Sundara Kanda - Revision history

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	{{~~for2~~\|the 1992 film\|[[Sundara Kandam]]\|other uses\|[[Sundarakanda (disambiguation)\|Sundarakanda]]}}		{{Short description\|Fifth book of the epic Ramayana}}
			{{for-multi\|the 1992 film\|Sundara Kandam\|other uses\|Sundarakanda (disambiguation){{!}}Sundarakanda}}
	{{More citations needed\|date=July 2023}}		{{More citations needed\|date=July 2023}}
	{{Infobox religious text		{{Infobox religious text
	\| image = Hanuman's visit, in bazaar art with a Marathi caption, early 1900s.jpg		\| image = Hanuman's visit, in bazaar art with a Marathi caption, early 1900s.jpg
	\| caption = Hanuman visiting Sita in [[Ashoka Vatika]], bazaar art, early 1900s.		\| caption = Hanuman visiting Sita in [[Ashoka Vatika]], bazaar art, early 1900s
	\| author = [[Valmiki]]		\| author = [[Valmiki]]
	\| religion = [[Hinduism]]		\| religion = [[Hinduism]]
	\| language = [[Sanskrit]]		\| language = [[Sanskrit]]
	\| verses =		\| verses =
	}}~~{{Short description\|Fifth book of the epic Ramayana}}~~		}}{{Hindu scriptures}}
	{{Hindu scriptures}}

	'''Sundara Kanda''' ({{~~lang-~~sa\|सुन्दरकाण्ड		'''Sundara Kanda''' ({{langx\|sa\|सुन्दरकाण्ड
	\|lit=beautiful chapter\|translit=Sundara Kāṇḍa}}) is the fifth book in the [[Hindu]] epic [[Ramayana]].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=www.wisdomlib.org \|date=2019-01-27 \|title=Sundarakanda, Sundarakāṇḍa, Sundara-kanda: 2 definitions \|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sundarakanda \|access-date=2022-11-23 \|website=www.wisdomlib.org \|language=en}}</ref> The original ''Sundara Kanda'' is in [[Sanskrit]], and was composed in popular tradition by [[Valmiki]], who was the first to scripturally record the ''Ramayana''. Sundara Kanda is the only chapter of the ''Ramayana'' in which the principal protagonist is not [[Rama]], but [[Hanuman]]. The work depicts the adventures of Hanuman and his selflessness, strength, and devotion to Rama are emphasised in the text. Hanuman is believed to have been fondly called ~~“Sundara”~~ by his mother [[~~Añjanā~~\|~~Anjana~~]], and Sage Valmiki is stated to have chosen this name over others as the Sundara Kanda is about Hanuman's journey to Lanka.<ref>{{Cite book \|last=aravamudan \|first=krishnan \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJe9BAAAQBAJ&dq=sundara+hanuman&pg=PA369 \|title=Pure Gems of Ramayanam \|date=2014-09-22 \|publisher=PartridgeIndia \|isbn=978-1-4828-3720-9 \|pages=369 \|language=en}}</ref>		\|lit=beautiful chapter\|translit=Sundara Kāṇḍa}}) is the fifth book in the [[Hindu]] epic [[Ramayana]].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=www.wisdomlib.org \|date=2019-01-27 \|title=Sundarakanda, Sundarakāṇḍa, Sundara-kanda: 2 definitions \|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sundarakanda \|access-date=2022-11-23 \|website=www.wisdomlib.org \|language=en}}</ref> The original ''Sundara Kanda'' is in [[Sanskrit]], and was composed in popular tradition by [[Valmiki]], who was the first to scripturally record the ''Ramayana''. Sundara Kanda is the only chapter of the ''Ramayana'' in which the principal protagonist is not [[Rama]], but [[Hanuman]]. The work depicts the adventures of Hanuman and his selflessness, strength, and devotion to Rama are emphasised in the text. Hanuman is believed to have been fondly called "Sundara" by his mother [[Añjani\|Anjani]], and Sage Valmiki is stated to have chosen this name over others as the Sundara Kanda is about Hanuman's journey to Lanka.<ref>{{Cite book \|last=aravamudan \|first=krishnan \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJe9BAAAQBAJ&dq=sundara+hanuman&pg=PA369 \|title=Pure Gems of Ramayanam \|date=2014-09-22 \|publisher=PartridgeIndia \|isbn=978-1-4828-3720-9 \|pages=369 \|language=en}}</ref>

