Sundar Kand
The beautiful book celebrates Hanuman's heroic journey across the ocean, his finding of Sita, and the burning of Lanka. Most recited for blessings.
Key themes: Hanuman's Leap · Finding Sita · Lanka Set Ablaze
Kanda 5 · 20 Episodes
Verse counts
Sundar Kand Episodes
Auspicious Invocation
This auspicious invocation recalls Hanuman's devotion, strength, and unwavering dedication to Rama's mission. It opens the Sundarkand in a spirit of reverence, faith, and courage.
Hanuman's Departure for Lanka and the Trials on the Way
Hanuman sets out across the ocean toward Lanka. On the way, he overcomes Surasa's test with wisdom and slays the demoness who seizes travelers by their shadow.
Description of Lanka and Hanuman's Entry
Hanuman surveys the golden city of Lanka by night. After subduing its guardian, Lankini, he enters the city in a subtle form.
Hanuman-Vibhishana Dialogue
In Lanka, Hanuman meets Vibhishana, who is inwardly devoted to Rama. Their conversation reveals devotion, wisdom, and the path of the mission ahead.
Hanuman Sees Sita in Ashoka Grove and Ravana Threatens Her
In the Ashoka grove, Hanuman is deeply moved on seeing Sita in sorrow and separation. At that moment Ravana arrives and vainly tries to frighten and tempt her.
Sita's Dialogue with Trijata
Amid the demonesses, Trijata consoles Sita and speaks of auspicious signs. Her words bring a ray of hope into the darkness of captivity.
Sita-Hanuman Dialogue
Hanuman humbly gives Sita Rama's ring and message. Sita entrusts him with her own message and expresses her hope for Rama's swift arrival.
Hanuman Devastates Ashoka Grove and Is Taken to Court
After comforting Sita, Hanuman lays waste to the Ashoka grove and defeats many demons, including Akshayakumara. At last Meghnada binds him with the serpent noose and brings him before Ravana's court.
Hanuman-Ravana Dialogue in the Royal Court
In Ravana's court, Hanuman fearlessly delivers Rama's message. He speaks of righteousness, wisdom, and the welfare that lies in returning Sita.
The Burning of Lanka
The fire set to Hanuman's tail becomes the cause of Lanka's devastation. Moving through the city, he burns away the pride of the demons.
Hanuman Bids Farewell to Sita and Receives the Chudamani
After burning Lanka, Hanuman returns once more to Sita and takes her leave. She gives him the Chudamani as a loving token and message for Rama.
Return Across the Sea and Hanuman's Report to Rama
Hanuman returns across the sea and rejoins the vanaras, who celebrate joyfully in Madhuvan. Before Sugriva and then Rama, he presents news of Sita, her Chudamani, and her message.
Rama Marches with the Vanara Army to the Ocean Shore
After receiving news of Sita, Rama sets out toward Lanka with the vanara army. In due course, they arrive at the ocean shore and prepare for the next step.
Mandodari Warns Ravana
Mandodari urges Ravana to avert disaster by returning Sita. She reminds him of Rama's power and counsels him to act with wisdom.
Vibhishana Counsels Ravana and Is Humiliated
Vibhishana repeatedly advises Ravana to follow righteousness and return Sita. Ravana insults his well-meant counsel, leading Vibhishana to resolve to leave Lanka.
Vibhishana Seeks Refuge in Rama
Vibhishana leaves Lanka and comes to seek refuge at Rama's feet. The Lord accepts him with grace, revealing the supreme compassion shown to one who surrenders.
Planning to Cross the Sea and Shuka's Return with Lakshmana's Letter
The search for a way to cross the sea begins. Meanwhile Ravana's messenger Shuka arrives and eventually returns carrying Lakshmana's letter.
Shuka Warns Ravana and Delivers Lakshmana's Letter
Shuka warns Ravana by describing the strength of Rama's army and the Lord's greatness. He then delivers Lakshmana's letter, bearing a final warning.
Rama's Anger at the Ocean and the Ocean's Prayer
When the ocean does not yield a passage, Rama reveals his righteous anger. The ocean then appears in humility, seeks forgiveness, and offers guidance.
The Glory of Singing Rama's Virtues
At the close of the Sundarkand, the glory of remembering and singing Rama's virtues is celebrated. This sacred recitation fills the devotee's heart with courage, faith, and blessedness.