After burning the entire Lanka to ashes, Hanuman extinguished the fire in his tail by jumping into the sea. Taking leave of Seeta, and assuring her of his return soon with Rama, Lakshmana and the monkey-army, Hanumana swiftly flew back. Mother Seeta bade Hanumana a tearful adieu. He also warned Hanuman against the hurdles on the way back. On the way, he paused to rest at Mount Mainaka.
Angad and the monkey-army stood on the other sea-shore waiting for Hanuman. Seeing Hanuman, they began cheering and dancing. His arrival signalled that he had succeeded. Now all of them could return to their king.
Hanuman told them all about Seeta’s great strength, piety and grief, about Ravana and the burning of Lanka. The monkeys were delighted and celebrated joyously, eating whatever they could find—fruits, roots and honey. Jambavan told the monkey-army that they had a little time left and must carry the news to Rama and Sugreeva. So, all of them set off immediately for Kishkindha. The monkey warriors were uprooting the trees out of immense delight. On the other hand, Rama was anxiously waiting for the return of the monkey-army.
Sugreeva got the happy news of the arrival of the elated monkey-army.
The troop of monkeys told Sugreeva and Rama about the exploits of Hanuman. Hanuman stated that he had seen Mother Seeta. She was repeating Rama’s name all the time. Hearing of Seeta Rama was filled with grief. Hanuman gave the chudamani to Rama who took it with tears in his eyes. He described all the events and told Rama and Sugreeva about the strength of Lanka and its soldiers so as to prepare them for the war.
Rama did not want even a moment’s delay. Sugreeva started making preparations for the battle. The army after getting all the instructions began its move to the south. On their way, they talked about as to how they would be able to win over Lanka. Rama would often feel dejected thinking of Seeta’s plight, but Lakshmana, Sugreeva and Hanuman would help him with their gentle consoling words.
