Sundara Kandam

 

Sundarakandam.

Namaste.

A soulful recital of Sundarakandam or even an earnest hearing

is believed to have enormous healing power and bearing

in bringing the blessings of Sri Rama and Sri Anjaneya, of course

And so I am submitting at their feet, my effort in simple verse.

This is based only on my grasp of the wonderful text shared

by people of piety and knowledge, from which I have dared

to create a meaningful rendition of the story of the Lord from the many

with a request to accept the good and pardon errors I have made if any.

01. Praying elders for blessings to complete the task of finding Sita

Anjaneya jumps across the ocean, even refusing the help of Mainaaka

Killing Surasa and Simhika on his way thus freeing them of their curse

He lands at Thrikoota in Lanka, shrinking as a monkey to sneak his course.

02. From atop the canopies he could get a complete view

of how Ravana had built palaces and buildings shining new;

gleaning through the splendour laid to sprawl

and thought it his duty to get back to Rama and tell it all.

03. When caught by Lankini and threatened to be thrown off

Hanuman brushed her aside with his left hand for she was a woman soft;

She realised Brahma’s words that Lanka’s doomsday was near

and allowed Anjaneya to go ahead with his task without a fear.

04. The grandeur of Lanka struck Anjaneya with considerable awe

He began to explore the city, wondering at whatever he saw.

He could see both able and disabled chanting Ravana’s praise

He approached Ravana’s quarters, amid aroma fragrant and nice.

05. All around in the cool, dark night under the moonlight glare

damsels and their dudes engaged in fun and frolic everywhere

Looking through the crowd of merry makers dark and bright

he was concerned he couldn’t find Sita anywhere in sight.

06. Sieving through the homes of Ravanas sons and brothers;

Anjaneya found them lavishly furnished among others;

Jewelled cots with amorous art abound;

But still no sign of Sitamma being around.

07. A huge golden bird stood in one of the towers,
Studded with gems and bedecked with vines of fragrant flowers;
Anjaneya learnt it was Pushpak amid so much wealth
His eyes still looking for a glimpse of Sitamma in good health.

08. He couldn't stop wondering at the engineering marvel

The flying fortress that was taken from Kubera by Ravana in a duel
Pushpak was so big a whole town it could ferry
Zipping across worlds, gravity certainly not a worry.

09. Anjaneya’s search in the Palace and the Pushpak Viman lay in vain

as these for him were nothing but places of deep disdain

with men and women drowned in intoxication, gluttony and lust;

he knew he should look for Sitamma outside, this place for her was unjust.

10. As he was about to leave he saw the beautiful Mandodari in a separate enclosure

with radiance of the sun and coolness of the moon sleeping calm with composure;

for a moment he thought he had found Sitamma, but recouped and blamed himself

how foolish he was to even think Sitamma would rejoice in such comfort herself.

11. By the way men, women and material lay strewn around helter-skelter

He visualised that evening would have been spent only on clitter-clatter

and surmised ladies of noble qualities like Sitamma for one

had to be housed far, far away from this palacious den.

12. Not seeing Sita, scary thoughts ran amok in his mind;
had Ravana killed her or did she jump out of Pushpak to get unconfined;
Had she killed herself unable to bear torture and separation;
Anjaneya had to think clear to get a right direction.

13. He remembered his promise of bringing Sitamma alive
failing which he had vowed to end his life.
Sought Rama's blessings lest failure would leave everyone dead,
And began to look around, at the dense forest ahead.

14. Full of dense foliage and fragrant flowers hanging low
Serene and calm lay Ashokavana named rightly so
There on the river bank stood a tall and mighty simshupa
Anjaneya thought it could well be ideal place for Sitamma

15. Under the tree was a platform with cruel ladies standing guard
Around a worried woman in crumpled clothes and utter disregard
But her noble bearing even under captivity torture and trauma
Told that she was none other than the precious jewel of Lord Rama

16. Anjaneya thought, Rama despite suffering parting your dearest wife,
yet you helped so many to regain their snatched life.
And here Sita clings to life with rescue by you as her only hope
Therefore it is all the more my duty to not let this opportunity elope.

17. Akin to the plight of a ship sinking in the ocean full of sharks
So was Sita drowned in sorrow amid rakshasis' deafening snarls
Through this he saw a ray of hope on her face that Rama would save her
Ànjaneya was profusely grateful for His blessings for leading him to her.

18. As he continued watching from the tree top through the foliage

he saw a sudden change in the place where Sita was held hostage;

aromatic fragrance and mellifluous music replaced the din and clamour

Ravana appeared on the scene with an entourage full of glamour.

19. Ravana’s mere presence sent shivers through Sita’s weak physique

and like a banyan tree caught in the storm she swayed like a stick

Anjaneya knew Ravana was on a path of self destruction

for having deceitfully taken Sita in a foolish act of abduction.

