Steadfast in his resolve, yet weary from the burdens of his monstrous body, Kabandha spoke to Rama with humility, “Blessings to you, Raghava. You must know, I cannot be slain by any other. As the great sage foretold, it is within your power to end me. Therefore, O best of men, let me offer you my counsel and support. I will also teach you the sacred rites of friendship, sanctified by fire.” Thus addressed, Rama, righteous and sorrowful, replied as Lakshmana listened attentively: “My illustrious wife Sita has been taken by Ravana. After leaving Janasthana with my brother, I know only the name of that rakshasa, not his form. We do not know where he dwells or the extent of his power. Grief has overtaken us, and we wander in distress, without support. It is fitting to show compassion and give aid to those who, like us, come at the right time, bringing even dry wood broken by elephants.” He continued, “O hero, we will burn you in the great pit prepared. Tell us, then, of Sita—by whom or where she was taken. If you truly know, do this great good and reveal it.” Thus urged by Rama, the mighty demon replied, skillful in speech, “I do not possess divine knowledge, nor do I know Maithili. But, when I am burned and regain my true form, I will tell you who knows of her. I will reveal to you, Rama, the rakshasa who knows. While I remain unburned, I have no power to know. The mighty rakshasa who took your Sita—my knowledge of him has been lost through a curse. By my own deeds, I have obtained this form, despised by the world.” Kabandha pleaded, “Before the weary sun sets, cast me into the pit and burn me, Rama, as is proper. Burned by you according to justice, O descendant of Raghu, I will tell you of the mighty hero who will find that rakshasa. You must make friendship with him, for he is righteous and will devise swift aid for you. Nothing is unknown to him in all the three worlds; surrounded by all beings, he once roamed for another purpose.” Hearing these words, Rama and Lakshmana, the two noble heroes, approached the mountain cleft and prepared the fire. Lakshmana ignited the funeral pyre with blazing firebrands, and the flames burned brightly on every side. The great body of Kabandha, resembling a mass of clarified butter, was slowly consumed as the fat melted away. Suddenly, Kabandha shook off the pyre and emerged transformed—radiant, dustless, adorned with a divine garland and ornaments, his strength immense. He stood in a splendid aerial chariot yoked with swans, his brilliance illuminating all ten directions. Now moving through the sky, Kabandha addressed Rama: “Listen, Raghava, and I will truly tell you how you may recover Sita. In this world, there are six means by which all things are considered; after examination by the tenth part, it is served by the tenth portion. You and Lakshmana have reached this tenth portion, and in your lack, you have suffered this misfortune—the outrage against your wife. Therefore, you must act, O best of friends; without action, I do not see you attaining success, even as I reflect.” He continued, “Hear me, Rama: Sugriva is the name of a vanara, cast out by his brother, the wrathful Vali, son of Indra. Sugriva dwells, self-controlled and heroic, with four vanaras on the noble mountain Rishyamuka, which shines near the borders of Pampa. He is a king among vanaras, of great valor and immeasurable brilliance, steadfast in truth, humble, resolute, wise, and noble. Skilled, bold, radiant, and mighty, he was exiled by his brother for the sake of the kingdom.” Kabandha assured Rama, “Sugriva will be your ally and friend in the search for Sita; do not let grief trouble your mind. This must indeed happen, for time is difficult to overcome. Go swiftly from here, O hero, to Sugriva, that mighty one—make him your friend today. Approach him for friendship, as the fire blazes; do not disregard Sugriva, the lord of the vanaras. He is grateful, able to assume any form, seeking allies, and powerful. Today, you both are capable of accomplishing the task he desires.” He added, “Whether he succeeds or fails, the son of the king of bears will do your bidding; he now wanders near Pampa, wary and alert. The son of the Sun, wronged by Vali, dwells on Rishyamuka, having set aside his weapons—he is a monkey chief. O Raghava, by your truth, make that forest-dwelling monkey your friend, for he, the best among monkeys, knows every place in its entirety.” Thus, Kabandha, freed from his curse, revealed to Rama the path forward, guiding him toward the alliance that would ultimately lead to Sita’s recovery.