- September 26, 2025
Among the seven chapters (Kandams) of the Ramayana, Sundara Kandam stands apart for its focus on Hanuman’s courage, faith, and selfless devotion. It is believed that every devotee’s heart and home should be spiritually connected with this sacred part of the epic.
When life feels heavy with problems, sorrow, or hopelessness, reciting the Sundara Kandam is believed to bring relief and divine strength.
Reading it with a peaceful and focused mind is known as Parayanam (spiritual recitation).
It is said that reciting Sundara Kandam once is as powerful as reading the entire Ramayana. Traditionally, it is chanted in Sanskrit, but our elders have assured that reading it in Tamil or any other language with true devotion grants the same blessings.
In this sacred section, Hanuman sets out to find Sita, who has been taken to Lanka by Ravana.
On his journey, he encounters and overcomes many challenges — meeting beings like Surasa and Simhika — before finally discovering Sita in Ashoka Vana.
He delivers Lord Rama’s message to her, assuring her that Rama will soon rescue her.
Later, Hanuman appears before Ravana as Rama’s envoy and warns him to return Sita.
When Ravana orders his tail to be set on fire, Hanuman uses that very fire to burn down Lanka and then returns to Rama to share the news that Sita has been found.
This heroic and divine mission forms the essence of Sundara Kandam.
Interestingly, none of the other sections in the Ramayana bear a character’s name.
Valmiki, deeply moved by Hanuman’s bravery and humility, wanted to dedicate one part to him. But Hanuman, ever modest, declined.
So Valmiki chose the name “Sundara Kandam”, derived from Sundara — a name Hanuman’s mother Anjana lovingly called him.
The word Sundaram means beauty, but it also represents divine purpose. Since Hanuman carried out Rama’s mission with grace and power, the title “Sundara” was truly fitting.
After Rama’s exile ended, Sage Valmiki once traveled through the Himalayas. There, he discovered verses carved on rocks — a beautifully written version of the Ramayana more elegant than his own.
To his surprise, the author was Hanuman himself.
Hanuman said, “This is my Ramayana — the story I personally witnessed, from meeting Lord Rama to his coronation.”
When Valmiki read it, he was amazed and said, “Your version surpasses mine.”
Out of humility, Hanuman erased his own work with his tail, saying, “Let yours be known to the world.”
Deeply moved by this gesture, Valmiki named this part Sundara Kandam, as a tribute to Hanuman’s selfless devotion and sacrifice.
People who regularly recite Sundara Kandam experience divine blessings such as:
Lord Rama himself is believed to have said:
“No evil shall approach the one who recites Sundara Kandam; goodness shall dwell with them forever.”
Yesya Shree Hanumaan Anugraha Balaath – Theernaam – Budhirleelayaa
Lankaam Praapya Nishaamya Raamadhayithaam Bhangktvaa Vanam Raakshasaan !
Akshaadheen Vinihatya Veekshya Dhashakam Dhagdhvaa Pureem Thaam Punaha
Theernaabdhihi Kapibhiryutho Yamanamath Tham Raamachandrambhaje !!
Original Source: https://madhwasaints.wordpress.com/2011/06/01/1-sloka-full-sundarakaandam/
Meaning: By Lord Rama’s grace, Hanuman crossed the ocean effortlessly, reached Lanka, found Sita, destroyed the demon armies, set Lanka ablaze, and returned to Rama to convey the good news.
Let us bow to Lord Rama, who blessed such a devoted Hanuman.
Hanuman’s devotion, humility, and sacrifice are timeless lessons for all.
If we live with the same faith and determination, no hardship can overpower us.
Sundara Kandam is more than an epic — it is the embodiment of faith, courage, and divine love.
When we think of Hanuman and meditate upon Lord Rama, that moment becomes our very own Sundara Kandam — the most beautiful chapter of our life.