20. As Ravana approached Sita covered herself shivering with fear
He pleaded her to give up Rama who would never be able to come anywhere near
Assuring he wouldn't touch her without her consent but he wouldn't wait for long
He offered all his power and wealth at her feet if only she would come along.

21. Sita plucked a grass and threw it in front of Ravana without a care
And warned him of dire consequences if he proceeded to dare
Set me free, and my Rama will forgive and give back your life.
Heeding to your ill-will, you will be punished for eyeing his wife.

22. Insulted by her slight and composure, Ravana fumed in anger so gross
Sita, you think I am weaker and smaller than that blade of grass
Be warned that I am mightier than any thing or person in your dreams;
I give you two months to accept me or I will take you by any means.

23. Thus he went away ordering the rakshashis to convince Sita to accept him
And they began to advice, cajole and even coerce for they also feared him
She could obey him, replace the queen and live to ascend the royal throne
Or refuse and die, her body to be severed to pieces to be thrown.

24. They waxed eloquent that Ravana was her right match
and chided her for trusting Rama would plan an escape hatch.
To make delicacies of her body parts they discussed at length;
unnerved by harassment Sita began to lose her mental strength.

25. Heir to a mighty kingdom she was alone here in grief

and reasoned her condition to misdeeds of past though brief;

my body and soul are Rama’s, she told her guards with eyes of fire,

I would gladly die in your hands than yield to Ravana’s desire.

26. In confusion she began to wonder why Rama still never came,

for one arrow from him would put an end to Ravana’s game;

She worried if Rama, Lakshman and Jatayu’s lives were also taken

by the deceitful Ravana and thought of ending her life, she was so shaken.

27. Vibeeshana's daughter Trijataa shared the ominous dream she just had:
A monkey sent by Rama setting Lanka on fire and killing the guardians, lady or lad.
Rama defeats Ravana and takes back a cheerful Sita in his craft that tears the clouds
Vibishana joins Rama, weary Ravana is seen escorted South away from slain crowds.

28. Trijataa's dream puzzled the guards to their slumber but not Sita who stayed awake,
She thinks that if Mareecha had power to deceive, Rama would have more so to break;
Ending her life would be unjust and bring her family gloom and shame,
May be the good omens mean Rama will get her out of this, true to his name and fame.

29. Sita felt her left eye and limbs twitch unbehest of her volition,
She knew this was good omen and augured well to end the separation;
Sita could feel her fear and depression slowly giving way,
To a sense of hope and relief that joining Rama was only a few days away.

30. Anjaneya sees Sita's plight and realises the time has come to act
And goes about thinking what would be the best way to attract
Sita's attention without alarming her or creating suspicion
And decides on telling Ramakatha so she could trust his avowed mission.

31. Anjaneya narrates the history of Rama’s greatness, starting from his lineage,

his sacrifice of the throne, ensuing life in the woods and hermitage,

killing of Rakshasaas, Ravana’s ire and Sita’s abduction, Vali’s killing,

Sugreeva’s friendship and hence Anjaneya’s deputation, all to her heart’s filling.

32. Though initially doubtful that this could again be Ravana’s ploy

On seeing Anjayaneya, she was inclined to believe him, much to his joy.

She knew a monkey in a dream spelled impending difficult times and danger

since she never slept, his presence ought to be real and a game changer.

33. Emotional Anjaneya revealed himself with respect and devotion,

and got it clarified it was indeed Sitamma by her own narration.

She recounted events and reminded about Ravana’s deadline and threat

and vowed to end her life if Rama failed to rescue her before that.

34. Fearing his voice might wake up the guards Anjneya tried to get closer to talk
But Sita still wary doubts him and orders him to stay put on his track.
Nodding his grasp of her feelings, he shared stories much to her comfort,
And promised to return to Rama to ask him to speed up his rescue effort.

35. Sita asked further validation of Anjaneya's service of Rama to gain more trust
Anjaneya described Rama's beauty, valour, kindness and ruling zest
How he helped Sugreeva to fight against mighty Vali and gain his kingdom back
And convinced Sita that Rama was just waiting for the right moment for an attack.

36. Anjaneya took out and gave the ring that Rama had asked him to give to her
Sita felt as if Rama himself was there, and was overwhelmed with joy like no other.
Now she believed Anjaneya was honest and really telling the truth
And he promised it was his turn to get Rama to plan her rescue henceforth.

37. Hearing Rama is well but sad and lonely, Sita wishes to see him at once
Anjaneya takes Viswarup and offers to carry her on his lap across at one bounce
Sita rejects it wouldn't do justice to the valour of Rama, to be fair,
Let him come defeat Ravana and rightfully take me, saving my honour's share.

