The Golden City: Hanuman's Reconnaissance of Lanka

"You have well-wishers like us and will certainly be victorious," Sugreev assured Ram. "As long as you have your bow, no one can challenge you. You will soon be reunited with Seeta. Lord, please channel your anger; the fire of your rage will destroy the entire demon army."

After listening to Sugreev's encouraging words, Ram ceased grieving and began discussing their strategy for the upcoming war. He turned to Hanuman and inquired about Lanka's security arrangements.

"The city of Lanka always exudes an atmosphere of celebration," Hanuman reported to Ram. "Their chariots, elephants, army, and resources are unparalleled. Every conceivable luxury is present there. Lanka boasts numerous brave demons and ample provisions for entertainment. The city has four massive entry gates that usually remain closed. Near these gates, machines are installed to shower arrows and stones upon approaching enemies. Lanka is well-equipped with various kinds of weapons. The demons there have long, formidable nails.

"The city's impenetrable walls are made of gold and precious gems. Large crocodiles inhabit the deep moat that surrounds the walls. A skillfully constructed bridge leads to the gates of Lanka. An attacking army can easily be drowned in the moat's depths. Adequate defenses are in place to prevent enemy forces from breaching the city.

"Oh Lord, Ravan himself is a formidable warrior, well-versed in the art of war. He personally supervises his army and always keeps them battle-ready. The city of Lanka is impregnable, even to the gods, fortified by water, mountains, forests, and walls. It remains isolated from other regions of the world, situated as it is in the south, in the middle of the ocean, atop a mountain. The city is equipped with elephants, horses, and chariots, making it as secure as Indra's capital, Amaravati."

"In Lanka, ruled by Ravan, there are all types of war machines and weapons," Hanuman told Ram. "The demon guarding the western gate wields a spear but is equally skilled with a sword. The sentinel at the southern gate is a formidable warrior. The eastern gate is protected by a demon adept with a sword and proficient in all weapons. The guard at the northern gate is an exceptional fighter and skilled in riding horses and chariots. Small patrols of brave, battle-hardened demons regularly survey the city. I have destroyed the gates, filled the deep moat surrounding the city with mud, breached the boundary wall, and set the city ablaze. If we cross the sea, we can conquer Lanka."