Even as Hanuman, Angada, Mainda, Jambavan and Gandamadana fought their way into the hostile depths of the forests of Vindhya, the time allotted to them for the search had almost ended. One day their wanderings brought them to a cave whose entrance was choked with vine and thickets. Flying out of that almost impenetrable veil were birds, with their bodies dripping wet and their feathers tinged red with the pollen of lotus. Encouraged by the sight, the thirsty armies pushed their way into the opening.Not only did they not find water, but had plunged in to a terrible darkness where they groped for days. Losing all sense of time and direction overpowered by hunger, thirst and exhaustion they finally saw a glimmer of light. Following which they came out and what met their disbelieving eyes was a stunning expanse of the most exotic display! Momentarily forgetting their woes the denizens of Kishkinda stood mesmerized. The lakes that they beheld were pristine, the lotuses in them were mesmeric and the homes that dotted the land were golden with floors of silver and gold! Windows were festooned with pearls while mounds of silver, gold and jewels along with the best of finery, food and drink seemed plenty. As they stood bewildered an old emaciated woman ascetic wearing robes of bark and glowing with the power of her penance came towards them. Hanuman asked her humbly to whom belonged the cave and the treasures in it.