A marvel of strategy, wisdom, and meticulous planning, Sugreeva, after assembling a formidable team for the southern expedition and dispatching them with flawless guidance from inception to return, now turns his keen gaze westward. He seeks to constitute another elite search party, and to this end, he approaches Sushena—his father-in-law, the father of Tara—whose form looms like a heavy storm cloud.
With hands folded in reverence, Sugreeva speaks: “O Great King! You are appointed to lead the western expedition. Confer with the illustrious son of Sage Marichi, who rivals Mahendra in might, swift and resplendent like the divine eagle Garuthmantha, known as Archishmantha. His valiant brothers, the famed Archimalya clan, possess multifaceted prowess beyond compare. Let them be part of your cadre.
“O noble leader, venture forth to Sourashtra, Bahlika, and the grand dynasties of Chandra and Chitra. These lands are vast and teeming with resplendent gardens, flourishing hamlets, and villages embraced by verdant trees and blossoming shrubs. Search diligently in the deep forests where Vakula and Uddala trees stand tall, their fragrant screw pines veiling the heart of the woods. Beware the lurking black and crimson cobras of immense size and deadly venom as they slither through the undergrowth. Probe the outer settlements with vigilance, O valiant warriors!
“Survey the riverbanks where waters course westward, and scrutinize hermitages, sacred teaching ashrams, burial grounds, towering stones upon mounts, and concealed mountain caves. Cross the western ocean, a domain of peril, where crocodiles, turtles, and mighty whales roam. The denizens of this region are fierce and quick to strife. Beyond, pass through groves of coconut, orange, palmyra, and screw pine. Explore the towering mountains near the shores, scanning the dense thickets of sugarcane and bamboo.
“Traverse magnificent realms—Murachipathhana, Jatapura, Avanthi, Angalepapura, and Alakshthavana. The cities and villages are expansive; seek out Sita and the demon Ravana’s dwelling. Journey further to the confluence of the Sindhu Sagara, where Somagiri stands, a mountain of a hundred hilltops, lush with towering trees. There, fierce winged lions dwell—swift, strong, and unyielding. They feast upon mighty elephants and whales, their piercing gaze capable of discerning the faintest movement. Navigate this treacherous terrain with stealth and sagacity.
“Encircling this domain, colossal elephants trumpet defiantly, their herds residing near the lion caves, their thunderous calls shaking even the bravest hearts. Nature’s balance, a masterpiece of cosmic ingenuity, is delicately poised in this sacred land. Deploy your unseen prowess to ensure an uninterrupted search.
“Beyond this lies the majestic Mount Pariyatra, stretching a hundred miles with golden peaks so radiant they shimmer like celestial whirlwinds. Here, shape-shifting Gandharvas, formidable warriors imbued with the power of fire and wind, dwell in vast numbers. Approach not their sanctum, nor pluck a single flower or fruit, lest you invoke their wrath. Yet, in your natural monkey guise, they will not hinder you. Search with discretion.
“Further ahead rises the Vaidurya Mountain, gleaming like a diamond, its myriad caves awaiting your scrutiny. At the ocean’s edge stands Chakravantha, where Vishwakarma, the divine architect, forged a thousand-spoked wheel. Here, the demon Hayagreeva once concealed the sacred Vedas, shielding them behind this celestial construct under the watchful guard of Panchajana, the conch-dwelling fiend. It was here that Lord Vishnu vanquished the demons and reclaimed the lost knowledge. Inspect every valley, cavern, and precipice.
“Sixty miles into the ocean, you shall reach the golden mountain Varaga, spanning a hundred miles, sheltering the opulent and formidable kingdom of Pragjyothisha, domain of the malevolent Demon Naraka. Leave no stone unturned in this accursed land. Past this golden expanse, you will behold Sarva Souvarna, a haven of shimmering lakes and abundant streams, hemmed by dense forests where elephants, boars, tigers, and lions roam freely. Their resounding calls echo across the mountainous terrain. Examine the shadowed recesses of these woods.
“Beyond this, you will find the partially veiled Megha Mountain, where Indra, slayer of Pakasura, was anointed by Brahma. Here, the gods once gathered for a grand celestial consecration. This land is under Indra’s divine dominion—cross it with reverence. Further lies a conglomeration of sixty thousand golden peaks, radiant like the tender glow of dawn. Amidst them towers Meru, blessed by the Sun God in antiquity. Its boon ensures that all who dwell within its bounds glisten in golden hues—the divine beings, Viswadevathas, Astavasus, Sapta Maruthus, and celestial spirits arrive at dusk, adorning the western Meru in veneration of the Sun God. As he dips beyond the horizon, he hastens unseen to Astadri, covering eight thousand miles in mere minutes.
“Vishwakarma has constructed a grand celestial palace atop Astadri, a marvel of vast halls and sprawling courtyards, where birds harmonize their melodies with the whispers of wind and the murmurs of sacred caves. This hallowed abode is the dwelling of Lord Varuna. Between Meru and Astadri stands an immense golden palmyra tree, towering in splendor. Search every crevice of this realm to uncover Sita’s presence.
“Beyond lies the abode of Meru Savarni, a sage of unparalleled wisdom, his radiance akin to the Sun God. He, an exalted steward of Dharma, holds dominion over past, present, and future. Prostrate yourself before him and seek his divine counsel—his insight may illuminate your quest. This sacred land is bathed in the Sun God’s luminescence, bestowing clarity upon all beings.
“Having completed your search, ascend, Astadri, and return to Kishkindha within thirty days. Any delay beyond this decree invites the weight of my command and its due consequence. My noble father-in-law, a paragon of strength and strategy, shall guide you. Each of you is proven and capable, yet even the mightiest force requires the wisdom of a leader to navigate the tides of adversity. In the chronicles of antiquity, moments of frailty and despair are inevitable; it is leadership that rekindles resolve and steers the mission toward its righteous goal.
“The divine brilliance of Sita shall dispel our anxieties and fulfill the very purpose of our existence. Our allegiance to Rama is a solemn debt, a covenant of honor to be fulfilled with unwavering devotion.”
Thus, having imbibed the king’s enlightened directives, the valiant warriors embarked upon their arduous journey westward. Their quest, illuminated by knowledge, charged with opportunity, and tested by trials, was a testament to their resolve. In Sugreeva’s profound narration, the grandeur of nature’s artistry and the boundless scope of creative splendor were laid bare, easing their path and fortifying their spirits for the trials ahead.