THE SEARCH BEGINS

Hanumaan and Angada entered and searched the caves and forests of the Vindhyas. Then they came upon a desert, where a rishi was performing tapas. By his curse it was devoid of trees and plants, of birds and beasts. Travelling further south, they saw a big Asura. The cruel one, regarding the Vaanara crowd as a good meal sprang up to catch them. They thought at first that this was no other than Raavana.

Angada rushed towards him and gave him a mighty blow. Unable to stand it, the Asura spat blood and fell on the earth and lay dead like a great hill. Rejoicing in the thought that Raavana was dead, the Vaanaras searched the forest for Seeta. But, there was no sign of her. And so they carried the search else where.

Often they would weary of their fruitless search and sit down in blank despair. At such times, Angada, Gandhamaadana or some other leader would encourage them and make them resume the search. Many days were spent in this way. Yet Seeta was not to be seen and they dreaded Sugreeva's displeasure.

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