Hanuman's Report: Sita's Plight in Lanka

"O Lord," said Hanuman, bowing his head at Rama's feet, "Sita lives as a prisoner in Lanka's Ashok Garden after being kidnapped by Ravana. However, she has not been physically harmed."

They all climbed to the pinnacle of a mountain together. There, Hanuman narrated Sita's separation, the demonesses' atrocities, and Ravana's two-month ultimatum for Sita.

Desperate to learn more about Sita, Rama listened intently. Hanuman described how the monkeys met the vulture Sampati. He then recounted his own journey across the sea, the burning of Lanka, and his conversation with Sita. "She thinks of you constantly," Hanuman said. "Due to her separation from you, she has become lean and frail. Frightening demonesses surround her and try to harass her. Yet, she clings to life, hoping to be reunited with you. Her clothes are dusty, and her hair is unkempt. Ravana has given her two months to decide about becoming his queen. One month has already passed."

Hanuman continued, "I found Sita and earned her trust after describing your virtues. I told her about your friendship with Monkey King Sugriva. The daughter of Janaka remains holy, faithful, and dedicated to you. She asked me to inform you of her plight in Lanka. She gave me the ornament from her head to give to you, saying that whenever she looks at it during her separation, she sees you. She said she can survive only for a month more under the demons' harassment."

Hanuman also mentioned that he gave Sita the ring Rama had entrusted to him. As Rama listened to Hanuman's full story, tears streamed from his eyes, but moments later, his eyes blazed with anger. "We must devise a plan to cross the sea as quickly as possible," Rama declared to Hanuman.

Then Rama looked at Sita's ornament and was deeply moved.

"Friend Sugriva," said Rama, "this ornament agitates me. King Janaka gave this jewel to my beloved Sita on our wedding day. How beautiful she must have looked wearing it!"

"Has Sita sent any message for me?" Rama asked Hanuman.

"Yes," said Hanuman. "She said, 'You are the greatest warrior in the world; no one can face you in battle. If you love me, please defeat Ravana and rescue me.'"