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Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamPart - I
Dharma Brings HappinessV.Prabhakar Rao
Singapore, Aug 2009
The The SundaraSundara KandamKandam is that chapter in Ramayana which describes the is that chapter in Ramayana which describes the heroism of heroism of AnjaneyaAnjaneya, who valorously crossed the sea to enter Lanka, , who valorously crossed the sea to enter Lanka,
discover discover SitaSita Devi, defeated many Devi, defeated many rakshasasrakshasas, set fire to Lanka and , set fire to Lanka and returned to the south Indian shore. The returned to the south Indian shore. The KandamKandam reaches its conclusion reaches its conclusion with with AnjaneyaAnjaneya reporting to Sri Rama about the discovery of reporting to Sri Rama about the discovery of SitaSita Devi. Devi.
Hindus, for centuries, have been considering Ramayana as an epicHindus, for centuries, have been considering Ramayana as an epicscripture and scripture and SundaraSundara KandamKandam as the most essential part of it. It is said as the most essential part of it. It is said that its study is considered equal to the study of the whole Ramthat its study is considered equal to the study of the whole Ramayana.ayana.
I would like to share with the readers the dharmic gems, in this auspicious divinely
Kandam, that never fail to inspire me every time I read this text or even think about it.
Dharmic gems from Sundara Kandam
Shri Gurubyo Namaha“Mukunda bhakthyai gurubhakthi jayai satham prasathyai cha nirantharayai
Gareeyaseem viswaguror visutthaam vakshyami vayor avathara leelam”
– Sri SuMadhwa Vijayam
“Thatho ravananeethayaha …… (ch.1 : sl.1)
Dharmic gems from Sundara Kandam
Sundara Kandam begins with Sri Hanuman taking off from the Mahendra parvatham in the southern
shore of bharath, on his way to Lanka. Valmiki’sslokas in this sarga are a set of wonderful
descriptions of this powerful beginning. Valmiki says the Mahendra Parvatham started shaking under the
power of Hanuman.
Sri Vadhiraja Swamy says in his “TheerthaPrabhandha” while writing about Mahendra
Parvatham, that when Hanuman took off from it the mountain sank inside the earth partly. And that the mountain was sent inside the earth as a messenger
with a message to Boomadevi that she is not to worry about the welfare of her daughter (Sita Devi), since
Hanuman has taken off on this very mission and success is assured. …. The sloka “Dharaniriva ….”
(Theertha Prabhandha ch 4/ sl 31).
From Sarga 1 – Powerful Beginning
Kruthecha prathikarthavyamesha …….. (ch.1 : sl.112)
In this sloka Mainaka parvatham refers to veda which states that reciprocating a good deed with another good deed is an anadi dharma.
Dharmic gems from Sundara Kandam
In sarga 1 of this Kandam slokas 86 to 128 highlight the dharma of not forgetting the help received at a critical time and to reciprocate it in one’s own way at an appropriate time.
Samudraraja demonstrates his gratitude to the Ishvaku vamsa for the help he had received from an Ishvaku ancestor (Sagara), by asking Mainaka parvatham to come out of the ocean and provide a brief resting place for Hanuman, who is on a mission for Sri Rama. Mainaka
parvatham too has its own gratitude to show to Hanuman, for the help it had received from Vayudeva.
And then Hanuman rightly declines (sloka 129) Mainaka’s invitation, since it is not appropriate to waste valuable time by taking rest while on an important mission.
From Sarga 1 – Gratitude
“Anirveda sriyo moolam ……..” (ch.12 : sl.10 & 11)
In these two slokas Hanuman praises the power of enthusiasm (positive thinking).
Dharmic gems from Sundara Kandam
Sarga 12 slokas 1 to 9 describe how Hanuman starts to feel distressed at not finding Sita Devi in
spite of his extensive search. He even starts doubting whether Sita Devi is no more. And begins
to visualise the disastrous effect of his returning without success in his mission. Then in slokas 10 &
11 he re-motivates himself. He tells himself that it is positive thinking (and the resulting enthusiasm)
which leads one to wealth, prosperity and it is that which drives every mission forward. Whatever one
does becomes productive if it is backed by this enthusiasm. Thus, Hanuman, rededicates himself to his mission of searching for Sita Devi, with renewed
enthusiasm and self belief.
