श्रीमद्वाल्मीकीय रामायणम्: Vaalmeeki Raamaayana (A Treasury) Sundara Kaanda

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Sundara Kandam is a beautiful Kandam, as the name signifies. Sri Rama's trials and tribulations begin in Ayodhya Kandam. He goes into vanavasa, along with Maa Sita and Lakshmana. They are part of the Mission of his avatar to exemplify Dharma. Rama continues, in the Aranya Kandam, his Raja Dharma of protecting the Rishis, their yagnyas and ashrams from the attacks of Rakshasas. But, disaster strikes when Ravana abducts Sita and carries her off in his Pushpaka Vimana. Rama is in despair. Hope comes in Kishkinda Kandam through meeting Hanuman and entering into friendship with Sugriva. Rama will help Sugriva get his rajyam back from Vali. Sugriva, in turn, will help find Sita, wherever she has been taken, most likely to Lanka. The Kandam ends with Hanuman all set to fly over the ocean to Lanka.

Sundara Kandam begins with Hanuman's Samudra Taranam crossing the ocean. This first chapter is the longest, with 228 slokas! It contains Kavi Valmiki's poetic descriptions of the many hues of the ocean, sky etc. It also deals with the obstructive forces, and how Hanuman dealt with them; as well as the positive forces which helped him.

After landing in Lanka, Hanuman walks through fertile forests and reaches the city. Hanuman admires the magnificence of Ravana's capital, built by the celestial architect, Vishwakarma.

In our country, Vaamleeki Raamaayana is considered to be a very sacred Text and an authentic version, because sage Vaalmeeki had the blessings of Naradha, Brahma and Saraswathi, before authoring the great Epic. Hence Vaalmeeki Raamaayana is called "Vedha Upabrahmana" and "Saranaagathi Shaasthra."

Raama the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, showed to the world as to how a human being should behave.

In the great Epic which is known as ITHIHASA SHRESHTA, Sundara Kaanda has special significance. It is considerec the miniature Raamaayana, because by just reading this 68 cantos of Sundara Kaanda one could reap the benefits of reciting the entire Raamaayana.

The Word "Sundara" has many meanings. The main reason for narrating this Kaandas Sundara, meaning "Monkey", is because throughout this Kaanda, HANUMAAN or ANJANEYA, has been portrayed as the main character, who exhibited his valour, presence of mind and undaunted courage when he went to Lanka in search of Seetha.

The next meaning of Sundara is 'Beauty'. The Slokas of Sundara Kaanda are so beautiful.