The search for Sita commences in all four directions by the Vanara chiefs upon receiving the clear orders from Sugriva. We had come to know about the dispatch in all directions and the search returning futile in all but south direction. As Ravana abducted Sita and flew in that direction, the strongmen of Vanara leaders like Angada, Hanuman, Jambavanth and supporting troops were sent in that direction. Even before the search begins, Sugriva was very certain that Hanuman alone would succeed in locating Sita. Looking at this confidence, Rama gives a ring to Hanuman to show it to Sita and identify that he was indeed sent by Rama. Despite the prowess, the initial stages of search become empty and exhaustive. In search of food, the troops enters deep into a black cave where the time frame set by Sugriva to find Sita ends. We can look at the forthcoming chapters how the Vanara troops in south feel hopeless, staring at death amid a heated search. The upcoming chapters become the foundation for a giant leap and start of a heroic effort by Hanuman to trace Sita. Before the beginning of this heroic mission, there is distance to cover and unravelling of mystery of Sita’s presence through an ancient bird Sampathi.
In chapter 52, Vanaras deliverance from black hole is effectuated by sainted lady Swayamprabha. On listening to Hanuman about the plight of monkeys by which they entered this cavity in searching for Sita, Swayamprabha becomes sympathetic and offers guest ship. When entreated by Hanuman for an exit from that incarceration, and as the time frame set by Sugriva is lapsed in this very cavity, Swayamprabha uses her ascetic powers to transport the monkeys from that cave, which exit is otherwise impossible for any other intruder.
Hanuman told Svayamprabha the reason for their presence in the golden grove, "Rama, lord of the earth and son of Dasaratha, has come to live in Dandaka with his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana. Ravana the king of Lanka has abducted Sita. Commanded by our king Sugriva ruler of the Vanaras and friend of Rama, we are here in search of Sita. No cave, crevice, forest or river is yet to reveal any sign of her. Having gone for days without water or food, we came looking for them". Grateful for her hospitality, Hanuman told her that if it were not for her kindness they would have all perished. When he humbly asked, how they could repay her, the gracious lady turned down his offer saying that she had no need for anything in the world and being hospitable to them was her pleasure.
Hanuman pleaded with Svayamprabha to help them get out of the cave as the time given to them to search for Sita had ended while they were still groping in the cave. We live in fear of Sugriva who might punish us with death for having no news of Sita" lamented Hanuman. Though it was not possible for anyone entering the cave to go out alive, Svayamprabha in her kindness led them out of the cave and sent them on their way with her blessings.
In chapter 53, Angada proposes fast unto death as this troop of monkeys failed to find Sita, and the timeframe fixed by Sugriva has also lapsed, and if they return to Kishkindha, it is sure that Sugriva takes them to task. As they are caught between the devil and the deep sea, Sugriva and southern Indian Ocean, they resort to lay their lives by fasting unto death.
Coming out of the cave, the Vanaras saw what the ascetic said was the great ocean Mahodadhi. They gazed at the endless expanse of water that seemed to reach the ends of the earth. Mighty waves that rose to awesome heights and crashed with a deafening roar terrified the monkeys. Unsure of what lay beyond and intimidated with what they now saw, the baffled bands sat huddled. Seeing his troops swaying between fear and anxiety, Angada said "Of Sita there is no news but there is no doubt of Sugriva's fury at our failure. His cruelty will never permit forgiveness. It is better that we die here, than be put to death at Kishkindha where it will cause pain to our families and friends". Though Angada's words saddened the army they agreed with him "Yes, Sugriva is merciless, Rama pines for Sita, of whom we have no information. So, death for us is imminent at Kishkindha. We either find Sita or die here. It is unwise for the errant to ever meet their king." It was then that Susena suggested a remedy for their troubles. "Let us all hide in the magical cave without fear of either Sugriva or Rama" and the Vanaras agreed with him.
In chapter 54, Hanuman advises Angada to not to desert the mainstream kingdom to establish a separate one, which will definitely attract the fury of Sugriva. Hanuman uses political tactics in pacifying Angada, who is utterly terrorised of Sugriva in the event of the failure of the task under his leadership.