From Sarga 12 – Power of positive Thinking
Namosthu Ramaya sa Lakshmanaya ……. (ch.13 : sl.59 & 60)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 13 – Need to pray God before commencing a project
After one more bout of unsuccessful search, sarga 13 finds Hanuman once again seized by the concern that perhaps Sita Devi is no longer alive. In slokas 1 to 54 his state of
depression is described elaborately by Sage Valmiki. But in the very next sloka (55) Hanuman realises the existence of
Asoka Vanam and the fact that he had not hitherto included it in his search. He steadies his mind and readies himself to
search for Devi in this Asoka Vanam. Before doing so he thinks to himself as to why his search so far did not yield any result. The thought strikes him that he must have committed some mistake. He meditates upon this thought and realisesthat he had not prayed to Sri Rama before taking off from
Mahendra Parvatham. So, he stands up and with folded hands and prays to Sri Rama, Sri Sita Devi, Sri Lakshmana
and other devathas as well as to Sugreeva (slokas 59 & 60).
Manya Guruvineethasya ……. (ch.16 : sl.3)
Dharmagnyasya kruthagnyasya …… (Ch.16 : sl.18)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 16 – Inevitability of Fate
Finally, in Asoka Vanam, Hanuman has the darshan of the very dignified lady surrounded by rakshasis. And he quickly guesses that it must be Sita Devi. Looking at the very unhappy state of
Sita Devi, Sage Valmiki says that Hanuman actually wept (Ch 16 : sl 2). The sloka 3 highlights Anjaneya’s realization that if this can happen to one who is worshipped by Lakshmana who himself is
extremely respectful towards elders and teachers, and one who isthe consort of Sri Rama Himself, then it should be clear that no
one can escape fate. Again, in the same chapter, Hanuman contemplates on the divinity of her birth, the greatness of her father King Janaka, the exalted position of her being the first daughter in law of the heroic emperor Dasaratha and most
importantly her being the wife of the Great Sri Rama, the powerful upholder of dharma. And even she cannot escape the
impact of a bad time (sl 15-17). And in the very next sloka, Hanuman tells himself that “Time” which dishes out the
“karmaphala” is itself an aspect of the Supreme Lord (sl 18)
Dhukkartha rudhathi sita ……. (ch.21 : sl.2)
Dharmic gems from Sundara Kandam
From Sarga 21 – “Thrunam”
Sarga 21 is an outstanding chapter with many dharmic lessons. Right in the second sloka Valmiki says that Sita Devi threw a piece of grass (thrunam) in front of her
and looking at it, started addressing Ravana. Herein she has implied many
messages. That she does not want to face Ravana and speak. That Ravana is worth only a piece of grass in her eyes. That she does not value her own life beyond that of a piece of grass meaning she does not care
for the threat to her life from him.
Nivartthaya mano maththaha ……. (ch.21 : sl.3)
Dharmic gems from Sundara Kandam
From Sarga 21 – “Manaha”
The third sloka of this sarga is another gem. Here Sita Devi advises Ravana to
turn his mind away from her and to involve his mind in his own family. Many elders and scholars have highlighted an
unique hidden meaning in this sloka. Sage Valmiki uses the word “manaha” (mind) twice in this sloka. First time in the sense of turning it away from Sita. Now if you
turn the word “mana:” it becomes “namaha”. So the hidden meaning is that Jagatmatha Sita Devi advises him to turn
his mind towards doing namaskara to Her.
Ahamoupayikee bharya thasyaiva ……. (ch.21 : sl.17)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 21 – Brahmana & Brahma Vidya
In the seventeenth sloka of this sarga, SitaDevi declares to Ravana that she is the
consort of “Vasudhapathi” Sri Rama just as Brahmana and Brahmavidya are
inseparable. Many messages are implied here. Vasudhapathi refers to both the King
of the land Sri Rama and Sri Narayanawho is the Lord of Sri Boodevi. And Sita
Devi implies she is the consort of Sri Rama who is Sri Narayana Himself. Through this
sloka Valmiki also declares that a Brahmin should be wedded to Brahma Vidya (Om Athatho Brahma Jignyasa).
“Ithiva Devi bhahutha …….” (ch.28 : sl.17)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 28 – God leads you in the right direction
The highly distressed Sita Devi decides to give up her life. In the final sloka (51) of Ch 26 Valmiki says that Sita Devi
reaches this decision due to her extreme sorrow in being away from the very affectionate Sri Rama and due to her
being a captive of Ravana. In Sarga 28 Sloka 17 the Sage says that Sita Devi selects the excellent simsupa tree, the very tree where Hanuman was present, to hang herself. But in spite of
the obviously unhappy circumstances, this sloka has many auspicious words and auspicious messages. Valmiki refers to the tree blooming with flowers. According to elderly scholars, the sage is implying that Hanuman on the tree is the flower and is a precursor to the arrival of the fruit that Sri Rama is.Sita choosing this tree, without knowing about Hanuman’s
presence in it, is a proof that for good people when good times arrive God leads them to the right place.
