Sundar Kand is the fifth chapter of the Saint Tulsidas compiled version of Ramayana, popularly known as Sri Ram Charitamanas.
This epic poem was composed in the Awadhi language by the 16th-century Indian bhakti poet Goswami Tulsidas (c. 1532-1623).
This post has details about Sundar Kand’s story and describes the benefits of reading Sundar Kand Path.
The original Sundara Kanda is in Sanskrit and forms a part of the epic Ramayan composed by Valmiki.
Valmiki’s Ramayan consists of seven chapters (Kanda) such as:
- Bala Kanda
- Ayodhya Kanda
- Aranya Kanda
- Kishkindha Kanda
- Sundar Kanda
- Yuddha Kanda
- Uttara Kanda
(Ramayana is the story of Lord Shri Rama, who is regarded as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu on this earth.)
Table of Contents
Sundar Kand Story Outline
The Sundar Kanda describes an inspiring and exciting account of the adventures of Lord Hanuman. It gives a detailed account of Hanuman’s physical prowess and superior intelligence.
The work describes Hanuman’s selflessness, strength, and devotion to Lord Rama. It gives an account of Lord Hanuman’s journey to Lanka.
Here, we give you a brief account of the Sundar Kanda story.
Hanuman chanted the name of Lord Rama and assumed a massive form to leap over the sea to reach Lanka. He fought and overpowered many demons (like Surasa) on the way to Lanka. However, no one could stop him from reaching Lanka through the sky route.
When Hanuman reached Lanka, he finds the whereabouts of Sita and finally found her in Ashok Vatika. Hanuman pacifies agony stricken Sita. He learns that Ravana threatened Sita. She was being tortured to marry Ravana.
Hanuman instills confidence in Sita. He gives Rama’s signet ring as a sign of good faith. He assures Sita that her beloved husband, Lord Rama, would soon arrive at Lanka to rescue her from Ravana’s captivity.
He even offers to carry Sita back to Rama. However, Sita refuses this offer saying that he would not allow anyone other than her husband to rescue her. Sita tells Hanuman that Rama himself must come to save her and avenge the insult of her abduction.
Hanuman then creates havoc in Lanka by destroying demons and buildings. He killed many of Ravana’s warriors. Finally, he allowed himself to be captured and produced before Ravana. Hanuman had a dialogue with the demon king Ravana and lectures him to release Sita.
However, Ravana gave no heed to his advice. On the contrary, Ravana was very angry with Hanuman and ordered his soldiers to set fire to Hanuman’s tail. Hanuman escaped his bonds and jumped hither and thither in Lanka, putting Lanka’s whole city ablaze. Finally, Hanuman makes a giant leap back from the island. He returned to Kishkindha to tell Lord Rama about the good news of finding Sita.
Benefits of Reading Sundar Kand Paath
The Sundara Kanda Paath inspires devotees and instills confidence in the minds of the reader. In fact, the most significant benefit of reading Sundar Kand Paath is that it offers the blessings of Hanuman and Bhagwan Shri Rama.
It is believed that reading of Sundar Kand Paath rids one’s house of negative energy and evil presences if any. Plus, the reading of Sundar Kand helps to avert any disaster that is headed your way.
The bad influences of cruel planets such as Rahu and Ketu are nullified. The fear of evil spirits vanishes for those who recite Sundar Kand Paath with devotion. Sundara Kanda removes afflictions, worries, and mental agony. It helps to enhance hope, courage, and confidence. The Sundar Kand Paath helps to confer prosperity, luck, health, and wealth to its chanters and listeners.
How to read the Sundar Kand?
Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered very auspicious for beginning the Sundar Kand Paath. However, one can start the Sundar Kand Paath on any day of the week.
One should have a bath and wear fresh, clean clothes.
You should set up an image of Shri Hanuman on a small square stool known as “Chauki” at your home. Now, be seated on a clean “Aasan” that is lower than the Chauki.
One should offer flowers to Lord Hanuman. You should apply Tilak and sandalwood paste to Lord Hanuman and light a Deepak made of cow’s ghee.
Now, you should start the Sundar Kand Paath.
After you have finished the Paath, do Hanumanji Aarti and offer Bhog or Prasad. You should share the Prasad with as many people as you can. You should pray to Lord Hanuman what your heart desires and retain the trust that Lord Hanuman will soon resolve all your problems.
Why reciting the Sundar Kand Paath on Tuesdays is considered auspicious?
It is believed that Bhagwan Hanuman found Seeta Mata in Lanka on a Tuesday. It is said that Mother Seeta gave a boon that whosoever worships Lord Hanuman on Tuesdays will get her blessings, also in addition to Hanuman’s blessings. So, reciting Sundara Kanda Paath on Tuesdays is believed to be a highly auspicious and beneficial practice.
Buy Sundar Kand Book or eBook from Amazon.
Well, that’s all we have for you in this post on Sundar Kand. We hope that the article proves helpful to you. Thanks for visiting. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
