Kabandha's Advice

Kabandha pleaded for the curse to be lifted, and the sage relented slightly, saying that he would regain his true form when Rama and Lakshmana cut off his arms and performed his last rites. 

The two brothers followed through with this, and as Kabandha's body was set on fire, a handsome man wearing white clothes emerged, adorned with a necklace and jewels.

"Rama, I will tell you how to get Sita back," said the young man. "In this situation, you and Lakshmana must feel helpless, so you need a friend. Without an ally, you will not be successful in your mission."

Kabandha then told them where they could find an ally. "Displaced by his brother Vali, the monkey Sugriva lives on Rishyamuka Mountain. Sugriva is the son of Surya, and a brave and powerful monkey. He knows all the places where the sun shines and can locate your wife from anywhere with his fellow monkeys. By sending his powerful fellow monkeys in all four directions, he will be able to find Sita, who must be sad because of your separation. 

"Rama, go quickly and, with fire as the witness, make a vow of friendship with Sugriva. He can change his form according to his will. He needs your help now, and once you help him, he will be grateful. Together, the two of you can succeed in your mission. He will find Sita from any corner of the earth."

Kabandha showed Rama and Lakshmana the path to Rishyamuka Mountain and then ascended to Svarga.