May the two noble scions of the house of Raghu, beautiful as the jasmine and the dark-blue lotus, both of surpassing sturdiness, repositories of all wisdom, endowed with natural grace, accomplished archers, hymned by the Vedas, dear to (or lovers of) cows and Brahmans, who by illusory power have appeared in the form of mortal men, protectors of righteousness, beneficent, wayfarers intent on their search for Sita – may they grant me devotion!

Blessed are those pious souls who unceasingly quaff the nectar of Rama’s Name, churned up from the ocean of the Vedas, cleansing the Kaliyuga of its impurities, imperishable, ever glorifying the fair and beauteous moon of blessed Shankara’s face, a remedy to heal the ills of life and death, full of blessings and the very life of Janaki!

Why not dwell at Kashi, the abode of Shambhu and Bhavani, knowing it to be the birthplace of salvation, the mine of spiritual wisdom and abolisher of sin?

O foolish soul, how is it that you do not worship him who drank off the deadly poison (churned out of the ocean of milk), when due to its burning potency the hosts of heaven were in distress? Who else is so merciful as Shiva?

Raghunatha again proceeded on his way and drew near to the hill of Rishyamuka. There dwelt Sugriva (a monkey chief) with his counsellors. When he saw the two brothers, the highest embodiments of immeasurable might, approaching,

he was utterly alarmed and cried (to one of his ministers), ‘Listen, Hanuman! These two men are abodes of valour and beauty. Assume the form of a celibate (Brahman student) and go and see them, and when you are sure what they want, acquaint me by a sign.

If they have been sent by the malicious Bali, then I must leave this hill and flee at once.’ Taking the form of a Brahman, the monkey (Hanuman) went up to the two brothers and bowing his head, questioned them thus: