Hanuman leaps toward Lanka, felling the resting mountain Mainaka to maintain speed. He defeats Surasa and Simhika, proving his unique ability to reach Ravana’s invincible city, which ordinary monkeys cannot access. Shrinking at sunset to bypass demons, he enters the guarded city, surveying its defenses and ultimately searching the inner harem for Sita. Hanuman searches Lanka’s opulent residences, marveling at Ravana’s wealth and sleeping consorts, yet finds no trace of Sita. He contrasts her virtue with the demon lord’s debauchery and mistakes Mandodari for her. Fearing Sita’s death would cause his allies to commit suicide, Hanuman rejects despair, concluding that freedom from despondency is essential for success. Hanuman locates Sita in the Ashoka grove, confirming her fidelity and Rama’s capability to rescue her. He observes Ravana’s lustful approach and arrogant demands. Sita steadfastly refuses Ravana, citing her chastity and dharma, warning that seizing another’s wife brings humiliation. Hanuman conceals himself, awaiting the appropriate moment to intervene while affirming the queen’s resilience and devotion. Ravana threatens Sita with death to force marriage, but she refuses, vowing suicide to preserve her devotion to Rama. While demonesses coerce her, Trijata warns of Lanka’s destruction. Hanuman arrives to deliver a message, but Sita’s scream summons armed demons, creating chaos that prevents communication and causes Rama’s mission to fail.