Ramayana through illustrations Sundara Kand

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand

Sundara Kand is one of the most beautiful chapters of Hindu epic the Ramayana. It is the fifth chapter of Ramayana and sage Valmiki named it after the name of Hanuman. Hanuman was fondly called Sundara by his mother Anjani. Valmiki chose his name as this is the only chapter in Ramayana which revolves around the adventures of Hanuman rather than the heroism of Rama Chandra. Valmiki was the first person who scripturally record the tale of Ramayana in Sanskrit. Hanuman's selflessness, strength, and devotion to Rama have been depicted all over the chapter. Highlight of the chapter: The Sundara Kanda being the fifth chapter of Ramayana forms the plot of the famous Hindu epic and mainly deals with Hanuman's heroic journey to Lanka.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand

After Hanuman came to know about Sita's abduction in Ravana led Lanka, Hanuman assumed a gargantuan form and makes a colossal leap across the ocean to Lanka by defeating Surasa and the demon Sinhika.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand

Once in Ravana's kingdom, Hanuman looks for Sita in every nook and corner of Lanka but fails to find her.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand

Instead he reaches Ravana's brother Vibhishana's camp. Vibhishana tells Hanuman that Sita is being kept in Ashok Vatika.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand

Devi Sita was wooed and threatened by Ravana and his rakshasis and given the tough condition to marry the demon king.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand

After witnessing the scene, Hanuman gave Sita Rama's signet ring in order to reconstruct the good faith in her, hidden behind the sense of terror and pessimism. He also urged Sita to return back to Rama, though she refused. She was pretty much reluctant to allow herself to be touched by Ravana and Rama's sacred touch was the only thing she could accept as a gift of blessing in her life. A sentimental Sita urged Hanuman to go back to Ayodhya and said that Rama himself should come and avenge the insult of his wife's abduction.