	==Summary==		==Summary==
	[[File:Maruti told Rama what he had done and placed the jewel given by Sita before him.jpg\|thumb\|Maruti returns from Lanka\|left]]		[[File:Maruti told Rama what he had done and placed the jewel given by Sita before him.jpg\|thumb\|Maruti returns from Lanka.\|left]]
	The Sundara Kanda forms the heart of Valmiki's Ramayana and consists of a detailed, vivid account of Hanuman's adventures. After learning about Sita, Hanuman assumes a gargantuan form and makes a colossal leap across the ocean to [[Lanka]] after defeating [[Surasa]], the mother of the nagas, and [[Simhika]], who is sent by the [[Hindu deities\|devatas]].		The Sundara Kanda forms the heart of Valmiki's Ramayana and consists of a detailed, vivid account of [[Hanuman]]'s adventures. After learning about Sita, Hanuman assumes a gargantuan form and makes a colossal leap across the ocean to [[Lanka]] after defeating [[Surasa]], the mother of the nagas, and [[Simhika]], who is sent by the [[Hindu deities\|devatas]].

	In Lanka, Hanuman searches for Sita, and finally finds her in the [[~~Ashok Vatika\|~~Ashoka Vatika]].		In Lanka, Hanuman searches for Sita, and finally finds her in the [[Ashoka Vatika]].

	In the [[Ashoka Vatika]], Sita is wooed and threatened by Ravana and his [[Rakshasa\|rakshasi]] mistresses to marry Ravana. Hanuman reassures her, giving Rama's signet ring as a sign of good faith. He offers to carry Sita back to Rama; however, she refuses, reluctant to allow herself to be rescued by any one other than her husband. She says that Rama himself must come and avenge the insult of her abduction.		In the Ashoka Vatika, Sita is wooed and threatened by [[Ravana]] and his [[Rakshasa\|rakshasi]] mistresses to marry Ravana. Hanuman discloses himself to Sita as Rama's messenger. Hanuman reassures her, giving Rama's signet ring as a sign of good faith. He offers to carry Sita back to Rama; however, she refuses, reluctant to allow herself to be rescued by any one other than her husband. She says that Rama himself must come and avenge the insult of her abduction.

	[[Hanuman]] then wreaks havoc in Lanka by destroying trees and buildings, and kills [[Ravana]]'s warriors. He allows himself to be captured and produced before Ravana. He gives a bold lecture to Ravana to release Sita. He is condemned and his tail is set on fire, but he escapes his bonds and, leaping from roof to roof, sets fire to Ravana's citadel, and makes the giant leap back from the island. The joyous search party returns to [[Kishkindha]] with the news.		Hanuman then wreaks havoc in Lanka by destroying trees and buildings, and kills Ravana's warriors. He allows himself to be captured and produced before Ravana. He gives a bold lecture to Ravana to release Sita. He is condemned and his tail is set on fire, but he escapes his bonds and, leaping from roof to roof, sets fire to Ravana's citadel, and makes the giant leap back from the island. The joyous search party returns to [[Kishkindha]] with the news.

	==The act of reading==		==The act of reading==
	It is traditional to begin the reading ({{IAST\|pārāyaṇa}}) of the [[Ramayana]] with the Sundara Kanda.<ref>{{citation \| year=1996 \| title = The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India : Sundarkand \| editor1=Robert P. Goldman \| editor2=Sally Sutherland Goldman \| publisher=Princeton University Press \| isbn=978-0-691-06662-2 \| pages=80–82 \| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sFmsrEszbxgC&q=parayana&pg=PA80}}</ref>		It is traditional to begin the reading ({{IAST\|pārāyaṇa}}) of the [[Ramayana]] with the Sundara Kanda.<ref>{{citation \| year=1996 \| title = The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India : Sundarkand \| editor1=Robert P. Goldman \| editor2=Sally Sutherland Goldman \| publisher=Princeton University Press \| isbn=978-0-691-06662-2 \| pages=80–82 \| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sFmsrEszbxgC&q=parayana&pg=PA80}}</ref>

