Wandering through the forest in search of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana met the wounded Jatavu. In a dying voice, Jatayu told Rama that Sita was being carried off to the south. The valiant bird then breathed its last repeatedly chanting the holy name of Rama. Deeply saddened, Rama an Lakshmana offered Their respects to the departed bird and performed the final rites.
Rama and Lakshmana then went southwards, trying to find Sita. Near the mountain called Rishyamukha, They met a very strong and powerful monkey, Hanuman. Hanuman was a great devotee of Lord Rama and was eager to serve Him. He took Them to his king, Sugriva. Hearing the story of Sita's kidnapping, Sugriva told Rama that he would help Him find Her. But He would first have to help Sugriva fight his brother, Vali, who had stolen Sugriva's wife from him. Rama asked Sugriva to call Vali out to fight. When the two brothers fought, there seemed no chance of Sugriva winning. So Rama Himself killed the wicked Vali with an arrow from His bow.
Sugriva was very thankful to Rama for returning his kingdom and wife to him. He sent out monkeys in different directions, with this order, "Search every nook and corner of the land and find Sita."
Hanuman, possessor of many wonderful powers-he could make himself very small or very huge-jumped across the ocean to Lanka. He found Sita in the garden called Ashokavana.
Sita was drowned in sadness because of being held captive by the demon Ravana. She missed Rama so much that She could not eat or sleep. She thought only of Him all day. When Hanuman met Sita, She was not sure if he was really a messenger from Rama. Hanuman showed Her Rama's ring, which He had sent through the monkey as proof. Sita was delighted to see Her beloved Lord's ring and wept tears of joy. Hanuman asked Her, "Dear Mother, I can easily carry you back with me to Rama. Please climb on to my shoulder. I cannot see You grieve so much in your loneliness."
But Sita replied, "No, Hanuman. Let Rama come like a brave warrior and save Me from this wicked Ravana. Rama should win Me back like a true prince and then He will be greatly respected."
Hanuman left Sita and decided to do some mischief so that Ravana would come out to fight him. He ran through the beautiful gardens of the palace, pulling out plants and uprooting trees. He threw these about all over and made the garden untidy. Soon Ravana's soldiers arrived and Hanuman allowed them to overpower him. Hanuman wanted to meet Ravana and tell him how evil he was to carry away the wife of another.
Ravana made fun of Hanuman when he was brought to the royal court. Hanuman told am the messenger and servant of Lord Rama whose wife you have kidnapped. Do not continue to keep Her here, as She will be the reason for your end."
When Ravana heard Hanuman, he became very angry. He ordered his soldiers to kill Hanuman at once. But Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, who was kind-hearted, said, "Dear brother, it is sinful to kill the messenger. Hanuman should not be killed, but you can punish him if you wish."
Ravana then ordered his soldiers to set fire to Hanuman's tail.