In the annals of history, no individual or system has ever marshaled such vast resources and logistical prowess for a singular purpose. The meticulous delineation of each region ensures that the mission strikes directly at its intended mark—a masterstroke of strategy, an unparalleled orchestration of forces. This is a timeless and invaluable achievement, a search mission of unprecedented scale and precision.
Sugreeva, in his boundless wisdom, does not merely describe the route but offers an exhaustive account of the terrain, the resources, the geography, the flora and fauna, the lurking perils, and the concealed opportunities. His depiction extends to the social customs, dietary habits, and dispositions of the inhabitants of each domain, providing an invaluable compass for navigation. With such prudence, each territory is approached with measured caution before advancing to the next phase of this grand expedition.
Having dispatched a formidable force eastward, Sugreeva now meticulously selects a contingent for the southern expedition. His profound understanding of land, sea, rivers, and mountains informs his choice of warriors: Neela, son of Agni; Hanuman, son of Vayu; Jambavan, the indomitable son of Brahma; and a legion of seasoned warriors—Suhotra, Sharari, Saragulma, Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sushena, Vrushabha, Mainda, Dvivida, Vijaya, Gandhamadana, the twin sons of Agni, Ulkamukha and Ananga. Swift and mighty Angada is appointed their commander, entrusted with the sacred duty of scouring the southern lands for Sita.
Sugreeva vividly outlines the arduous journey ahead. Mount Vindhya, cloaked in dense forests and teeming with fearsome reptiles, stands as the first formidable barrier. The rivers Narmada, Godavari, and Krishnaveni nourish civilizations of diverse cultures, where agriculture flourishes and language flows melodiously. Yet, danger lurks amid these verdant expanses—venomous serpents, savage boars, and fierce tribes who brook no intrusion.
Beyond these lands lie the kingdoms of Mekhala, Utkala, Dasarna, Avanti, Vidarbha, Rustika, Mahishika, Matsya, Kalinga, Kaushika, Andhra, Pundra, Chola, Pandya, and Kerala. Each is laced with its own complexities, demanding tact and discernment. Further south, Mount Malaya rises, its valleys perfumed with the scent of sandalwood, its peaks graced by the celestial presence of the great sage Agastya. Upon his blessings, the warriors are to proceed to the serene yet perilous Tamraparni River, where deadly crocodiles lurk beneath its deceptively tranquil waters.
Their course will lead them to the golden-gated Pandya kingdom, adorned with resplendent gems—emeralds, sapphires, rubies—where grandeur rivals the heavens. Beyond its shores, the vast ocean extends, where lies the fabled Mahendra Mountain, consecrated by the divine touch of Agastya. Its trees and minerals radiate hues unseen elsewhere, its depths rich with celestial beings and sages. Here, even Indra descends fortnightly to partake in the harmony of the divine.
Twelve hundred miles beyond this sacred mountain lies an enigmatic island, home to ferocious giants, where no mortal dares to tread. It is here that Ravana, the formidable demon king who rivals Indra himself, holds dominion. The mission is singular—locate Sita, the luminous daughter of Janaka, whose radiance mirrors that of Goddess Lakshmi.
Yet, perils abound. The cursed Gandharva maiden Angaraka prowls the ocean, drawing the unwary into her shadowy grasp. Beyond this isle, another eight hundred miles distant, Mount Pushpitaka soars, its summit caressed by the sun and moon. Within this realm of ethereal beauty stands a golden mountain where Surya resides in subtle form, and a silver peak where Chandra abides. These divine sanctuaries remain invisible to the impure of heart, accessible only to those graced by virtue.
Further still, an impregnable wilderness unfurls, its dark recesses home to prowling tigers, colossal bison, elephants, and rare creatures such as the elusive nilgai. The expedition must proceed with care, scouring every shadowed enclave for the imprisoned queen. At the foot of Mount Suryavantha, their efforts continue before pressing on to Mount Vaidyuta, a sanctuary of rejuvenation where the warriors may partake in nature’s bounty, restore their strength, and inhale the healing fragrance of sacred herbs. Yet, they are cautioned—no harm must befall the sanctity of this divine grove.
The journey next leads to Mount Kunjara, where Vishwakarma himself has crafted a celestial abode for Agastya, an opulent sanctuary resplendent with gold and precious embellishments. Beyond this domain lies Bhogavati, the fortified citadel of Vasuki, King of the Serpents. Its serpentine sentinels stand vigilant, their shapeshifting prowess a formidable deterrent against unwelcome intruders.
After traversing these perilous territories, the warriors will reach Mount Rishabha, a bastion of nature’s riches—pearls, corals, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. The mountain, sculpted in the form of a mighty bull, houses a rare and potent sandalwood, the divine fragrance of which is guarded by the fierce Rohitas, the gallant clan of Gandharvas. Here, the five sovereigns of the Gandharvas—Sailusha, Gramani, Sikshaka, Suka, and Babhruvu—hold court, their radiance rivaling the celestial orbs.
Yet beyond this, none may venture. The dominion of Yama, Lord of Death, stands shrouded in an eternal veil of darkness. No living being may trespass its borders. It is here that the search must cease, for even the bravest warriors dare not challenge the eternal sentinel of fate.
Sugreeva proclaims his decree: whosoever returns within thirty days bearing news of Sita’s well-being shall be honored as his equal, lavished with wealth, and cherished above all others. Even those who falter shall find favor should they bring tidings of the lost queen. The warriors, fortified with divine boons and formidable prowess, are thus entrusted with the sacred quest.
Thus unfolds the master strategy, a confluence of wisdom and valor, where Sugreeva’s profound knowledge illuminates the path, guiding a legion of extraordinary warriors toward their noble purpose. In this grand endeavor, the resplendence of nature and the formidable challenges of the wild merge, propelling the pursuit of justice forward. With each step, the inevitable reckoning with Ravana draws nearer, heralding the restoration of cosmic equilibrium.
