Glimpses of Sundarakanda
Vasantha Navaratri is a special occasion of the year where in both Devi and Lord Rama are propitiated. Typically Sundarakanda, a section of Ramayana is read during this auspicious time. Here the are glimpses of the story of Sundarakanda in pictures which can be read during these nine days till Rama Navami.
About Sundarakanda
Among our two great Ithihasas namely Ramayana and Mahabharatha, the former is celebrated with the special status of Aadi Kaavya (‘oldest epic‘). Among all the Kandas (divisions) of Ramayana, the Sundara Kanda forms the heart of Ramayana and is considered very sacred. Sundara Kanda is the fifth kanda in Ramayana consisting of 2885 verses distributed across 68 sargas (chapters). This kanda depicts the adventures of Lord Hanuman as he sets out to locate Goddess Sita across the ocean. This is the only kanda of Ramayana where the hero is not Rama, but rather Hanuman. ‘Sundara‘ means ‘Beauty‘ and Hanuman was fondly called ‘Sundara’ by his mother Anjana and hence Sage Valmiki must have chosen this name for this kanda. In this most beautiful section of Ramayana, Valmiki outlines the achievements of Hanuman for whom nothing is impossible and who stands as an epitome of self-confidence, devotion to Rama, fearlessness and trustworthiness.
The Story
The Sundara Kanda consists of an elaborate account of Lord Hanuman’s adventures. After knowing about Sita’s location from the vulture king Sampathi, Hanuman assumes an enormous form and leaps across the ocean to Lanka. After successfully neutralizing several obstacles on the way, he reaches Lanka and after a thorough search, locates Sita in the Ashokavana. There he gains her trust and reassures her of her rescue, giving Rama’s signet ring as a sign of good faith. He also offers to carry Sita back to Rama but she refuses as she wants to be rescued only by her husband. Hanuman then wreaks havoc in Lanka by destroying trees and buildings and killing Ravana’s warriors and his sons. He then allows himself to be captured and produced before Ravana. He then proclaims himself to be the messenger of Rama (Ramadutha) and advises Ravana to release Sita. When the evil Ravana does not listen and sets his tail on fire, he escapes, sets fire to Lanka and leaps back to the other shore. He then returns to Rama and announces the great news of sighting of Sita. Rama rewards Hanuman, his supreme devotee, by embracing him, the greatest gift one could ever wish for!
Below shloka aptly summarizes the beauty of Sundarakanda.
- Sundare Sundaro Rama: Sundare Sundari Katha
- Sundare Sundari Sita Sundare Sundaram Vanam
- Sundare Sundaram Kaavyam Sundare Sundara: Kapi:
- Sundare Sundaram Mantram Sundare kim na Sundaram
Meaning: In the Sundarakanda (beautiful chapter), beautiful is Rama, beautiful is the story; Beautiful is Sita Devi, beautiful is the Asoka Vanam; Beautiful is the poem; Beautiful is Hanuman; Beautiful is the mantra; what is not beautiful in Sundara Kandam?
|| Lokaa Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||
In divine togetherness and prayers for Lokakshemam🙇♀️
Day 1
Shloka to chant
- नमोऽस्तु रामाय सलक्ष्मणाय
- देव्यैच तस्यै जनकात्मजायै ।
- नमोस्तु रुद्रेन्द्र यमानिलेभ्यो
- नमोऽस्तु चंद्रार्क मरुद्गणेभ्यः ।।
- Namosthu Ramaaya Sa Lakshmanaaya
- devyai cha thasyai Janakaathmajaayai
- namosthu Rudra Indra Yama Anilebhyo
- namosthu Chandra Arka Maruth ganebhyaha
Meaning: Salutation to Rama and Lakshmana, salutation to the goddess Sita who is Rama's wife and who is the daughter of Janaka. Salutation to Rudra, Indra, Yama and Vaayu, salutation to the moon, sun and the hordes of maruths.
Importance of this special shloka from Sundarakanda:
Prayer is the panacea for all problems. When Hanuman had lost all hopes in finding Sita Devi,the above shloka seems to have helped him succeed in his last attempt. He proved that it is only through prayer one can achieve success besides great qualities like valour, strength and capacity.
Since then, many have got benefited by the above shloka, during times of trouble, depression, fear and uncertainty.
Glimpses of the Story
