Vaidehi; when seeking a woman, one must look among women. One searches for a being where it is born—it is not possible to search for a lost woman among deer. Thus, with a pure mind, I have searched every corner of Ravana’s inner palace, but Janaki is nowhere to be seen.” Hanuman, mighty and unwavering, looked upon the daughters of gods, Gandharvas, and Nagas within the palace, but not upon Janaki. Though he saw many noble women, he did not find her. Withdrawing from the inner chambers, his resolve unshaken, Hanuman prepared to depart. Then, striving in every way, the noble son of the wind left the drinking hall and set out to continue his search elsewhere.