Said Jambavan (the king of the bears), ‘I an now advanced in years and not a particle of my former strength is left in my body. When Rama, the slayer of the demon Khara, took the form of Trivikrama (the Lord with three strides, Lord Vamana), I was young and tremendously strong.

In his effort to make Bali captive the Lord grew to an indescribable size; yet in less than an hour I devoutly ran right round him as many as seven times.’

'I, said Angad, ‘will leap across; but I am rather doubtful about getting back again.’ Jambavan, however, interposed, ‘Even though you are competent in every way, how can we send you, the leader of us all?

The king of the bears then turned towards Hanuman: ‘Listen, O mighty Hanuman: why do you remain silent, you who are so valorous? You are the Son of the Wind and strong as your father, a storehouse of intelligence, discretion and spiritual wisdom.

What undertaking is there in the world, my friend, too difficult for you to accomplish? It is to serve Rama’s purpose that you have come down upon earth.’ Hearing these words, he grew to the size of a mountain,

- with a body yellow as gold and resplendent as though he was another monarch of mountains (Sumeru). Roaring again and again like a lion, he cried, ‘I can spring across the salt abyss – it is no more than a child’s play to me!

And killing Ravana with all his army, I can root up Mount Trikuta and brig it here. But I ask you, Jambavan, give me sound advice.’