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Sundarakand is a Channel for Spiritual Growth only
In this video post I will cover the deeper aspects of the Sundarkand Chapter of the Ramcharita Manas. Rather than trying to go behind what I can gain grossly, we should try to see what the Sundarkand can offer to us, for our inner growth and maturity.
That is the hallmark of the great work known as the Ramcharita Manas of Goswami Tulsidas. I will still list down some benefits of the Sundarkand for serious readers of this chapter of the Manas.
Why is Sundarkand known by this name?
For example, the chapter that explains Sri Rama’s childhood is called Balakand which means the Chapter of childhood. When Lord Rama grows up a bit and spends time in Ayodhya ji with his parents and wife Seeta, it is called Ayodhyakand. The forest exploits of the Lord is called Aaranya Kanda or the Forest Chapter and so on.
But the Sundarkand Chapter literally means the Chapter of beauty. Whose is this beauty? Now, the understanding is this. The City of Lanka is exquisite outside, so Sundarkand. This is the only dedicated chapter on the greatest devotee Hanumanji Maharaj and therefore Sundarkand. The pastimes of Sri Hanumanji are wonderful and awe-inspiring, so Sundarkand.
Hanumanji tricks three forms of obstacles on his way to Lanka. One obstacle came through Mount Mainak, then with the mother of serpents Surasa and lastly the demoness Singhika. These exploits are inspiring and beautiful. The Ashoka Vana also called Ashoka Vatika has attained transcendental beauty.
It has Bhakti incarnate Seeta Devi seated under a tree, so Sundarakand. Finally, the great fire burns this massive golden city called Lanka. The view from the top of this burning down of Ravana’s ego is beautiful, so Sundarakand. Thus, this is the most engaging and awe-inspiring Chapter of the Ramayana, so Sundarakand.
There are ever so many reasons from where this chapter of the Manas gets its name.
Vaidehi captured in Deha Nagari
Ravana’s kingdom is called Deha Nagari or the kingdom where all its inhabitants including their king Ravana are body conscious. This demon does not want to die.
He wants to maintain his body forever. The epitome of Bhakti, Srimati Seeta Devi is the daughter of King Videha, Janaka, who has no attachment to bodily comforts. Seeta Devi is Bhakti and therefore born in the house of Jnana, namely king Janaka. She is captive in this city which is only body conscious.
The Sundarakand is thus the story of a Jiva, who is supposed to be in Bhakti, free from bodily relations and attachments. But unfortunately the Jiva becomes entrenched in habits, indiscipline, sloth, gluttony, greed and fear. Thus it becomes imprisoned in this body, which resembles the city of Lanka.
The falling hair and teeth bothers many people. There are some who have a lot of money and undergo painful surgical procedures to keep their body and face young. But alas, they lose this battle in the end.
7/8 Questions from Sanatana Dharma
The scores generated in this Quiz may or may not be absolute. There may be right or wrong answers to each Question. A percentage towards 100 indicates that you are more aligned to the overall subject matter.
On What Days should A Person Read Sundarakand?
It is ideal to read the Sundarakand on Tuesdays and Saturdays as these days are auspicious for Hanumanji’s aradhana and Bhakti. I would recommend that one should take up reading the Sundarakand daily.
For a person who can read 150 words per minute, the entire Sundarakand reading will take 1 hour 10 minutes to read, considering that one reads it in one go. An interesting video to watch on our channel is this one Significance of Hanuman meeting Mother Sita in Lanka | Bhakti, Jnana, Karma in a Householder’s Life.
Some Benefits of Reading the Sundarakand
Now I shall briefly mention the benefits of reading this great work.
Sundarakand recitation brings in mental peace and offers a person, the capability and assurance to complete tasks. It gives you the ability to resolve all of your problems, fulfill your ambitions, and protect you from the negative effects of unfavorable planetary alignments.
Keep in mind that Sundarakand will fulfill none of the ambitions which Hanumanji finds inappropriate for your overall well-being. This is a caveat for all Mantras and Stotrams. Another interesting event in the Manas is about Angada visiting Ravana.
Watch our video What Promise did Angada make to Ravana? | Mother Sita captive in Lanka
One can attain nothing that is not part of one’s Karma. Reading the Sundarakand only builds one’s inner power and gives one the capacity to face any kind of situation head on without losing one’s mental balance. One’s courage increases manifold on account of reading this great work.
Reciting Sundarakand can help ward off evils. It removes all the negativity and obstacles from one’s life and gives the person happiness and prosperity. It protects oneself against diseases and ensures good health.
Those who listen to Sundarakand shall get inspired to take up the practice of reading the work. Reading and reciting is better than listening to the Sundarakand. This is because listening is passive while reciting is an active initiative.
There are many people who conduct Sundarakand recitation sessions by inviting professional reciters, accompanied by musicians, who take up this task. The hosts of the Sundarakand also invite neighbors and relatives for the recitation.
I am personally not for such a display of Bhakti. Bhakti has to be personal and secretive. It is a secret affair between The Lord, The Guru and the Jeeva. No fourth individual should enter the fray. Inviting other people for such functions is just a social way of communicating to others that you are a Bhakta.
Such a show is unnecessary. In the end, Sundarakand, just like the Hanuman Chalisa makes Hanumanji, and Sri Rama thrilled. So, please take up recitation of the Sundarakand for your own good.
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