The cruel Rākṣasī women who guarded Sītā, fierce flesh-eaters, tried to frighten her with empty threats and harsh gestures. Seeing that Sītā’s resolve remained unshaken, they went to Rāvaṇa and reported her unwavering determination. Exhausted by their fruitless efforts, their hopes dashed, the demonesses finally succumbed to sleep, tormented and weary. In the quiet that followed, as the Rākṣasīs slept, Sītā—devoted to her husband’s welfare—was left alone with her sorrow. She lamented deeply, her heart afflicted and distressed. Then, among the sleepers, Trijaṭā rose up and spoke solemn words: “Devour yourselves quickly, not Sītā of dark eyes. This virtuous daughter of Janaka, Daśaratha’s daughter-in-law—I have seen a dreadful, hair-raising dream today. It foretells the destruction of the Rākṣasas and the victory of her husband. That is enough—let us seek protection from Rāghava for all of us Rākṣasīs. “Let us beg Vaidehī for mercy; this pleases me. For if such a dream appears to one in distress, she will soon be freed from sorrows and attain unsurpassed happiness. Maithilī, daughter of Janaka, is gracious to those who bow before her. She alone can protect us Rākṣasīs from great danger.” With hope renewed, the modest Trijaṭā, delighted by the promise of Rāma’s victory, assured Sītā, “If that is true, I will indeed be your refuge.” Seeing Sītā’s dreadful state, she reflected deeply, seeking a way to speak with Janakī. She praised the illustrious Ikṣvāku lineage, placing it foremost, and her words, adorned with the wisdom of royal sages, reached Sītā’s ears. Sītā, tears streaming from her eyes, replied, “Who are you? By whom, and how, have you come here, O foremost of monkeys? And what affection do you have for Rāma? That you must tell me.” In answer, I spoke, “O lady, your husband Rāma has a mighty and valorous ally named Sugrīva, king of the monkeys. Know me to be his servant—Hanumān—sent to you by your blameless husband Rāma. Here is a token of recognition, given to you by the glorious son of Daśaratha, the tiger among men.” Then I asked, “O lady, command me—what shall I do? Shall I take you to the side of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa? What is your wish?” Sītā, daughter of Janaka, replied with firm resolve, “Let Rāghava uproot Rāvaṇa and take me.” Bowing my head to the noble and blameless lady, I requested a token to gladden Rāma’s heart. Sītā said, “Take this excellent jewel, by which the strong-armed Rāma will recognize you.” Greatly agitated, she entrusted me with the precious jewel and her words. Bowing reverently to the princess, I circumambulated her and prepared to depart, my mind intent on returning. Then, with resolve, Sītā again spoke: “Hanumān, you must tell my story to Rāghava, so that upon hearing it, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, together with Sugrīva, may come quickly—do thus. If otherwise, for two months my life remains; if Kakutstha does not see me, I shall die as one without protector.” Hearing her pitiful words, anger arose in me. I considered what more I could do. My body grew immense, like a mountain, and desiring battle, I began to destroy the forest. The demonesses, with terrifying faces, saw the forest broken and scattered, the frightened and confused deer and birds fleeing in all directions. Seeing me there, they quickly gathered and rushed to inform Rāvaṇa. “O King,” they cried, “your difficult and fortified forest has been destroyed by a wicked monkey who does not know your great strength. Because of his evil intent and actions displeasing to you, order his death quickly, so he may not return again.” Hearing this, the king of demons sent forth the formidable Kinkaras, loyal to his will. Eighty thousand of them, armed with spears and maces, I struck down in that part of the forest with my iron club. Those who survived, swift of foot, hurried to Rāvaṇa and reported that his army had been destroyed by me. Then, an idea arose in my mind to attack the great temple tower. There, I killed a hundred demons stationed with a pillar. In my anger, I destroyed that which was the ornament of Laṅkā. Rāvaṇa, enraged, ordered Jambumāli, son of Prahasta, a mighty and skilled warrior, to confront me. Jambumāli came with many dreadful and terrifying demons, but with my fierce iron club, I slew him and his followers. Hearing this, Rāvaṇa sent the mighty sons of his ministers, strong and well-equipped with infantry. With my club, I sent them all to the abode of Yama, the lord of death. Thus, the battle raged on, the power of Rāma’s cause shining ever brighter, and the hope of Sītā’s deliverance growing ever nearer.