The foremost among the vanaras gathered all the monkeys together, sending them out in every direction, each one eager to discover the whereabouts of Janaka’s daughter, Sita. Guided by the words of the wise vulture Sampati, the mighty Hanuman undertook a tremendous leap, soaring across the vast salt ocean, a hundred yojanas wide. Upon reaching the golden city of Lanka, ruled by the formidable Ravana, Hanuman found Sita deep in thought, sheltered within the Ashoka grove. He approached her, delivering Rama’s token of recognition and sharing news of hope. With gentle words, Hanuman comforted Vaidehi, assuring her of Rama’s love and resolve. Afterward, he displayed his might by crushing the gateway of Lanka. In the ensuing chaos, Hanuman slew five powerful commanders and seven sons of Ravana’s ministers, and even defeated the valiant Aksha. At last, though, he was captured by the rakshasas. Hanuman, knowing he was protected by the boon of his grandfather, endured his binding with calm fortitude, submitting to fate as it unfolded. Soon after, he unleashed his fiery power, burning the city of Lanka, sparing only Maithili Sita. With his mission accomplished, the great monkey returned swiftly to Rama, bearing the joyous news. He approached the great-souled Rama, circumambulated him in reverence, and faithfully proclaimed, “Sita has been seen.” United with Sugriva, Rama journeyed to the shore of the mighty ocean, where he agitated the waters with arrows shining like the sun. In response, the lord of rivers—the ocean itself—revealed his form, and at his word, Nala began constructing a bridge across the sea. By that wondrous bridge, Rama and his allies crossed into Lanka, where, in a fierce battle, Rama slew Ravana. Having regained Sita, however, Rama was overcome with deep shame. In the assembly of people, Rama spoke harshly to Sita. Unable to bear the pain of his words, Sita, steadfast in her virtue, entered the fire, remaining ever true. Then, by the testimony of the sacred fire itself, Sita was revealed to be pure and free from sin. This great deed satisfied the three worlds and all beings within them. The hosts of gods and sages were pleased with the great-souled Raghava. Rama anointed Vibhishana as king of the rakshasas in Lanka. With his purpose fulfilled and his sorrow lifted, Rama rejoiced. Blessed by the gods, Rama revived the fallen monkeys and set out for Ayodhya, surrounded by his friends, riding in the celestial Pushpaka chariot. Upon arriving at the hermitage of Bharadvaja, Rama, steadfast in truth, sent Hanuman ahead to bring word to Bharata. After further conversation with Sugriva, Rama boarded the Pushpaka and journeyed to Nandigrama. There, in Nandigrama, Rama shed his matted hair, purified himself, and, together with his brothers, was reunited with Sita and reclaimed his kingdom. The people of Ayodhya rejoiced, living in happiness and prosperity—content, righteous, healthy, and free from fear of famine or disease. In Rama’s reign, none would witness the death of a son, and women would remain devoted to their husbands, never becoming widows. There was no fear from fire, no drowning in water, no threat from wind or fever. Hunger and thieves were unknown, and cities and kingdoms overflowed with wealth and grain. All were perpetually joyful, as if living in the age of truth. Rama performed hundreds of horse sacrifices, gave away vast amounts of gold, and gifted tens of millions of cows to the learned, along with immeasurable wealth to the Brahmins. Raghava established royal lineages a hundredfold greater than before and set the four classes of society firm in their own duties. After ruling for ten thousand and ten hundred years, Rama departed for the world of Brahma. This sacred, sin-destroying, meritorious account, approved by the Vedas, grants freedom from all sins to whoever recites the story of Rama. Whoever tells this life-giving Ramayana is honored in heaven after death, along with sons, grandsons, and companions. A Brahmin who recites it gains eloquence; a Kshatriya attains lordship over the earth; a merchant finds success in trade; and even a Shudra attains greatness. Now begins the second chapter of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, the Balakanda, which is to be heard. Hearing Narada’s words, the virtuous and eloquent Valmiki, together with his disciples, honored the great sage. After a while, when Narada had departed for the world of the gods, Valmiki went to the bank of the Tamasā river, not far from the Jahnavī. Upon reaching the Tamasā’s bank, the sage beheld a ford free of mud and spoke to his disciple standing nearby: “See, Bharadvāja, this ford is clear and delightful, its water pleasing to the minds of good people. Set down the water pot, dear one, and give me my bark garment; I will bathe here at this excellent ford of the Tamasā.” Thus addressed, Bharadvāja, disciplined and devoted, handed his teacher the bark garment. Valmiki, self-controlled, took the garment from his disciple’s hand and wandered about, observing the vast forest in all directions. Nearby, he saw a pair of krauñcha birds, inseparable, moving together, their calls sweet and lovely. But as the sage watched, a hunter with evil intent struck down the male bird, the seat of enmity, leaving its mate bereft.