	This lesson is recited by [[Hindus]], preferably on Tuesdays or Saturdays, these days having been earmarked for special prayers to [[Hanuman]]. It happens to be for nullification of the malefic effects of the crow mounted~~, the~~ son of [[Surya]] and [[Chhaya]] (shadow), [[Shani]]. [[Ramayana]] reveals that [[Shani]], who was captive at [[Ravana~~\|Ravana~~'s]] palace, was rescued by [[Hanuman]]. As a token of thanks, [[Shani]] offered reprieve to all devotees of Hanuman. An ~~alternate~~ take is that once, Shani was caught between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling when attempting to mount the latter to influence his stars. Unable to bear the pain, Shani offered his gratitude in return to an immediate release.		This lesson is recited by [[Hindus]], preferably on Tuesdays or Saturdays, these days having been earmarked for special prayers to [[Hanuman]]. It happens to be for nullification of the malefic effects of the crow-mounted son of [[Surya]] and [[Chhaya]] (shadow), [[Shani]]. [[Ramayana]] reveals that [[Shani]], who was captive at [[Ravana]]'s palace, was rescued by [[Hanuman]]. As a token of thanks, [[Shani]] offered reprieve to all devotees of Hanuman. An alternative take is that once, Shani was caught between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling when attempting to mount the latter to influence his stars. Unable to bear the pain, Shani offered his gratitude in return for an immediate release.

	The Dharmic faith suggests that its recital brings harmony to the household. Many Hindus believe that if one does not have time to read the whole Ramayana, one should read the Sundara Kanda.		The Dharmic faith suggests that its recital brings harmony to the household. Many Hindus believe that if one does not have time to read the whole Ramayana, one should read the Sundara Kanda.
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	==Other versions==		==Other versions==

	Multiple variations of the ''Sundara Kanda'' exist in other languages as well, for instance in [[Awadhi language\|Awadhi]], the language in which the saint [[Tulsidas]] wrote the ''[[Ramcharitmanas\|~~Ramacharitamanas~~]]''. The ~~Sri Ramacharitamanas~~ was written much later than Valmiki's Ramayana, in the 16th century. ~~Tulsidas' Sri [[Ramcharitmanas\|Ramacharitamanas]]~~ extends beyond the Valmiki's Sundara Kanda, as it also includes events of [[Rama]]'s army journey from [[Kishkindha\|Kishkinda]] ~~Mountain~~ to the ~~Seashore~~ of [[Rameswaram~~\|Ramaswaram~~]]; [[Rama]] prays to [[Shiva]]; ''[[Vibhishana]]'', the sage [[Shuka]] and the deity of the oceans [[Varuna]] ~~taking~~ refuge under ''~~[[Rama]]~~,'' and [[Varuna]] advises ~~''[[~~Rama~~]]''~~ to seek assistance from the two [[vanara]] brothers [[Nala]] and [[Nila (Ramayana)\|Nila]], who had the boon of being excellent architects and build a bridge from ~~[[Ramanathaswamy Temple\|Rameshvaram]]~~ to [[Lanka]] (called the [[Rama Setu (Ramayana)\|Rama Setu]]).		Multiple variations of the ''Sundara Kanda'' exist in other languages as well, for instance in [[Awadhi language\|Awadhi]], the language in which the saint [[Tulsidas]] wrote the ''[[Ramcharitmanas\|Ramacharitamanasa]]''. The ''Ramacharitamanasa'' was written much later than Valmiki's Ramayana, in the 16th century. This text extends beyond the Valmiki's Sundara Kanda, as it also includes events of [[Rama]]'s army journey from the [[Kishkindha\|Kishkinda]] mountain to the seashore of [[Rameswaram]]; [[Rama]] prays to [[Shiva]]; [[Vibhishana]], the sage [[Shuka]] and the deity of the oceans, [[Varuna]], take refuge under Rama'','' and [[Varuna]] advises Rama to seek assistance from the two [[vanara]] brothers named [[Nala (Ramayana)\|Nala]] and [[Nila (Ramayana)\|Nila]], who had the boon of being excellent architects and build a bridge from Rameswaram to [[Lanka]] (called the [[Rama Setu (Ramayana)\|Rama Setu]]).

	An earlier Tamil version, [[Ramavataram]], by [[Kambar (poet)\|Kambar]], is also a prevalent text among the [[Sri Vaishnava]] and [[Smartha\|Smarta]] Brahmins in South India.		An earlier Tamil version, [[Ramavataram]], by [[Kambar (poet)\|Kambar]], is also a prevalent text among the [[Sri Vaishnava]] and [[Smartha\|Smarta]] Brahmins in South India.
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	[[Ranganatha Ramayanam]], a [[Telugu language\|Telugu]] version of Valmiki Ramayana written by Gona Budha Reddy, also describes this episode.		[[Ranganatha Ramayanam]], a [[Telugu language\|Telugu]] version of Valmiki Ramayana written by Gona Budha Reddy, also describes this episode.

