A Month of Quests: The Search for Sita Begins

Messengers were sent in all directions, instructing any monkeys they encountered to return to Kishkindha. Soon, monkeys were running from all directions and presented themselves before Sugriva. Eventually, all the monkeys returned to Kishkindha. Sugriva instructed them to search for Sita and return to the capital within a month. Nala (the son of the fire god, Agni), Hanuman, the bear king Jambavan, who was Brahma's son, and other monkeys went south under Prince Angada's leadership. Other monkeys headed toward the north, west, and east.

Sugriva had great hope in Hanuman's bravery, intelligence, power, speed, and diplomacy. Rama also had full faith in him. Since Hanuman completes a challenge when he accepts it, Rama hoped that this particular campaign would also be successful. Rama took off his ring—on which his name was engraved—and gave it to Hanuman. 

Rama told Hanuman, "When Sita sees this ring, she will know I have sent you. Then she won't be afraid and will talk to you. Your strength, intelligence, and enthusiasm will ensure your success."

Hanuman respectfully touched the ring to his head and kept it safe. After this, he touched Rama's feet and began his mission. "Son of Vayu, you have immense strength! I am counting on you to find Sita," Rama said to Hanuman.

After a month had passed, a brave monkey called Vinata, who had gone with his soldiers to the east, returned disappointed. Satbali, who had gone with his soldiers to the north, was unsuccessful and returned empty-handed. At precisely the same time, Suthen, who had gone with his soldiers to the west, also returned without any news about Sita. The monkeys approached Sugriva, who was seated with Rama on a boulder in the Prasar forest.

"O Monkey King, we have searched for Sita in every sea, mountain, forest, river, city, and inaccessible place, but we did not find her," they informed Sugriva. "Hanuman has gone in the southern direction, and we are confident that he will successfully discover Sita's whereabouts."