A brief chapter wise summary of Sundarakanda

సుందరకాండ

A Summary: Sundarakanda starts with a positive exuberance of Hanuman's leap across the ocean ( Chapter 1) moving away from prevailing gloom.After landing in Lanka Hanuman plans to enter the city of Lanka (Chapter 2). Then tackling Lankini, the demon guarding Lanka ( Chapter 3) Hanuman moves through Lanka ( Chapters 4 , 5 and 6). He sees gorgeous Ravana's palace ( Chapter 7) Pushpaka Vimana( Chapter 8) the City of Lanka ( Chapter 9) and Ravana in his palace ( Chapter 10). He is delighted mistaking Mandodari for Sita , quickly realizes his error (Chapter 11). Loses his heart on not being able to locate Sita ( Chapter 12) but with renewed vigor continues the search. Then he sees Ashok van ( Chapter 13) , enters the same ( Chapter 14) and finds Sita ( Chapter 15) . The seeds of Hanuman's respect for Sita are sown in Chapter 16 and 17.

Then Hanuman sees Ravana entering the Ashokvan ( Chapter 18). Ravana enters ( Chapter 19) Ashokvan to plead (Chapter 20) with Sita ( Chapter 21), who rejects his arguments summarily. Ravana then threatens Sita and leaves ( Chapter 22). Then we hear the Rakshasa women try to threaten and cajole Sita ( Chapter 23, 24, 25, 26). Then we hear Trijata telling about her dream ( Chapter 27). Sita too is pleased about Trijata dream but still despondent about her situation ( Chapter 28). Hanuman quickly mulls over the events ( Chapter 29) decides on the course of action ( Chapter 30) then sings a song in praise of SriRama ( Chapter 31 ). Sita is surprised ( Chapter 32). Hanuman then enquires from Sita. Sita tells her story ( Chapter 33). But quickly Sita has doubts about Hanuman ( Chapter 34) and Hanuman clears them by describing Rama's characteristics ( Ramuni- gunaalu -Chapter 35) .

Then Hanuman hands over Rama's 'Anguliyakam' ( Chapter 36). Hanuman offers to carry Sita back ( Chapter 37) which Sita refuses. Sita says it is more appropriate for Rama to come kill Ravana and take her back ! Then Sita tells the story of Kakasura ( Chapter 38) and asks Hanuman to impress on Rama to come quickly as only two months are left. As Hanuman prepares to go back ( Chapter 39) Sita has gives her message( Chapter 40) . Then Hanuman plans on next steps ( Chapter 41). He decides to take on Ravana's warriors and he lets go with his victory roar !! ( Jaya mantram - Chapter 42). Then we see Hanuman battle Kimkaras ( Chapter 43), Jambumali (Chapter 44) , the minister's sons ( Chapter 45), the five generals ( Chapter 46), Aksha kumara( Chapter 47)and finally Indrajit ( Chapter 48). Captured by Indrajit, Hanuman is taken to the assembly ( Chapter 49) where he is questioned ( Chapter 50)

Hanuman tells that he is messenger of SriRama ( Chapter 51) and advises Ravana to return Sita. Ravan orders Hanuman be killed (Chapter 52). But dissuaded by Vibhishana, Ravana orders that Hanuman's tail be set on fire ( Chapter 53). Sita prays for Hanuman's safety. Fire does not affect Hanuman( Chapter 54 ). But Hanuman sets city of Lanka on fire . After burning down Lanka Hanuman is worried that Sita too might have perished ( Chapter 55) . Realizing that she is safe he takes her leave ( Chapter 56) .

Hanuman then flies back to Mahendra mountain ( Chapter 57) from the southern shores. He tells the full story of his exploits ( Chapter 58) to the waiting Vanaras. Then he suggests that the further course of action be decided ( Chapter 59). Jambavan suggests that they go and inform SriRama ( Chapter 60 ). The Vanaras on return journey stop at Madhuvan ( Chapter 61). Unable to protect the Madhuvan from intruding Vanaras ,Dadhimuka the guard goes to complain to Sugriva ( Chapter 62). Sugriva tells Dadhimuka to send Vanaras back to see him immediately.( Chapter 63). Hanuman and others move on to meet SriRama and inform SriRama about the safety of Sita ( Chapter 64). Hanuman gives a detailed account ( Chapter 65). Rama asks Hanuman to tell everything about Sita (Chapter 66) . Hanuman narrates his conversations (Chapter 67). He tells Srirama that with his assurances of returning with SriRama, he provided confidence and peace to the troubled mind of Sita ( Chapter 68) !

 

om tat sat !

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Earlier article:

 

The story of "My Sundarakanda"

 

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