“Thathagatham tham vyathithamaninthdhitham …….” (ch.29 : sl.1)
Dharmic gems from Sundara Kandam
From Sarga 29 – Divine Poetry
The very first sloka (1) of Sarga 29 is sheer divinely poetry. What else can it be when the subject of the poem is Sita Devi and the author is Valmiki!
When Sita Devi decides to hang herself to death, she starts experiencing auspicious signs and good omens. Here Valmiki goes into his inspired poetry thus:
Her sorrow is indescribable. She never leaves Sri Rama (obviously he means “in her thoughts” since she is physically away from Him already). Her sorrow is new (meaning
she is not used to sorrow). She has the world’s approval since her way of life at this stage is appropriate to one who is away from her husband. She has even forgotten whatever joy she has enjoyed in her life before this. Even if happiness comes her way she does not have
any place to give to happiness (so dejected she is). And SARVA MANGALA RUPINI. This last statement apparently conflicts with all that is said so far. But that is Sita Devi.
And then this final outstanding statement by the Sage Valmiki. He says ….. Auspicious Signs (good sakunas) reached Sita Devi to earn fame for themselves just as servants will
gravitate to a person who has become prosperous !!
“Yevam bahuvitham chinthaam chinthayithva mahakapi:
Samsrave madhuram vakyam vaidehya vyajahara ha” - (ch.31 : sl.1)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 30 – A treatise on logic
The sarga 30 never fails to inspire me. It is a supreme treatise in sheer logic. Here Hanuman decides to get into communication with Sita Devi. He has to decide in what shape he has to appear, what language he should choose to communicate in and what exactly he should be communicating …. in order to accomplish his objective of earning Devi’s trust as Sri Rama dhootha.
He goes through an elaborate thought process of evaluating each of the options in front of him, their potential consequences and by a process of elimination and selection he finally concludes:- That he will use manushya bhasha used in Kosala Desam.- That he will first gain Devi’s confidence before appearing physically before her- That he will recite Sri Rama Charithram, while continuing to sit in his hiding place amidst the branches and leaves of the same tree
And the very first sloka (1) of the next sarga (31) is a wonderful summary of the sarga 30.
“Sa dhiryakurthvam cha ……” (ch.31 : sl.19)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 31 – Effect of Sri Rama Charithram
The sarga 31 which starts thus with a wonderful sloka, is one of the most auspicious chapters in Sundara Kandam. It is a very unique episode in Ramayana where Hanuman gets to recite Sri Rama Charitham to sakshath Sri Rama’s consort. He ends it by declaring himself to be sent by Sugreeva in search of her and that he has identified her as Sita Devi based on the description given by Sri Rama himself (slokas 2-15). The effect of Sri Rama Charitham recited by Anjaneya is electric. A very depressed SitaDevi on the brink of giving up her life suddenly hears the madhuram vakyam – Sri Rama Charitham – unexpected in the heart of Ravana’s kingdom - and regains her happiness. And Anjaneya is blessed with this unbelievable bhagya of performing this seva to Sri Sita Devi. At the conclusion of this chanting by Hanuman, Devi feeling very happy and after meditating on Sri Rama, looks up and sees Hanuman for the very first time (sloka 19).
All these very special events take place in this sarga. Hence its special auspiciousness.
“Yatha hi thava vai …… Ramamahishi dhruvam” (ch.33 : sl.13)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 33 – Vivekam of Hanuman
The sarga 33 sees Hanuman getting down from the tree and talking with the Devi. Valmiki says Hanuman went to Devi with vinayam (as a mark of respect) and with pain (at her sorrowful state) (sloka 1). It is a very interesting display of his wisdom that he does not straightaway show that he knows who she is. Over slokas 3 to 11 he asks her as to who she is, which group of beings she belongs to etc gradually leading upto sloka 12, where he says that in case she happens to be Sita Devi, let her rejoice that her troubles are behind her. And eventually in sloka 13, he declares that, based on the lustrous qualities, she must be Sita Devi the Mahishi of Sri Rama.
