Hanuman's Report: Seeta's Plight in Lanka

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

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

Desperate to learn more about Seeta, Ram listened intently. Hanuman described how the monkeys met the vulture Sampati, journeyed over the sea, burned Lanka, and his conversation with Seeta. "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. Ravan has given her two months to decide about becoming his queen. One month has already passed."

Hanuman continued, "I found Seeta and earned her trust after describing your virtues. I told her about your friendship with Monkey King Sugreev. The daughter of Janak 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 Seeta the ring Ram had entrusted to him. As Ram 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," Ram declared to Hanuman.

Then Ram looked at Seeta's ornament and was deeply moved.

"Friend, Sugreev," said Ram, "this ornament agitates me. Emperor Janak gave this jewel to my beloved Seeta on our wedding day. How beautiful she must have looked wearing it!"

"What message has Seeta sent for me?" Ram asked Hanuman.

Hanuman conveyed Seeta's message: "You are the greatest warrior in the world, yet why haven't you displayed your strength against the demons? No one can face you in battle. If you have any affection left for me, defeat Ravan and rescue me."