While they were thus conversing, multitudes of monkeys arrived, throngs of monkeys of every hue could be seen here, there and everywhere.

I myself, Uma, saw the army of monkeys, only a fool would try to count them. They came and bowed their heads at Rama’s feet and found their Lord in him when they saw his face.

In the whole host there was not one single monkey after whose well-being Rama did not ask. This was no great marvel for my master, Raghunatha, of cosmic form and omnipresent.

They stood in martial array at the word of command and Sugriva exhorted them all: ‘I commission you to do Rama’s work; therefore, you monkey squadrons, go forth in every direction;

- go, search for Janaka’s daughter and return, my brothers, within a month. He who comes back after that period without any news shall die at my hands.’

Hearing these words and driven by Sugriva’s command, the monkeys set out at once in every direction. Sugriva then summoned Angad, Nala and Hanuman -

- and said, Listen, O Nila, Angad, Jambavan and Hanuman, resolute and sagacious champions all, go you together to the south and inquire of everyone you meet the whereabouts of Sita.