Hanuman silently watched the troops. Hearing the leaders voice the fears of their fate, he felt that the very kingship of Sugriva was threatened. Though Angada was like Brihaspathi in wisdom and like his father Vali in valor, his loyalty towards Sugriva seemed to waver, which alarmed Hanuman. Ever a loyal servant, master politician and a skilled diplomat he sprang into action. Creating dissension among the Vanaras was his first ploy and when they dispersed, chattering and arguing, Hanuman cornered Angada. With intention to intimidate he said, "Angada, you too can rule as well as your father but, will the Vanaras - fickle minded by nature - ever settle here without their wives and children?" "Let me also make it clear now that neither Jambavan, Nila, Suhotra nor I will join you. No bribe or threat will ever sway our allegiance to our king. Banking on the safety of this cave do not even for a moment think that it is impregnable and beyond destruction. In your foolishness you have not thought of Lakshmana's arrows, which can pulverize mountains. Leading a life of denial and regretting their decision, the monkey bands will soon desert you. With no company and support you will languish in this wilderness as hapless as a blade of grass tossed by the winds. You are also abandoning the search for Sita, which will amount to treason and felony, the price of which will be the wrath of Lakshmana".
In chapter 55, Monkeys decide to fast unto death as they failed in executing Sugriva command. Sugriva already said that anyone returning after the timeframe might deem himself as dead. Thus, Angada casting aspersions on Sugriva and his ruthless commands, takes this decision on many counts. All the other monkeys follow the suite.
Angada was not only unimpressed with Hanuman's ardent admiration for his king and his qualities, but denied them with great vehemence, "Sugriva is devoid of purity, compassion, courage and dignity. Impervious of morality how did he dare to live with his elder brother's wife, who is like his mother, while that brother still lived? What made him entomb Vali while he was battling for his life? Why did he choose to ignore his promise to Rama with whose help he got his kingdom? Even the search that he has now ordered is to protect himself?Was it the fear of blame for being ungrateful and unrighteous that Sugriva sent his troops or was it the fear of Lakshmana's fury? Was it dread and not dharma which dictated the decision?" "How can I trust him who is so treacherous? Why will he crown me who is the son of his enemy? It is better to die here rather than be put to death in Kishkindha. Leave me, go back home, pay my obeisance to Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva, to all the elders, my aunt Ruma and to my dear mother Tara, who may even die grieving for me." Angada then lay himself on a bed of reeds to starve himself to death. Sorrowing for him abusing Sugriva and praising Vali, the swarming monkeys decided to die with their prince. They bathed in the sea and lay on the northern shores of the great ocean. The mountains with their caves echoed back the wailing and the thunder of noises created by the immensely large bodied legions from Kishkindha.
In chapter 56, ancient bird Sampathi hears about his brother Jataayu's death when Angada cites it while lamenting for their misfortune. He praises that Jataayu is better off than the vanaras for he encountered Ravana and attained martyrdom. On listening his brother's name and news of his death, Sampathi, who firstly wanted to gluttonize all the vanaras, seeks their help to lower him down from mountain heights, to listen more of his brother Jataayu.
As the Vanara warriors lay on the sands of the Southern Ocean, the ancient bird Sampathi, brother of Jatayu came out of his cave in the Vindhya Mountains. A majestic bird, which was to live-forever, whom death would never touch and was once famed for his strength and valor, was now feeble with age. From his perch on the rocky summits of his home, he saw countless monkeys dotting the shores below. The sight pleased him and he said, " God in his mercy sustains all creatures according to their Karma. It is perhaps destiny that has at last sent me food in the form of these monkeys." It was Sampathi's moment of delight and Angada's moment of despair as he said "Hanuman our mission is incomplete, the king's mandate remains unfulfilled and now we face this peril and probable destruction." "We have all heard of Jatayu who fought and died for Rama's cause. He is lucky to be dead and in heaven and not living in fear of Sugriva. When all creatures, even the lowliest among them are ready to die for Rama, we who are here for the explicit purpose of finding his consort are ready to kill ourselves". Angada also blamed the many events from Kaikeyi's boons to Sita's abduction as reasons for their present predicament. Listening to Angada, Sampathi too grew sad.
In chapter 57, Angada informs Sampathi of their plight in searching for Sita. As a part of it, he also details the plight of Rama. He explains that Sita is unseen even after their meticulous search, thereof they transgressed the order of Sugriva, therefore they did not return to Kishkindha, and resorted to fast-unto-death.
