The Kishkindha Kanda is the fourth book of the Ramayana and centers on Rama’s alliance with the monkey king Sugriva, his quest to rescue Sita, and the events leading up to the search for her. Kishkindha, the kingdom of the Vanaras (monkey-like beings), plays a crucial role in the narrative as it sets the stage for the unfolding battle against Ravana. Below is a detailed explanation of the Kishkindha Kanda |
1. Introduction to Kishkindha Kanda -👇
The Kishkindha Kanda begins with Rama and Lakshmana continuing their search for Sita, following the events of the Aranya Kanda. They arrive at Rishyamukha Mountain, where they meet Sugriva, the exiled monkey king who had been living in hiding, fearing his brother Vali .
2. Meeting with Sugriva -
Sugriva, who has been watching Rama and Lakshmana from a distance, sends his minister Hanuman to inquire about their intentions. Disguised as a brahmin, Hanuman approaches Rama and Lakshmana and introduces himself. Rama, impressed by Hanuman’s wisdom and humility, reveals his identity and his mission to find Sita. Hanuman, recognizing the greatness of Rama, leads the brothers to Sugriva.
3. Alliance with Sugriva -
Sugriva, who is living in exile after being driven out of Kishkindha by his brother Vali, forms an alliance with Rama. Sugriva promises to help Rama find Sita🙏 in exchange for Rama’s assistance in regaining his kingdom from Vali. Rama agrees, and they swear friendship to each other.
4. Sugriva’s Grief -
Sugriva recounts the story of how he came to be exiled. Vali, his elder brother, had once gone to fight a demon named Mayavi. When Vali did not return for a long time, Sugriva, fearing for his brother’s life, blocked the entrance to the cave where the battle was taking place. Vali eventually emerged victorious, but upon seeing the blocked entrance, he believed Sugriva had betrayed him. Enraged, Vali attacked Sugriva and took over the kingdom, driving Sugriva into exile.
5. Rama’s Encounter with Vali -
Sugriva challenges Vali to a duel, but initially, Vali defeats him. Sugriva, wounded and discouraged, returns to Rama. Rama advises Sugriva to challenge Vali again, but this time to wear a garland so that Rama can distinguish between the two brothers during the fight.
In the subsequent duel, as Vali gains the upper hand, Rama, hiding behind a tree, shoots an arrow that mortally wounds Vali. As Vali lies dying, he confronts Rama, questioning the ethics of killing him from a hidden position. Rama explains that as Vali had wronged his own brother and aligned himself with unrighteousness, his punishment was justified. Vali, realizing his errors, asks for forgiveness and entrusts the care of his son Angada to Sugriva and Rama.
6. Coronation of Sugriva -
After Vali’s death, Sugriva is crowned king of Kishkindha, and Angada is made the crown prince. Sugriva then fulfills his promise to Rama by assembling the Vanara army to search for Sita. However, as the rainy season (monsoon) arrives, Sugriva and his ministers indulge in royal pleasures, forgetting his promise to Rama.
7. Rama’s Anger and Lakshmana’s Intervention -
As the rainy season ends and there is still no news from Sugriva, Rama grows impatient and angry. He sends Lakshmana to Kishkindha to remind Sugriva of his promise. Lakshmana, in a fury, enters the palace, causing fear among the Vanaras. Sugriva, realizing his neglect, pacifies Lakshmana and immediately orders the Vanaras to begin the search for Sita.
8. The Search for Sita -
Sugriva sends out search parties in all directions, led by prominent Vanara warriors such as Nila, Angada, and Hanuman. The southern party, which includes Hanuman, Angada, and Jambavan, is the most significant, as they eventually find clues leading to Sita’s whereabouts.
9. Meeting Sampati -
During the search in the southern direction, the Vanaras encounter Sampati, the elder brother of Jatayu, who had also been injured in a battle. Sampati, upon hearing of Jatayu’s heroic attempt to save Sita, is deeply moved. He tells the Vanaras that he saw Ravana carrying Sita southward towards Lanka, across the ocean. Sampati’s revelation brings hope to the Vanaras, who now have a clear direction to pursue.
10. Hanuman’s Leap to Lanka -
The Vanaras reach the southern coast, where they face the daunting task of crossing the vast ocean to reach Lanka. Realizing that only Hanuman has the strength and ability to make the leap, the other Vanaras encourage him. Hanuman, invoking his hidden powers, grows to a gigantic size and leaps across the ocean, beginning his journey to Lanka.
Themes in Kishkindha Kanda -
- Friendship and Loyalty: The alliance between Rama and Sugriva underscores the importance of friendship and mutual loyalty in achieving common goals.
- Justice and Righteousness: Rama’s decision to kill Vali, though questioned, is based on the principles of dharma (righteousness) and justice.
- Devotion and Duty: Hanuman’s devotion to Rama and his willingness to undertake the perilous journey to Lanka reflect his unwavering sense of duty.
Significance of Kishkindha Kanda -
The Kishkindha Kanda is crucial in the Ramayana as it brings together the key allies who will assist Rama in his quest to defeat Ravana and rescue Sita. The introduction of Hanuman and the Vanara army sets the stage for the epic battles that follow in the subsequent Kandas. The themes of loyalty, justice, and the power of alliances are woven throughout this Kanda, emphasizing the moral and ethical values that are central to the Ramayana.