	[[M. S. Ramarao]] wrote [[Telugu language\|Telugu]] version for Hanuman Chalisa of Tulsidas and Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana as 'Sundarakandamu' in Telugu during ~~1972-74~~. He sang Sundarakanda in the form of Telugu songs.		[[M. S. Ramarao]] wrote a [[Telugu language\|Telugu]] version for Hanuman Chalisa of Tulsidas and Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana as 'Sundarakandamu' in Telugu during 1972–74. He sang Sundarakanda in the form of Telugu songs.

	A Malayalam independent translation of Sundara Kandam can be found in 'Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilipattu', written by Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. Ezhuthachan~~, who is considered as the Father of Modern Malayalam language, had written~~ the translation of the Adhyatma Ramayana, a Sanskrit text connected with the Ramanandi sect.		A Malayalam independent translation of Sundara Kandam can be found in 'Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilipattu', written by Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. Ezhuthachan wrote the translation of the Adhyatma Ramayana, a Sanskrit text connected with the Ramanandi sect.

	[[Hanuman Chalisa]] is a different poetic contribution towards the heroics of Hanuman by ~~the poet, [[Tulasidas]]~~. Though it mentions his achievements during Ramayana, it goes beyond that as well, encompassing the complete life of Hanuman.		The [[Hanuman Chalisa]] is a different poetic contribution towards the heroics of Hanuman by Tulsidas. Though it mentions his achievements during Ramayana, it goes beyond that as well, encompassing the complete life of Hanuman.

	== References ==		== References ==

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article

2023-08-31T07:47:14Z

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{{for2|the 1992 film|[[Sundara Kandam]]|other uses|[[Sundarakanda (disambiguation)|Sundarakanda]]}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox religious text
| image = Hanuman's visit, in bazaar art with a Marathi caption, early 1900s.jpg
| caption = Hanuman visiting Sita in [[Ashoka Vatika]], bazaar art, early 1900s.
| author = [[Valmiki]]
| religion = [[Hinduism]]
| language = [[Sanskrit]]
| verses =
}}{{Short description|Fifth book of the epic Ramayana}}
{{Hindu scriptures}}

'''Sundara Kanda''' ({{lang-sa|सुन्दरकाण्ड
|lit=beautiful chapter|translit=Sundara Kāṇḍa}}) is the fifth book in the [[Hindu]] epic [[Ramayana]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-27 |title=Sundarakanda, Sundarakāṇḍa, Sundara-kanda: 2 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sundarakanda |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> The original ''Sundara Kanda'' is in [[Sanskrit]], and was composed in popular tradition by [[Valmiki]], who was the first to scripturally record the ''Ramayana''. Sundara Kanda is the only chapter of the ''Ramayana'' in which the principal protagonist is not [[Rama]], but [[Hanuman]]. The work depicts the adventures of Hanuman and his selflessness, strength, and devotion to Rama are emphasised in the text. Hanuman is believed to have been fondly called “Sundara” by his mother [[Añjanā|Anjana]], and Sage Valmiki is stated to have chosen this name over others as the Sundara Kanda is about Hanuman's journey to Lanka.<ref>{{Cite book |last=aravamudan |first=krishnan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJe9BAAAQBAJ&dq=sundara+hanuman&pg=PA369 |title=Pure Gems of Ramayanam |date=2014-09-22 |publisher=PartridgeIndia |isbn=978-1-4828-3720-9 |pages=369 |language=en}}</ref>

==Summary==
[[File:Maruti told Rama what he had done and placed the jewel given by Sita before him.jpg|thumb|Maruti returns from Lanka|left]]
The Sundara Kanda forms the heart of Valmiki's Ramayana and consists of a detailed, vivid account of Hanuman's adventures. After learning about Sita, Hanuman assumes a gargantuan form and makes a colossal leap across the ocean to [[Lanka]] after defeating [[Surasa]], the mother of the nagas, and [[Simhika]], who is sent by the [[Hindu deities|devatas]].

In Lanka, Hanuman searches for Sita, and finally finds her in the [[Ashok Vatika|Ashoka Vatika]].

In the [[Ashoka Vatika]], Sita is wooed and threatened by Ravana and his [[Rakshasa|rakshasi]] mistresses to marry Ravana. Hanuman reassures her, giving Rama's signet ring as a sign of good faith. He offers to carry Sita back to Rama; however, she refuses, reluctant to allow herself to be rescued by any one other than her husband. She says that Rama himself must come and avenge the insult of her abduction.