Sampathi the sharp beaked bird woke up with a start and called out stridently, "Who is it that talks of the death of my dear brother Jatayu? Those words like the clanging of fearful bells send tremors through many a being. Tell me of the war between him and Ravana and tell me how Jatayu died". He then asked the Vanaras to help him down, as he could not fly. Though he looked weak and his voice was feeble the monkeys were wary, as they had heard his earlier plan to devour them. But Angada said that there would be no harm in bringing Sampathi down and that they might as well be food for him, instead of starving themselves to death" This way we will die faster and go to heaven".
In chapter 58, Sampathi informs Angada about Sita, Ravana, and Lanka after narrating his and his brother Jataayu's flights and plights. Sampathi narrates what he has seen when Sita was abducted by Ravana and concludes her to be Sita for she was incessantly calling for Rama's help. He gives an account of the lavish city Lanka as an eagle which has seen that city from this shore of ocean, though he cannot fly as the scorching sun previously burnt both of his wings. Then the monkeys on getting a bare beacon of indication from the lighthouse called Sampathi, they feel highly rejoiced on the seashore.
The pitiful tale that Angada had to tell saddened Sampathi. Wiping his tears he said, "Even after hearing about my brother I am unable to avenge his death for I no longer have the strength to fight. Many years ago as children, Jatayu and I, wanting to check our speed raced towards the Sun. As we drew closer I tried to protect my brother from the scorching heat of the Sun's rays by spreading my wings over him. But my wings soon got burnt and I fell onto the Vindhya Mountains, where I have stayed as I could no longer fly". Angada asked Sampathi if he knew where Ravana lived and the bird said, "I have seen many worlds, many wars, the churning of the ocean for Amrita and I have seen the beautiful consort of Rama being carried away. I assume she was Sita for she kept calling Rama's name. She is now in the island kingdom of Lanka built by Visvakarma and ruled by Ravana. A captive in that enchanting city she is guarded by fierce Rakshasas. My divine powers enable me to see up to a hundred Yojanas and I can see Sita and Ravana too. You will surely find Sita. Rama will slay the sinful Rakshasa and Jatayu's death shall be avenged".
In chapter 59, Sampathi details his narration telling monkeys as to how he knew the abduction of Sita. He says that his son Suparsva is the eyewitness in her abduction and narrates that account to monkeys, which his son narrated to him.
When they heard Sita's whereabouts, the Vanaras who were about to kill themselves rather than face Sugriva were ecstatic. They milled around Sampathi raining questions and pestering him for more information and he told them of what he knew. "From the day I fell on these mountains, I have lived and grown old here. As I cannot hunt for my food, my son Suparsva came with some every day. Passion to Gandharvas, anger to serpents, fear to animals and hunger to birds is very intense. So when one day Suparsva came not only late but empty handed, I was furious. Suparsva explained that while he was trying to procure my meal, he was disturbed by the appearance of someone dusky and large travelling at great speed. He had in his grip a beautiful woman who glowed with the radiance of the Sun. Suparsva had later learnt that the man was Ravana and the lady being carried away to be Sita. "Though I heard of the evil deed what could I, a wingless bird do?" Though Sampathi bewailed his helplessness he soon rallied around saying that he could still help them who were smart and intelligent.
This concludes chapters 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 of Kishkindha Kanda where we had seen Vanaras deliverence from the black hole, from where no one can return. Upon reaching the ocean shore in southern tip, elapsing the time frame set by Sugriva and clueless about Sita, Angada and his loyal army never feel like returning back to Kishkindha and face death. The monkey chief begins fast-unto-dealth and his lamentations gets the attention of Sampathi, an old huge bird, brother of Jatayu and looking to devour the Vanaras. The huge bird feels bad at hearing the pitiful tale of Angada and coming to know about Jatayu’s death. The bird also conveys he knew Ravana to be the king of Lanka where he had kept Sita guarded by dreadful Rakshasas. Hearing about Sita’s presence, the Vanaras looked at Sampathi as their beacon of hope and questioned him for more information. Sampathi knew Ravana has carried away Sita from his son Suparsva but feel helpless as a wingless bird. Thus, the crucial details gets conveyed from the ancient bird to the hopeless Vanaras. We can look at the subsequent chapters to know the legend of Sampathi, how the bird got the wings back and how the search mission came to an end in this Kanda to get a renewed life and a new beginning through Hanuman.
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