As the great army of monkeys and bears prepared for their march, Rama gave careful instructions, his mind intent on the dangers ahead. “The evil-minded rakshasas may try to corrupt the fruits, roots, and water along our path,” he warned. “You must remain ever vigilant, protecting against such threats.” He directed that in the lowlands, forest strongholds, and wooded areas, the forest-dwellers should leap and scout, ever watchful for hidden enemy forces. “If you find a weak enemy force,” Rama commanded, “deal with it here and now; this dreadful task must be accomplished with valor.” He ordered the lion-like monkeys, mighty in strength and terrifying as a mass of ocean, to surge forward in hundreds and thousands, forming the vanguard. Gaja, immense as a mountain, the powerful Gavaya, and Gavaksha—proud as bulls among cows—were to take the very front. Rishabha, foremost among monkeys and lord of those who leap, was entrusted with guarding the right flank of the advancing army, while Gandhamadana, swift and formidable like a war elephant, was to take position on the left. “I myself will ride at the center of the army,” declared Rama, “inspiring our troops, mounted upon Hanuman as a lord upon Airavata.” He instructed that Lakshmana, fierce as Death itself, should advance with Angada, just as the lord of beings would with a universal monarch. To protect the rear, Rama appointed Jambavan, Sushena, and Vegadarshi—the mighty-armed king of bears. Hearing Rama’s wise words, Sugriva, the mighty leader and foremost among monkeys, gave orders to the vanaras. At once, the powerful monkey troops sprang up, leaping swiftly from caves and mountain peaks, eager for the journey. Honored by both Sugriva and Lakshmana, Rama, righteous and steadfast, set out with his army toward the southern direction. He was soon surrounded by monkeys in numbers beyond counting—hundreds, thousands, crores, and tens of millions—vast and strong as elephants. This great host followed Rama joyfully, delighted and protected by Sugriva’s presence. The monkeys, leaping and springing, roaring and bellowing, surged toward the south. Along the way, they feasted on fragrant honey and fruits, carrying great trees laden with blossoms. Proud and playful, the monkeys would seize and toss one another; some fell, others leapt up, while some threw down their companions. Near Rama, they roared, “Ravana and all the night-walkers must be slain by us!” At the front, the heroic Nila and Kumuda, along with many monkeys, cleared the path for the army. In the center marched King Sugriva, Rama, and Lakshmana, surrounded by mighty and fearsome warriors—destroyers of enemies. The heroic monkey Shatabali, with ten crores of followers, alone protected the entire army, while Kesari, Panasa, Gaja, and Arka, each with a hundred crores, guarded one flank. Sushena and Jambavan, surrounded by many bears, protected the rear, placing Sugriva at the front. Their valiant commander Nila, foremost among the monkeys, swiftly surrounded the army, ensuring its safety. Darimukha, Prajangha, Jambha, and Rabhasa, along with other heroes, advanced from all sides, urging the monkeys onward. Thus, these tiger-like monkeys, filled with pride in their strength, pressed forward and beheld the great Sahya mountain, adorned with a hundred peaks. They saw blooming lakes and splendid ponds, and, remembering Rama’s command—knowing the terrible force of his wrath—they moved with caution, almost as if in fear. Avoiding cities and inhabited regions, the vast monkey army, immense as a flood of the ocean, pressed onward. This mighty and dreadful host surged forth like a roaring sea, with the heroic monkey chiefs ever at Rama’s side. All of them leapt forward swiftly, like well-trained horses urged on; Rama and Lakshmana, the two best of men, shone in their midst, surrounded by the monkeys. Touched by these great ones, as the moon and sun are by the planets, Rama, honored by Lakshmana and the monkey king, proceeded on. With righteousness in his heart, Rama led his army southward. Lakshmana approached Rama, accompanied by Angada, and spoke auspicious words, full of meaning and understanding. “Soon, having slain Ravana and recovered Sita, you will return to Ayodhya, your purpose fulfilled,” Lakshmana said. “With your aim accomplished, you will return to Ayodhya, prosperous and fulfilled. O Raghava, great auspicious signs appear in the sky and on earth. I see all auspicious omens for the attainment of your purpose; the gentle, favorable wind blows upon the army, bringing comfort. The animals and birds utter sweet, melodious sounds; all the quarters are clear, and the sun shines without blemish. Ushanas, the Bhargava, with radiant light, has gone before you; the pure constellation of Brahma and the great sages, shining with brilliance, circle you. Trishanku, the royal sage, shines spotless with his priest; our ancestor, the great-souled progenitor of the Ikshvaku line, is before us. In the clear sky, the Vishakha constellation shines undisturbed; that star is supreme for us, for the great-souled Ikshvakus.” Thus, with auspicious omens and the blessings of the cosmos, Rama and his mighty army pressed on toward their destiny.