They ate and drank and refreshed themselves and were happy. Then Hanumaan
explained to the ascetic the purpose of their wandering.
"Raama, son of Emperor Dasaratha, for
some reason, left his kingdom and lived in the forest with his brother and wife. Then a
Raakshasa carried off Seeta, the wife of Raama. The two went out searching for her. They
made the acquaintance of Sugreeva, the Vaanara King, and became friends with him.
He has sent us on this mission to search
for Seeta and find her for Raama. Our King fixed a time-limit for us to return with a
clue. We lost our way in the darkness of this cave and the period is now over. Now we do
not know what to do. Sugreeva is a strict master. For failure to do his bidding within the
time set, he is sure to visit us with the penalty of death." |
