Sundara Kanda is one of the most important sections of the Ramayana, composed by the sage Valmiki. The epic is divided into seven books or "Kandas," and Sundara Kanda is the fifth book. It focuses mainly on the adventures of Hanuman, the monkey god and devoted follower of Lord Rama, as he embarks on a mission to find Sita, Rama’s wife, who has been abducted by the demon king Ravana.
Here is a summary of the Sundara Kanda 👇
1. Hanuman’s Leap to Lanka -
The Sundara Kanda begins with Hanuman preparing to leap across the ocean from the southern tip of India to Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka), where Sita is being held captive. He enlarges his body and, with great strength and determination, takes a mighty leap across the ocean. During his flight, he encounters several obstacles, including a mountain that rises from the ocean, the demoness Surasa, and the demon Simhika. Hanuman overcomes each of these challenges with his intelligence, strength, and devotion to Lord Rama.
2. Hanuman’s Search for Sita -
Upon reaching Lanka, Hanuman shrinks himself to a tiny size and sneaks into the city at night. He searches through the city and eventually finds Sita in the Ashoka Vatika, a garden where she is being guarded by demonesses. Sita is in a sorrowful state, constantly thinking of Rama and refusing to submit to Ravana’s advances. Hanuman watches her from a distance and waits for the right moment to approach her.
3. Hanuman Meets Sita -
Hanuman decides to reveal himself to Sita. He praises Rama and explains his mission to her. To prove his authenticity, Hanuman gives Sita Rama’s ring, which Rama had given him as a token. Sita is overjoyed to receive the ring and reassured that Rama will soon come to rescue her. Hanuman offers to carry her back to Rama, but she refuses, citing her loyalty to Rama and saying that only he should come to rescue her.
4. Hanuman’s Destruction of the Ashoka Vatika -
Before leaving, Hanuman decides to test Ravana’s strength and the defenses of Lanka. He enlarges himself again and begins to destroy the Ashoka Vatika, uprooting trees and killing many of Ravana’s guards. The demons try to subdue him, but Hanuman easily defeats them. Ravana’s son Indrajit captures Hanuman using the Brahmastra (a divine weapon), but on the advice of his ministers, Ravana orders Hanuman to be set free.
5. Hanuman and Ravana -
Hanuman is brought before Ravana’s court, where he boldly declares his identity as Rama’s messenger and warns Ravana of the impending doom if he does not return Sita to Rama. Ravana, enraged, orders Hanuman’s tail to be set on fire. Hanuman uses this to his advantage, enlarging his tail and setting fire to many parts of Lanka before leaping back across the ocean to return to Rama.
6. Hanuman Returns to Rama -
Hanuman returns to Rama and his brother Lakshmana, along with the other members of the monkey army. He narrates his adventures in Lanka and gives Rama the message from Sita. Rama is moved by the news of Sita’s condition and is eager to rescue her.
7. Conclusion and Significance -
The Sundara Kanda ends with the preparations for the battle that will take place in the next book, Yuddha Kanda (the Book of War). Sundara Kanda is considered to be a book of hope, devotion, and faith. Hanuman’s unwavering devotion to Rama, his courage, and his intelligence are highlighted throughout the text. The Kanda is called “Sundara” (meaning “beautiful”) because it represents the beauty of devotion and the victory of good over evil.
Sundara Kanda is often read and recited by devotees of Lord Rama and Hanuman for its spiritual significance and as a source of inspiration and strength in times of difficulty.