Shuka and Sarana, two rakshasas sent by Ravana, approached Rama with great respect. They explained their mission: Ravana had dispatched them to survey the entire army assembled before him. Addressing them warmly, Rama, son of Dasaratha and ever concerned for the well-being of all, smiled and replied, “If you have seen all that you came to see—our army and ourselves as we stand—or if your task is complete as instructed, you are free to return as you wish. If there is anything yet unseen, you may look further, or Vibhishana will show you everything again.” Rama assured them, “Though you have been captured, you need not fear for your lives. You have laid down your weapons and come as envoys; you do not deserve death.” Turning to Vibhishana, Rama said, “Release these two spies, who have been caught in disguise and are ever intent on harming the enemy’s side.” He then gave them a message to deliver to Ravana: “When you return to Lanka, tell the king of the rakshasas, younger brother of Kubera, these words. Whatever strength you relied upon to abduct Sita from me, display it now, as you wish, with your army and your kin. Tomorrow morning, witness the city of Lanka with its ramparts and gates, and see your rakshasa forces shattered by my arrows.” Shuka and Sarana, hearing Rama’s instructions, saluted him with the cry, “Victory!” and departed. They returned to Lanka and reported to Ravana, “O king, we were seized by Vibhishana for execution. But Rama, righteous and immensely powerful, released us in the presence of the four foremost men—heroes equal to the guardians of the worlds, skilled in weapons and firm in valor: Rama, son of Dasaratha; glorious Lakshmana; Vibhishana; and Sugriva, whose energy and prowess rival Indra’s. These leaders are capable of uprooting and crossing the city of Lanka with its ramparts and gates. Let all the vanaras stand ready to tear down and invade; such is the form of Rama and his weapons. He alone could destroy Lanka; the others need only stand aside. Guarded by Rama and Lakshmana, and with Sugriva, their army is unconquerable even by all the gods and demons. The vanara warriors rejoice and are eager for battle. There is no use in enmity—make peace and return Maithili to Rama.” Now begins the twenty-sixth sarga of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda. Hearing Sarana’s truthful and courageous words, Ravana replied, “Even if the gods, gandharvas, and danavas were to attack me, I would not give up Sita—not even out of fear for all the worlds. But you, gentle one, are greatly distressed by the vanaras and now suggest returning Sita at once. Who indeed could be my rival and conquer me in battle?” Thus, Ravana spoke harshly, his pride undiminished. Desiring to see for himself, Ravana ascended a palace white as snow, towering with palm trees, accompanied by the two spies. Overcome with anger, he gazed upon the ocean, the mountains, and the forests. He saw the land filled with vanaras, their immense and irresistible might on display. Observing this, Ravana questioned Sarana, “Who among these vanaras are the chiefs? Who are the heroes and mighty ones? Who advances first, full of enthusiasm on all sides? Whose voices does Sugriva hear, and who are the leaders of the leaders of troops? Tell me everything about the power of the monkeys.” Sarana, knowing the foremost chiefs, began to describe the leaders. “That monkey who stands facing Lanka, roaring, is a leader. He is surrounded by a hundred thousand leaders of troops, and his mighty roar echoes through the city with its ramparts and gates. Lanka, with its mountains, forests, and groves, is shaken entirely by the great sound of Sugriva, the noble king of all the monkeys. “At the front of the army stands the heroic leader named Nila, who strides upon the earth with strength, grasping his arms. Facing Lanka, he repeatedly expands himself in anger, resembling a mountain peak and the stalk of a lotus. He fiercely lashes his tail again and again, and the sound of his tail resounds in all ten directions. “This is Angada, appointed crown prince by Sugriva, king of the monkeys. He calls you to battle. Angada is the son of Vali, always dear to Sugriva; for the sake of Raghava, he is determined, just as Varuna is for Indra. All his thoughts are fixed on what Hanuman, swift and devoted to Raghava’s welfare, saw regarding Janaka’s daughter. “This powerful one leads many troops of monkey kings; he advances toward you with his own army to crush you. Surrounded by the great strength of Angada’s son, the hero Nala stands in battle; he is the builder of the bridge. Those who brace their bodies, snort, and roar, rising and expanding in anger—these are the foremost monkeys.” Thus, Sarana described the mighty chiefs, their strength, and their resolve, as Ravana looked upon the vast army gathered before Lanka, preparing for the great battle to come.