38. Ànjaneya asks Sita to share thoughts that would give proof of his meeting her
Sita recalls how Jayantha as crow disturbed when Rama and she were together
Angry Rama's astra chased him and finally made him blind of one eye;
She also gave her Choodamani so that Rama knows the feedback is not a lie.

39. Sita further tells him that the Choodamani will help Rama remember everyone

And that will envigour him to hasten his battle plans to retrieve his dear one

However she worries how Rama’s army would cross the mighty seas

But Anjaneya assures her Sugreeva’s forces would achieve that with ease.

40. Sita tells him how his words saved her like rain saves a dying paddy crop

and warns him that the Choodamani is too sacred a possession for him to drop

So he must give it to Rama and ask him to start his rescue without delay

and So Anjaneya takes leave and looks around where to begin his play.

41. To gather detailed information on Ravana’s temperament, territory and strength

the best way is to attract his attention, Anjaneya decides after mulling at length.

To do this, he has to strike at the root of a place Ravana holds to his heart dear

And zeroes in on Ashokavana, a portion of which he starts to fell and tear.

42. Damage to Ashokavana set off kinkaras in pursuit of the monkey
Enquiries with Sita failed to elicit information that may hold any key.
So they sent word to Ravana about the ferocious animal wreaking havoc
And received orders to finish it before it caused further damage running amok

43. They underestimated Anjaneya's mind power and muscle power
Who promptly directed his anger on them sending them running for cover
As they grouped in strength to focus their attack, he grew in size and form
And crushed them to death by dislodging buildings and unleashing much harm.

44. The news of the deaths and destruction reached Ravana’s ears

and his blood began to boil on hearing the victims’ kins’ wails and tears.

He deputes Jambumali, son of his minister Prahastan, to deal with the foe

who despite his strength and valor, succumbs to Anjaneya’s severe blow.

45. Ravana’s rage grew as he got news of Jambumali’s demise to register,

next he sends the ever victorious force of the seven sons of his minsters.

But, lo, even they and their contingent of brave soldiers, couldn’t face

the fury of Anjaneya who swiftly took their lives out with brutal force.

46. Ravana began to realise this monkey was not normal but deceptive,

could probably be a disguised form of Indra other Deva to be so effective.

So he ordered his army chiefs to bring it to him alive at the earliest

But Anjaneya destroyed them too and waited at the forest taking a rest.

47. Unable to bear the insult, Ravana’s son Akshayakumar sought consent

to bring the troublesome monkey to books for all his evil intent.

He too misjudged the strength of Anjaneya, who found the entire army irksome

and smashed them with bare hands and sat calmly awaiting his next victim.

48. Ravana asks his son Indrajit to use astras to chain the animal so destructive

Indrajit uses Brahmastra, but his men tied ropes over it making it ineffective

Still Anjaneya acts as if struck badly and submits himself to binding

when taken to Ravana reveals himself as messenger from Sugreeva the king.

49. Anjaneya is spell bound at having the first look of Ravana’s abode

Is this heaven itself, or am I in some sort a dream episode?

This palace and its treasures are worthy only of the king of kings

Coming to his senses, he decides to clear his mind before his trial begins.

50. Brought before Ravana seated on the simhasana in the palace so supreme in nature

who, but for his bad deeds, even Indra, Yama or Kubera could not equal in stature;

Anjaneya said, nothing can shackle me, I remained bound in order to meet you

and pass on advice from my lord Rama that I request, for your own good, to pursue.

51. A vedic scholar and a mighty king, you know the rules better than anyone

That this act of abducting another’s wife would surely bring you down

The fire of Sita’s chastity is sufficient to burn Lanka to ashes, including you

Give her back, and with Rama’s pardon, avoid losses and start life anew.

52. Seething in anger, Ravana orders to kill the monkey, but wisdom prevails

on Vibeeshana who advises not to kill the messenger, but augment his travails

by disgracing and sending back, so that Rama gets the message of insult

comes to Lanka in rage when we could easily win over him and exult.

53. Ravana agrees and they decide to avenge by putting Anjaneya’s tail on fire

and Anjaneya smiles as it could help him see things that he missed few nights prior

Sita gets to know and prays Agni to save Anjaneya from harm even to his fingernail

Anjaneya feels fire not acting, and gleely goes torching everything with his tail.

54. He likens the fire on his tail to miseries inflicted on Sita, and hence let it burn

the homes and belongings of those who harmed her, who he decided to spurn.

For abiding dharrma, the houses of Vibeeshana and Trijataa he chose to spare

And all the happenings had Rama’s blessings, he was ready to swear.

55. Having ignited a fair portion of Lanka, he went to the shore to quench his tail

and suddenly had a doubt if the fire he lit could have harmed Sita to no avail.

Hearing Gandarvas wondering how Sita remained safe amid gushing flames,

resolved to visit her first and proceed to Kishkinta to report his claims.

