Sītā, her heart full of hope and longing, took the precious jewel and placed it in Hanumān’s hands. “This jewel,” she said earnestly, “will serve as a token of recognition, one that Rāma knows well. When he sees it, memories will rise in his heart—of himself, of my mother, and of King Daśaratha.” Entrusting Hanumān with this symbol, she urged him on: “O best of monkeys, filled as you are with enthusiasm, consider what more can be done. You are the one most capable of bringing this effort to fulfillment, and of ending my sorrow. Please, Hanumān, take up this task and become the remover of my suffering.” Hanumān, son of the wind-god, accepted her charge with a solemn promise. Bowing his head to Sītā, he prepared to depart. Sītā, understanding that Hanumān was about to leave, was overcome with emotion. Her voice choked with tears as she spoke: “Hanumān, please convey my well-being to Rāma and to Lakṣmaṇa. Also, offer my respectful and righteous greetings to Sugrīva, his ministers, and all the elder vānaras.” She continued, “Just as Rāma, mighty-armed and steadfast, will rescue me from this flood of sorrow, so too must you strive to bring about my deliverance. Tell Rāma, renowned for his virtue, that I am still alive—speak these words and uphold righteousness. Hearing this message from me, always filled with hope, will strengthen Rāma’s resolve to save me. When he hears your words, bearing my message, the heroic Rāghava will fix his mind firmly on valor, as is right.” Moved by her words, Hanumān, with palms joined in reverence, placed them upon his head and replied: “Soon, Rāma will come, surrounded by the foremost monkeys and bears. He will conquer his enemies in battle and remove your sorrow. Among mortals, asuras, and even gods, none can stand before him when he releases his arrows. He is able to withstand even the sun, the rain-god, or Yama himself—especially for your sake, in battle. Truly, he is capable of conquering the earth, bounded by the ocean; for you, O daughter of Janaka, Rāma’s victory is assured.” Hearing these true and comforting words, Sītā esteemed them greatly. She gazed again and again at Hanumān as he prepared to depart, recognizing in his words the deep affection he bore for her husband. “If you think it right, O hero,” she said, “stay here for a single day in some hidden place. Rest, and depart tomorrow. For me, so unfortunate, your presence would grant a brief release from this great sorrow. But, O tiger among monkeys, if you delay your return, I have no doubt there would be danger even to my life. The sorrow of your absence would again torment me, intensifying my pain upon pain.” She then voiced a new doubt: “O lord of monkeys, I wonder about the monkeys and bears who are your allies. How will those armies, or the two sons of the best of men, cross the vast and impassable ocean? Of all beings, only three possess the power to cross it: Garuḍa, yourself, or the Wind-god. Therefore, O hero, what solution do you see for this most difficult task? You are the foremost among those who know how to achieve their aims. Indeed, you alone are sufficient to accomplish this task; your renowned success is the fruit of your deeds. Yet, if Rāma were to defeat Rāvaṇa in battle with all his forces and return victorious to his own city, that would be fitting for him. If, having filled Laṅkā with his armies and destroyed the enemy, he were to bring me back, that too would be worthy of him. Therefore, act so that the valor of the great-souled, battle-hardened hero may be matched by your own deeds.” Hanumān listened to her respectful and well-reasoned words, spoken with purpose, and replied: “O lady, Sugrīva, lord of the monkey and bear armies, foremost among those who leap and steadfast in truth, is firmly resolved to help you. Surrounded by countless thousands and millions of monkeys, that destroyer of the Rākṣasas will soon arrive, O Vaidehī. His followers are endowed with valor, courage, and great strength; swift as thought, ever ready to obey his command. Their movement is unhindered above, below, or across; they do not falter in great undertakings, for their energy is immeasurable. Many times, those high-spirited ones, following the path of the wind, have circled the earth with its mountains and oceans. There are forest-dwellers there who are equal to me, or even greater; in Sugrīva’s presence, there is none inferior to me.” He continued, “Therefore, enough of your sorrow, O lady. Let your grief be dispelled. The monkey chiefs will reach Laṅkā in a single leap. Those two, shining like the moon and sun, will come to you with a great host, following behind me.” With these words, Hanumān offered Sītā hope and reassurance, preparing her heart for the deliverance that was soon to come.