Princes Ram and Lakshman had been informed at least by two entities about Sita’s abductor. The first was Jatayu who said that Sita had been abducted by a rakshas. The second was the headless giant, Kabandh, who in his death throes had told Ram that it was Ravan who had abducted Sita. It was Kabandh again who had advised him to make friends with Sugriv to find Sita. But neither Jatayu, nor Kabandh could tell Ram where to find Ravan. That was why Ram needed Sugriv’s legion of monkeys to thoroughly reconnoitre all the corners of earth for his enemy.
Having patiently waited for his ally to fulfil his promise, Ram had to detail his fiery brother to put some sense into him. Sugriv, shaken by Lakshman’s display of anger, discarded his initial tardiness and instructed Hanuman to bring to his presence the best among monkeys who inhabited the five mountain peaks of Mahendra, Himvan, Vindhya, Kailash and Mandrachal; and those who had their abode in the ever bright mountains on the subsidiary sea-coast in the western direction; and those also who lived in the places of sunrise and sunset; and the fearsome stalwarts of the forests of Mount Padmachala; and the mighty monkeys of Mount Anjan who are as black as lampblack and as dark as clouds; and those monkeys of golden shine that dwelt in large caves…all those monkeys who lived on the planet. Hanuman was to send powerful and very swift monkeys to have them there by means of threat, guile or bribery (see Balmiki Ramayan/Kishkindhakand/Canto 37(i-viii). Raja Sugriv did not rest at that. He commanded that those of the monkeys, who for any reason failed to respond to his summons in ten days, were to be put to death.
And sure enough, monkeys beyond count, of diverse colours and races, assembled at Sugriv’s call. The army was so huge that it seemed to overwrap the sun itself. The legendry troops were provisioned by divine fruits and roots that grew on the slopes of the mountain. If one ate a single piece, one would be content for a whole month. The mass of the stalwarts addressed the king thus –
Sarve parisritahshailahsaritashchvananich/
Prithivyamvanarahsarveshasanadupyantite//
Maharaj! We have gone around all the mountains, rivers, and forests. All the monkeys of the planet are here in compliance of your command.
– Ibid/Canto 37(xxxvii)
Sugriv felt confident enough now to go before Ram. Royally riding a bejewelled palanquin, with conchs blowing, kettle drums playing and minstrels singing paeans to him, he arrived at Ram’s humble abode, followed by hundreds of select monkeys. Of course, he did not forget to invite Lakshman to ride with him. Ram greeted him with all the courtesy and warmth. Sugriv sat on the floor before his benefactor. Submissively, he told Ram that he had at his command bears, lemurs and monkeys who are well acquainted with diverse wildernesses and inaccessible paths. They would kill Ravan and bring back Sita to him. Ram embraced him, saying that with his help he was confident to conquer his enemy in the war.
While they talked, there appeared a dust storm which covered the sun. In the dust-induced darkness, the four directions were spoiled and diffused. The mountains, the forest, in fact, the whole earth rocked. Sugiv’s legions had arrived – with commanders such as Shatbali, Panas, Neel; Sugriv’s father-in-law; Hanuman’s father, Kesari; Prince Angad, Bali’s son; Gwaksh, the chief of lemurs; the chiefs of bears, Dhroom and Jambvan; and many others – at their head.
Sugriv then reported to Ram that his army was ready to march. Though his commanders were well aware of the mission, they awaited Ram’s specific orders to proceed. Ram said judiciously, “My Gentle Friend, first and foremost find out whether Sita is alive or not. And if she is alive, then which country is that where Ravan lives? When we are certain of Sita’s existence and Ravan’s abode, then I will decide in consultation with you what needs to be done.” It was now Sugriv’s turn to address the gathered troops –
Thade jehntehnaayasupaee/Keh Sugriv sabhisamujhai//
Ram kajuaru mor nihora/Baanarjoothjahuchahunora//
All of them stood here and there. Then Sugriv said, explaining to them, ‘O Monkey Brigades! This is Ram’s task and I appeal (to you) – go in four corners (of the world.)’
Ramcharitmanas/Kishkindhakand/21(iii)
Thus, Vinat was sent with one lakh monkeys to the eastern direction. To the south went a strong contingent under the leadership of Neel, Hanuman, Jambvan, Gandhmadan and others. For a search in the western direction, Sugriv chose his own father-in-law Sushen, among others; and to northwards he despatched his monkeys under the command of Shatbali.
Monkey teams who had gone to the east, west and north returned disappointed within a month. They were hopeful, yet, that Hanuman and his team might be able to trace Sita because he had gone in the direction in which Sita had disappeared. Even Ram had entrusted him with his ring so he could establish his identity as Ram’s envoy when he met Sita. The route this band of monkeys took was arduous. They went to the Vindhyas traversing forests, mountain peaks, looking into caves and wading through lakes and rivers. But they could not come across any trace of Sita. Dividing themselves into several groups they spread out in the forests. There was no water or food to be had for several days.
Over-exertion had nearly sapped them of energy, when Hanuman noticed a dark cave. That cave was amazing. A host of swans, herons, cranes and wet ducks coming out of it spread out in the open. There must be water in the cave, Hanuman surmised. They rushed into it. The cave was effulgent with light. There was everything in it to satiate monkeys tormented by hunger and thirst. Hanuman discovered an elderly woman ascetic in it. Her name was Swayam Prabha – a self-illuminating being – born to Mayasurrakshas and Hema, a celestial dancer. Hanuman told his own story to her – who were they and what had brought them there. The monkeys gratefully came out of the cave and arrived at the sea coast.
Afraid of Raja Sugriv’s anger in having failed to trace Ravan or SIta, monkey leaders such as Angad sat despondently to starve themselves unto death when a humongous vulture came out from a cave and descended on them. It was Sampati, Jatayu’s older brother. Poor monkeys were terrified. Prince Angad, however, steeled himself up and faced Sampati, telling him all about Sita’s abduction by Ravan and their nearly failed mission that had landed them there. Moved to pity, Sampati said that he, because of his vulture’s sight, could see where Ravan had held Sita in Lanka. But to reach across her, he cautioned, both wisdom and bodily strength were required. “Jo naagheyi sat jojansaagar/Kareyee so Ram kaajmatiaagar//” – Whoever is a paragon of wisdom and can jump across a hundred yojans, only he shall (be able to) acquit Ram’s task!”
Who else but Hanuman it was to meet the singular requirements!
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