Kishkindha Kand
The book of Kishkindha describes the alliance with the Vanara king Sugriva, the meeting with Hanuman, and the search for Sita.
Key themes: Meeting Hanuman · Alliance with Sugriva · Search for Sita
Kanda 4 · 14 Episodes
Verse counts
Kishkindha Kand Episodes
Invocation
Kishkindhakand begins with a sacred invocation that remembers the Lord and the holy tradition. It sets an auspicious and devotional tone for the narrative that follows.
Hanuman Meets Rama and Rama Befriends Sugriva
Hanuman first meets Rama and Lakshmana and introduces them to Sugriva. With fire as witness, a sacred friendship is formed between Rama and Sugriva.
Sugriva's Sorrow, Rama's Vow to Slay Bali, and the Marks of True Friendship
Sugriva recounts his humiliation, fear, and suffering before Rama. The Lord promises to slay Bali and explains the noble qualities of a true friend.
Sugriva's Renunciation
Touched by the Lord's grace and greatness, Sugriva develops a spirit of detachment. He begins to see the fleeting nature of worldly attachment and the value of taking refuge in the Lord.
The Bali-Sugriva Battle and Bali's Deliverance
A fierce battle takes place between Bali and Sugriva, and Rama finally strikes Bali with his arrow. In his final moments, Bali attains insight into the Lord's will and receives deliverance through Rama's grace.
Tara's Lament, Rama's Counsel, Sugriva's Coronation, and Angada as Crown Prince
After Bali's death, Tara grieves deeply, and Rama consoles her with teachings on wisdom and steadiness. Sugriva is then crowned king, and Angada is appointed crown prince.
Description of the Rainy Season
The clouds, mountains, forests, and flowing waters of the rainy season are described with great beauty. This portrayal of nature also reflects moods of longing, waiting, and inner feeling.
Description of the Autumn Season
Autumn is portrayed through clear skies, pure waters, and a calm natural world. Its beauty evokes clarity, serenity, and brightness of heart.
Rama's Displeasure with Sugriva and Lakshmana's Anger
When Sugriva does not begin the search for Sita even after the rains have passed, Rama becomes displeased. Lakshmana then sets out for Kishkindha in intense anger.
Sugriva's Counsel with Rama and the Vanaras' Search for Sita
Sugriva humbly meets Rama and arranges the next course of action. Great hosts of vanaras are then dispatched in all directions to search for Sita.
The Vanaras Meet the Ascetic Swayamprabha in the Cave
While searching for Sita, the vanaras enter a wondrous cave and meet the ascetic Swayamprabha. She receives them kindly and helps them onward on their journey.
The Vanaras Reach the Seashore, Meet Sampati, and Learn of Sita
At the seashore, the despairing vanaras meet Sampati. He reveals that Sita is in Lanka, making the path of their mission clear.
Deliberation on Crossing the Ocean and Jambavan's Encouragement of Hanuman
The vanara heroes consider who can cross the ocean. Jambavan then reminds Hanuman of his immense strength, wisdom, and power, inspiring him for the great task ahead.
The Glory of Rama's Virtues
This passage extols Rama's divine virtues of compassion, nobility, and righteous conduct. Remembering them strengthens devotion, courage, and reverence in the devotee's heart.