56. Sita blessed him, lauded his character, courage and commitment to a great degree

and urged him to rush to Rama and bring him to fight the foe to set her free.

Anjaneya took off from the mountain top making loud sounds of cheer

that his kin knew he was coming home victorious, from vibrations they could hear.

57. Landing in Kishkinta after a less arduous flight and amid uproar of ecstasy

Anjaneya first pays obeisance to Jambavan and Sugreeva in keeping with his legacy

of respect to elders as the foremost duty to be always deep rooted in the mind

even in the backdrop of successful accomplishments of the impossible kind.

58. As he described the story from the moment of Sita’s deceitful capture

the entire vanaras listened to his every action in a mix of suspenseful rapture.

Upon his summation that he finally managed to find Sita in isolation

unharmed and waiting to be freed, the crowd burst in joy and jubilation.

59. Angada’s response was to assemble a troop to free Sita from the woods

and present her to Rama, now that they were confident of delivering the goods.

Jambavan lauded their valor but advised patience before any action

and said they should submit their thoughts to Rama and await his suggestion.

60. Taking the senior’s advice in their stride

the vanaras proceeded to meet Sugreeva with pride.

In their excitement of Anjaneya’s presentation

they were clearly in a mood for celebration.

61. As they passed through madhuvan the beautiful garden

maintained by Dhadhimukan the appointed warden

they ransacked the place eating fruits and honey

hurting Dhadhimukan and staff, who did not see it funny.

62. They ran to Sugreeva on the tip of their toes

to complain about the tresspass and echo their woes

with a fervent hope that Sugreeva would listen to them

and punish the vanaras without as much as a hum.

63. Lakshmana happened to hear the complaints and enquired what was up

Sugreeva told him the vanaras’ merriment causing quite a stir-up

which could only be due Anjanaya being successful in his given task

of locating Sita, and they decided to summon the vanaras and ask.

64. Sugreeva asked Dhadhimukan to bring the vanaras to him

Pardoning their foraging, Dhadhimukan obeyed and guides them.

Anjaneya prostates before Rama and began to narrate his travel

“located and saw Sitamma” Rama was relieved to hear him unravel.

65 Anjaneya gave a vivid picture of his visit and the events that followed

And described how he found and convinved Sita who looked frightened and hollowed.

He retold the unique events shared by Sita for Rama to recollect

Handing the Choodamani, he urged Rama that it was time for him to reconnect.

66 As Rama took it in his hands his thoughts began to wander

The ornament is here, but my Sita is there, how am I to redeem, I wonder

Lamented Rama, asking Anjaneya to further describe her condition

Which only would motivate him to put an end to her abduction.

67 Anjaneya described the stories of Choodamani how it happened to adorn her

And Rama's compassion in forgiving the crow that harmed Sita earning his anger

Conveying such personal anecdotes narrated to him in earnest

Anjanya passed on Sita's hope of Rama freeing her at the earliest.

68 He also conveyed her comfort and well being on hearing Rama’s name

and how desperately she longed for Rama to save her from shame.

He reiterated his promise that Rama would certainly come

to defeat Ravana and victoriously take his dear wife home.

End of Sundarakandam

Sri Rama Pattabishekam

Ayodhya was in celebration with Rama successfully and safely back from his ordeal

For its citizens, his presence with Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya meant a great deal.

Guha, Sugreeva and Vibeeshana with their families were special guests

To participate in the coronation and also to enjoy Ayodhya surely at its best.

Rama with Sita ascended the throne at the appointed time without a quiver

and were bathed in holy waters brought by vanaras from all the sacred rivers

Vashisht and other great rishis performed all the rituals with great fervour

to install Rama as the king, with Sita beside in discharge of his duty for ever.

The coronation was enjoyed by visitors and citizens who thronged the city

and Bharatha was installed as Yuvaraja to ease Rama’s responsibility

The sages and elders blessed the royal family from the depth of their heart

And thus Ayodhya after a long time set ready for a blissful start.

Rama was not a person to be swayed by the waves of passion

His mind was calm and quiet as the depth of the deepest ocean

With thoughts over the last few years, the trials and tribulations underwent

it was time to honour the one who helped him, and he chose this moment.

He took out a string of pearls with diamond, the worth of which one cannot guess

and gave it to Sita, to present to the person who did most to impress

with a sense of duty, devotion, valor and compassion beyond one’s call

with never a thought on the outcome, even if it meant his fall.

In perfect understanding, standing by Rama, Sita ushered Anjaneya to their side

and gave it to him with utmost affection and admiration that nothing could hide.

Having respected Sita as his mother, Anjaneya took it with devout submission

and sat at the feet of Rama, to guide us to seek their blessings for our salvation.

Jai Sri Ram! Jai Sri Hanuman!

Aug 23, 2019