While the noble and steadfast Bharata remained in Nandigrāma, ruling with truth and self-control as he awaited Rāma’s return, Rāma himself journeyed onward. Perceiving the approach of the townspeople and resolute in his purpose, Rāma, with a focused mind, entered the dense Daṇḍaka forest. Within that vast wilderness, the lotus-eyed Rāma confronted and slew the fierce demon Virādha. He then encountered the sage Śarabhaṅga, and also met with Sutikṣṇa, Agastya, and Agastya’s brother. At Agastya’s behest, Rāma was gifted Indra’s mighty bow, a sword, and inexhaustible quivers—arms that brought him great delight as he dwelled among the forest-dwellers. Sages from all around gathered to Rāma, beseeching him to rid the forest of the tormenting demons and asuras. Rāma promised them his protection, vowing to destroy those evil beings who threatened the sages, who were as radiant and pure as fire. During his stay, the shape-shifting demoness Śūrpaṇakhā, who lived in Janasthāna, was disfigured. Enraged, she incited all the demons of Janasthāna, including Khara, Triśiras, and Dūṣaṇa, to attack. Rāma met them in battle and, with his might, slew them and their followers—fourteen thousand demons in all. News of this great slaughter reached Rāvaṇa, the lord of Lanka, and wrath seized his heart. Seeking an ally, Rāvaṇa turned to the demon Mārīca. Though Mārīca tried repeatedly to dissuade him, warning of Rāma’s power, Rāvaṇa, impelled by fate, ignored all counsel. Together, they went to Rāma’s hermitage, and by their cunning, lured Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa far away. In their absence, Rāvaṇa abducted Sītā, Rāma’s beloved wife, slaying the valiant vulture Jaṭāyu who tried to defend her. When Rāma discovered the fallen Jaṭāyu and learned of Sītā’s abduction, grief overwhelmed him. His senses clouded by sorrow, he performed the funeral rites for Jaṭāyu with due honor. Continuing his search for Sītā through the forest, Rāma encountered the terrifying demon Kabandha. After slaying Kabandha and burning his body, the demon, freed, ascended to heaven and advised Rāma to seek out the righteous ascetic Shabari. Obeying these words, Rāma went to Shabari, who welcomed him with deep reverence. Thereafter, on the bank of the Pampa lake, Rāma met Hanuman, the vanara. Through Hanuman’s words, Rāma was brought to Sugriva, the vanara king, to whom he recounted all his hardships, especially the story of Sītā’s abduction. Sugriva listened with a compassionate heart, and a deep friendship was formed between them, solemnized with fire as witness. Sugriva then shared his own tale of sorrow and enmity, revealing all to Rāma, who in turn promised to slay Sugriva’s enemy, Vali. Still, Sugriva doubted Rāma’s strength, so he showed Rāma the massive skeleton of the demon Dundubhi. Smiling, Rāma used his big toe to hurl the mighty carcass ten yojanas away. Then, with a single arrow, Rāma split seven sala trees, a mountain, and even pierced the underworld, thus dispelling all doubt. Trusting Rāma fully, Sugriva led him to the cave of Kiṣkindhā. There, Sugriva let out a thunderous roar, summoning Vali, the lord of monkeys. After consulting with Tara, Vali emerged to confront Sugriva, but Rāma struck him down with a single arrow. At Sugriva’s request, Rāma restored him to his kingdom. Eager to find Sītā, Sugriva gathered the foremost vanaras and sent them out in all directions. Guided by the words of the vulture Sampāti, the mighty Hanuman leapt across the salt ocean, a hundred yojanas wide, and reached the city of Lanka, ruled by Rāvaṇa. There, in the Ashoka grove, Hanuman found Sītā, lost in thought. He gave her Rāma’s token of recognition and comforted her, then destroyed the gateway of Lanka. In battle, Hanuman slew five commanders, seven sons of ministers, and crushed the valiant Aksha. Eventually, he was captured, but knowing the boon of his grandfather protected him, he endured his bonds. Hanuman then set fire to the city of Lanka, sparing only Sītā, and returned swiftly to Rāma. Approaching the great-souled Rāma, Hanuman circled him in reverence and faithfully reported the joyous news: “Sītā has been seen.