Protected by Rama's divine weapons, accompanied by Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Nala and Nila, Sugriva walked through the most enchanting groves, mountains and caves. Shimmering lakes and rippling rivers sparkled like diamonds sporting the most exotic buds and blooms of water lily. Beautiful birds flew the blue skies and elephant herds colored the panorama like dark gray clouds. As they journeyed on, Rama asked of a little green grove filled with many banana plants that came into view. Sugriva said that seven great ascetics, known as the Saptarishis had once inhabited it. After living for seven hundred years, on nothing but air, which they took, every seventh day, they had bodily reached the land of gods. "None, neither the gods nor the Asuras can penetrate the wall of trees that surround the hermitage". Paying respect to such great souls wards off inauspiciousness and disease. So do pay them obeisance", said Sugriva. That done, charmed by the captivating display of nature, the little army marched, looking forward to combat and victory. They soon sighted the invincible fortress of Vali, hard to even behold for his enemies!