“Thathasthu sthaviro ……. rudhanrajyamayaachatha” (ch.33 : sl.23)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 33 – Upholding Dharma
The same sarga (33) also sees Sita Devi explaining who she is, in a very majestic and systematic way, to Anjaneya. Interestingly she starts off by introducing herself as Dasaratha’s daughter in law (sloka 15), then as Janaka’s daughter and only then as Sri Rama’s consort (sloka 16).
In sloka 23, Sita Devi makes a momentous statement that Dasaratha who was a strong upholder of Sathya& Dharma, sought the kingdom back from Rama, when Kaikeyi made her demand. The word “Yaachatha” in this sloka is very strange and powerful. What was the need for Dasaratha to seek the kingdom when he is the emperor of the same kingdom? According to elderly scholars, due to the rituals prior to pattabishekam having been concluded the previous day itself, already the kingdom belonged to Sri Rama. Hence the “Yaacha”.
“Sa pithurvachanam ……. prathigruhithavaan” (ch.33 : sl.24)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 33 – Sri Rama the personification of Dharma
The sloka 24 of sarga 33, highlights how Rama is the very personification of Dharma.
Devi tells Anjaneya that Sri Rama attached higher value to the words of his father than to pattabishekam. And that with a lot of happiness he accepted his father’s words in his mind first and then he also showed it in his words. In this sloka every word seems pregnant with tremendous meanings and they are being expressed by Devi herself. And the one who is listening to Devi’s words is the very bhagyavanHanuman. I feel utterly inadequate to express the powerful contents of this sloka in their full splendour.
Pithruvakyam meant more to him than pattabishekam. He accepted it happily and not just as a mark of duty. Devi stresses that He happily accepted it in his mind first and then he expressed it in words too. So the words came out with the full force of truth of what has been cheerfully accepted ….. inside Him.
“Vaanaroham mahabhage ……. dhevyanguliakam” (ch.36 : sl.2)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 36 – Humility and Valour being praised
Sarga 36 is another landmark chapter which sees Hanuman handing over to Sita Devi the ring that Sri Rama sends through him, to identify himself as Sri Ramadhootha (sloka 2). This sloka notes Hanuman humbly identifying himself as a vanara who is a dhootha of Sri Rama.
In sloka 6 Valmiki refers to Sita Devi as a “young girl” probably for the first time in the SundaraKandam. He says looking at the ring the young girl Sita feels as if she joined her husband, and with the natural shyness of a young girl, she starts praising Hanuman and his seva. Over the next five slokas Jagathmatha is full of praise for Anjaneya (sl 7 to 11). These slokas are simply beautiful shining with the lustre of Devi’s well deserved compliments to Hanuman.
“Kausalya lokabharthaaram …. Sirasa chabivadhaya” (ch.38 : sl.55)
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamFrom Sarga 38 – Dharma Speaks
In sarga 38 slokas 55 to 63 are deeply filled with meanings. In sloka 55 Devi requests Hanuman to convey her enquiries to Sri Rama. Here she refers to “very big hearted” KausalyaDevi’s having given birth to a Son who will protect the world. She implies that every mother normally gives birth to a son to take care of her, but the “big hearted” KausalyaDevi, having the protection of the entire world in mind, gave birth to Rama.
Sita Devi enquires after Rama’s welfare instead of asking for his saving her from Lanka. She means that the husband’s welfare will automatically lead to wife’s welfare.
While she conveys her namaskar to Rama in one sloka, she praises Lakshmana and conveys her enquiries to him over eight slokas (56-63). Elders say that this is Sita Devi’s way of atoning for having spoken harshly to him in the forest.
“Matharme Matharisvan pitharathula guro bratha rishtaptha bandho
Swamin sarvantharathman ajarajarayithaa janma mruthyamayanam
Govindhe dehi bhakthim bhavathicha bhagavanoorjithaam nirnimiththaam
Nirvyajyam nischalam satgunagana bruhatheem sasvatheem aasudeva” (Hari Vayu Stuthi sl. 14)
Dharmic gems from Sundara Kandam
Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamPart - I
This covers only the first half of Sundara Kandam. With Guru’s Grace, I hope to write the second half and send it out as soon as I am able to. Meanwhile any feedback and suggestions for Part –II will be highly appreciated.
Acknowledgements with thanks:• “Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam”• Sundara Kandam Chapter from Srimad Madhvacharya’sMahabharatha Thatparya Nirnayam – Commentary by Prof. Prabhanjanacharya• Various internet sites for the divinely paintings
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Dharmic gems from Sundara KandamPart - I
We are glad to dedicate this write-up to all our friends and bandhus, who
derive inspiration from this great epic, Ramayana.