In the southern lands, a search party, unbound by time yet subtly aware of its passage, pursued their mission with unwavering resolve. United in purpose, they believed their efforts would bear fruit. Hanuman and Tarana, under the decree of their sovereign, meticulously charted search locations. Leading his valiant entourage, Hanuman arrived at Mount Vindhya, delving into its deepest caverns and dense forests. They explored thickets interwoven like floral groves, probed valleys and burrows, and scoured citadels, castles, palace fortresses, and choultries. Forbidden furrows were unearthed, tree hollows large enough for elephants examined, and every conceivable dwelling combed for any sign of life.
With steadfast dedication, they ventured into craters, hidden paths, and secretive corridors linking hills and forests. Though relentless in their duty, hunger and thirst gnawed at them. Hanuman, ever wise, declared that sustenance was paramount for the fulfillment of their sacred charge. “We are stationed here to seek the soul of Rama, the daughter of Janaka. Partake of fruits, roots, and buds, lest we falter in our task. I will not see a single life lost to hunger or thirst.”
Heeding his counsel, the warriors replenished their strength and resumed their quest with renewed vigor. They soon entered a grim domain where towering trees stood like gnarled thorns—leafless, fruitless, devoid of creepers and blooms. The land was barren of beasts—no buffalo, deer, or elephant roamed its desolate expanse. The lakes lay lifeless, their waters absent, their lilies and lotuses long withered. A fearful silence pervaded the air, untouched by birdsong or the hum of insects.
Amidst this eerie emptiness, they beheld a radiant sage, his countenance aglow with divine energy. Hanuman, recognizing his sanctity, spoke of Sage Kandu, a paragon of truth and a bastion of penance. The sage, burdened by the premature departure of his son, had cursed the land to be devoid of life. Sustaining himself solely on air, he remained ensconced in meditation, undeterred by the desolation around him.
Despite their exhaustive endeavors, no trace of Sita or Ravana was found. Undeterred, they pressed onward, entering dense forests teeming with life. Suddenly, a monstrous figure emerged—a dark colossus with a cavernous mouth, jagged fangs, and talons sharp as swords. Startled, they mistook him for Ravana. Angada, steadfast, demanded his identity. The giant bellowed, “I am Krodha, son of Dusta, and I shall devour you whole!” Disappointed that this fiend was not Ravana, Angada, with formidable strength, seized the giant and hurled him into oblivion.
Emboldened, they scoured further into the caves, uncovering a vast and eerie chamber where echoes resounded ominously. Weary from their trials, they rested beneath the shade of a colossal tree spanning miles. Fear crept upon them as doubts about their mission’s success took root. Angada, assuming the mantle of leadership, roused their spirits. “We have searched through forests, gardens, caves, and mountains yet remain empty-handed. Our vigilant King Sugreeva does not abide failure. Cast away despair and slumber! Renew your resolve and pursue Janaka’s daughter with unwavering determination.”
Inspired by his words, the warriors gathered their strength. Gandhamadana, though weary, affirmed, “Your counsel is just. Let us retrace our steps with sharper focus.” With newfound zeal, they journeyed deeper into the forest’s heart, reaching the sacred Rajatha Mountain, hoping to glimpse Sita. Despite their devotion, exhaustion weighed heavily upon them. After a brief respite, they resumed their search, navigating treacherous terrain and scaling Vindhya’s formidable heights. Along cascading waterfalls, they encountered prowling lions and hunting tigers, undeterred by nature’s perils.
Hanuman, ever strategic, deployed warriors based on their unique talents—Gaja, adept at traversing edges; Gavaksha, with eyes piercing the darkest caverns; Sarabha, mighty enough to lift colossal weights; Gandhamadana, attuned to the faintest tremors; and Mynanda and Dwivida, whose keen sense of smell could unearth even the most elusive trails.
The expedition led them to a southern hollow fiercely guarded by a demon—a cavern known as Vrukshbila. Herons, swans, and giant sparrows emerged from its depths, while intoxicating floral scents perfumed the air. Venturing within, they discovered a realm teeming with life—a stark contrast to the desolation they had previously faced. An undercurrent of mystery pervaded the landscape, leaving them both awed and apprehensive. Hanuman, well-versed in the secrets of forests and mountains, led the way.
As they delved deeper, darkness enveloped them, yet the abundance of birds signified the presence of water. Pressing forward, they found themselves amidst roaring lions and prowling tigers, their bodies brushed by the beasts in a harrowing yet unyielding advance. Suddenly, light dawned upon them, revealing an ethereal grove. They traversed miles through glimmering foliage, unaware of time’s passage, their thirst and hunger momentarily forgotten in the fervor of their quest.
Before them lay a vision of splendor—a luminous forest where golden trees and silver-crested creepers flourished. Ancient trees such as Sala, Tala, Tamala, Punnaga, and Champaka adorned the landscape, their blossoms shimmering like celestial fire. A tranquil lake, its waters resplendent with golden lotuses and gliding turtles, lay at the heart of this divine haven. Houses wrought from gold and silver sparkled in the sunlight, their cascades adorned with gemstones, casting iridescent rainbows upon the ground.
In sheer wonder, they beheld exquisite furnishings—gilded benches, chairs, and cots, encrusted with precious gems. Sacred provisions lay in abundance—sandalwood, turmeric, and fragrant offerings prepared for ancient rites. Fruits of every kind were meticulously arranged, alongside fresh juices, roots, and beets. In another corner, deer skins, sacred beads, and grass mats were neatly stacked. At the center of this celestial hall lay silks, sarees, and garments of unparalleled finery, alongside vast heaps of gold coins glistening like stars.
Amidst this surreal splendor stood a divine woman of radiant presence. Her aura exuded serenity and wisdom. With folded hands, Hanuman, ever humble, addressed her. “O pious lady, who are you? To whom does this wondrous domain belong?”
Her answer, a revelation yet to unfold, would weave the threads of destiny tighter and propel their mission forward. In this hidden sanctuary of unparalleled beauty, hope stirred anew in the hearts of the simian warriors. The universe itself seemed poised for an auspicious turn, as fate beckoned them ever onward.