A Month of Quests: The Search for Seeta 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 Sugreev. Eventually, all the monkeys returned to Kishkindha. Sugreev instructed them to search for Seeta and return to the capital within a month. Nal, the son of the Fire god, Hanuman, the bear king Jambavan, who was Brahma's son, and other monkeys went south under Prince Angad's leadership. Other monkeys headed toward the north, west, and east.

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

Ram told Hanuman, "When Seeta 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 Ram's feet and began his mission. "Son of the Wind, you have immense strength! I am counting on you to find Seeta," Ram said to Hanuman.

After a month had passed, a brave monkey called Vinat, 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 Seeta. The monkeys approached Sugreev, who was seated with Ram on a boulder in the Prasar forest.

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