[[Hanuman]] then wreaks havoc in Lanka by destroying trees and buildings, and kills [[Ravana]]'s warriors. He allows himself to be captured and produced before Ravana. He gives a bold lecture to Ravana to release Sita. He is condemned and his tail is set on fire, but he escapes his bonds and, leaping from roof to roof, sets fire to Ravana's citadel, and makes the giant leap back from the island. The joyous search party returns to [[Kishkindha]] with the news.

==The act of reading==
It is traditional to begin the reading ({{IAST|pārāyaṇa}}) of the [[Ramayana]] with the Sundara Kanda.<ref>{{citation | year=1996 | title = The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India : Sundarkand | editor1=Robert P. Goldman | editor2=Sally Sutherland Goldman | publisher=Princeton University Press | isbn=978-0-691-06662-2 | pages=80–82 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sFmsrEszbxgC&q=parayana&pg=PA80}}</ref>

This lesson is recited by [[Hindus]], preferably on Tuesdays or Saturdays, these days having been earmarked for special prayers to [[Hanuman]]. It happens to be for nullification of the malefic effects of the crow mounted, the son of [[Surya]] and [[Chhaya]] (shadow), [[Shani]]. [[Ramayana]] reveals that [[Shani]], who was captive at [[Ravana|Ravana's]] palace, was rescued by [[Hanuman]]. As a token of thanks, [[Shani]] offered reprieve to all devotees of Hanuman. An alternate take is that once, Shani was caught between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling when attempting to mount the latter to influence his stars. Unable to bear the pain, Shani offered his gratitude in return to an immediate release.

The Dharmic faith suggests that its recital brings harmony to the household. Many Hindus believe that if one does not have time to read the whole Ramayana, one should read the Sundara Kanda.

==Other versions==

Multiple variations of the ''Sundara Kanda'' exist in other languages as well, for instance in [[Awadhi language|Awadhi]], the language in which the saint [[Tulsidas]] wrote the ''[[Ramcharitmanas|Ramacharitamanas]]''. The Sri Ramacharitamanas was written much later than Valmiki's Ramayana, in the 16th century. Tulsidas' Sri [[Ramcharitmanas|Ramacharitamanas]] extends beyond the Valmiki's Sundara Kanda, as it also includes events of [[Rama]]'s army journey from [[Kishkindha|Kishkinda]] Mountain to the Seashore of [[Rameswaram|Ramaswaram]]; [[Rama]] prays to [[Shiva]]; ''[[Vibhishana]]'', the sage [[Shuka]] and the deity of the oceans [[Varuna]] taking refuge under ''[[Rama]],'' and [[Varuna]] advises ''[[Rama]]'' to seek assistance from the two [[vanara]] brothers [[Nala]] and [[Nila (Ramayana)|Nila]], who had the boon of being excellent architects and build a bridge from [[Ramanathaswamy Temple|Rameshvaram]] to [[Lanka]] (called the [[Rama Setu (Ramayana)|Rama Setu]]).

An earlier Tamil version, [[Ramavataram]], by [[Kambar (poet)|Kambar]], is also a prevalent text among the [[Sri Vaishnava]] and [[Smartha|Smarta]] Brahmins in South India.

[[Ranganatha Ramayanam]], a [[Telugu language|Telugu]] version of Valmiki Ramayana written by Gona Budha Reddy, also describes this episode.

[[M. S. Ramarao]] wrote [[Telugu language|Telugu]] version for Hanuman Chalisa of Tulsidas and Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana as 'Sundarakandamu' in Telugu during 1972-74. He sang Sundarakanda in the form of Telugu songs.

A Malayalam independent translation of Sundara Kandam can be found in 'Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilipattu', written by Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. Ezhuthachan, who is considered as the Father of Modern Malayalam language, had written the translation of the Adhyatma Ramayana, a Sanskrit text connected with the Ramanandi sect.

[[Hanuman Chalisa]] is a different poetic contribution towards the heroics of Hanuman by the poet, [[Tulasidas]]. Though it mentions his achievements during Ramayana, it goes beyond that as well, encompassing the complete life of Hanuman.

== References ==
<references/>

==External links==
{{wikisourcelang|1|रामचरितमानस|Ramacharitamanas}}
* [https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-ramayana-of-valmiki/d/doc424559.html Sundara Kanda]

{{Ramayana}}

[[Category:Ramayana]]
[[Category:Hindu literature]]
[[Category:Hindu texts]]