Kanda 4 of 7
Kishkindha Kanda
The alliance with Sugriva, Vali's death and the search parties.
Sugriva, living in hiding on Mount Rishyamukha because his brother Vali drove him out, sees two armed men approach and sends Hanuman to find out who they are. Hanuman speaks to Rama and Lakshmana and carries them to Sugriva.
Rama and Sugriva make a pact of friendship. Rama promises to help Sugriva regain his kingdom and wife, and Sugriva promises to help find Sita. Sugriva tells Rama how Vali drove him out.
Sugriva challenges Vali to fight. Rama shoots Vali from hiding while Vali is fighting Sugriva. Vali, dying, questions whether Rama acted rightly, and Rama gives his reasons. Vali's wife Tara and his son Angada mourn him. Sugriva is crowned king, and Angada is named heir.
Rama and Lakshmana wait through the rainy season. Sugriva is slow to keep his promise, and Lakshmana arrives angry. Sugriva sends out his armies to search in all four directions, with a month to return. Rama gives Hanuman his ring to show to Sita.
The party going south, led by Angada with Hanuman and Jambavan, searches without success until they reach the shore. There the vulture Sampati, the brother of Jatayu, tells them he can see Sita in Lanka, across the sea. The monkeys wonder who can leap the ocean, and Jambavan reminds Hanuman of his strength.