Sugreeva despatches his monkey forces in different directions to look for Sita and the team that travels southward has Hanuman, Angada, Mainda and many other brave monkeys. They have been given a deadline by Sugreeva to find Sita and that deadline is fast approaching. Yet, there is no sign of Sita. The monkeys are tired and thirsty but are unable to find a source of water. That is when they notice swans and other birds coming out of a cave, their bodies drenched in water. The monkeys are surprised on seeing this. But at the same time they are afraid, not knowing what the cave contains. But Hanuman tells them that since the birds are covered in water, it is a
clear indication that there is some source of clean water inside the cave. Hanuman helps them overcome their doubts and leads them into the cave, said Gomatam Madhavachariar in a discourse.
Inside they find a beautiful land, with lakes and trees and flowers. And they find honey and fruits and other things to eat. Inside the cave is an ascetic lady. Hanuman asks her to tell them about the cave. The lady, whose name is Swayamprabha, says she is guarding the cave on behalf of a celestial beauty called Hema. She suggests that the monkeys eat the fruits available in the cave and then she asks Hanuman what brought him and the other monkeys there. Hanuman narrates the story of how Rama, Lakshmana and Sita entered the forest and how Ravana had captured Sita.
He says he and the other monkeys are on a mission to find Sita and so he would now like to leave. Swayamprabha says that entry into the cave is a one way trip. Those who enter cannot leave. But she uses her power of penance to get the monkeys out. Thus Hanuman’s guidance of the monkeys and his emphasis of the importance of his search ensure the monkeys get food and also that they are safely out of the cave.
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