In the vast land of ancient India, where rivers flowed like ribbons of silver and forests whispered with divine secrets, there existed a story that has lived for thousands of years — the story of Sunderkand, the most glorious chapter in the epic Ramayana. It is a tale not just of gods and demons, but of faith, devotion, and the boundless courage of one extraordinary being — Hanuman, the Monkey King Monkey.
Though known to many as the loyal servant of Lord Rama, Hanuman was far more than that. He was the embodiment of strength and humility, wisdom and innocence — a perfect balance of devotion and power. The name Sunderkand means the beautiful chapter, and rightly so, for it is in this part of the great epic that Hanuman’s heroism shines brightest, his journey revealing the beauty of selfless service and divine faith.
The Mission Begins
When Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, was abducted by the demon king Ravana and taken to the golden city of Lanka, Rama was heartbroken. With his brother Lakshmana by his side, he searched the forests, the rivers, and the mountains, calling out Sita’s name. Eventually, he formed an alliance with Sugriva, the ruler of the monkey kingdom, and his army of brave warriors.
Among them was Hanuman — born of the wind god, with the power to leap across oceans and lift mountains. But what made him great was not just his strength, but his devotion. He lived for one purpose — to serve Lord Rama with unwavering faith.
One day, Rama entrusted Hanuman with a mission that would test every ounce of his courage and devotion:
“Find Sita,” Rama said softly. “Tell her I am coming for her. Assure her she is not alone.”
Hanuman bowed deeply. “By your grace, my Lord, I shall find her. Not even the ocean will stop me.”
The Great Leap
The monkey army reached the southern coast, where the vast ocean stretched endlessly before them. The waves crashed like thunder, and the horizon seemed to merge with the heavens. The monkeys trembled at the sight — no one had ever crossed such a distance.
But Hanuman stood tall. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and remembered Rama. In that moment, he grew — larger, brighter, filled with divine energy. His heart beat with courage and love. With one mighty roar, he leaped into the sky, soaring higher and higher until he was nothing more than a golden streak across the blue heavens.
The gods watched in awe. The wind god whispered proudly, “That is my son.”
As Hanuman flew, the ocean below sparkled, and the mountains bowed in respect. But the journey was not easy. The sea goddess, testing his resolve, sent the mountain Mainaka to offer him rest. Yet Hanuman refused to stop. “I cannot rest until I complete Lord Rama’s task,” he said, touching the mountain gently before continuing his flight.
Next came Surasa, the serpent goddess, who tried to swallow him to test his intelligence. Hanuman quickly transformed himself — first growing gigantic, then shrinking smaller than a bee — and flew right through her mouth, bowing as he passed. “You have passed, mighty Hanuman,” she said, smiling.
Then came Simhika, a demoness who could grab shadows to pull her prey down. She caught Hanuman’s shadow, but he struck her down swiftly and continued without hesitation.
Nothing — not temptation, not fear, not even demons — could break his focus.
The Golden City of Lanka
At last, Hanuman reached the glittering city of Lanka, built of gold and jewels, surrounded by high walls and guarded by fierce demons. He shrank himself to the size of a small monkey and entered quietly. The air was thick with strange magic. The streets were filled with rakshasas — demons of all shapes and colors.
As he wandered through the palace gardens, he saw countless luxuries and beautiful maidens, but none could distract him. His eyes searched only for Sita.
Finally, he found her — sitting beneath a tree in the Ashok Vatika, surrounded by demon guards. Her face was pale, her clothes torn, her eyes filled with sorrow. Yet her devotion shone like fire. She clutched a small jewel from Rama’s crown, whispering his name again and again.
Hanuman’s heart melted. Quietly, he climbed down from the tree and spoke softly, “Mother Sita, I bring you Lord Rama’s message.”
At first, Sita thought it was a trick. But when Hanuman showed her Rama’s ring, her tears flowed freely. “You have come from him,” she whispered, joy lighting her face for the first time in months.
Hanuman knelt before her. “Rama will come soon. Please hold faith. I will return to him with your message.”
Sita smiled faintly and gave him a jewel from her hair, saying, “Give this to my Lord. Tell him that even in my darkest moments, I think only of him.”
The Fire of Lanka
Before leaving Lanka, Hanuman decided to test the strength of the demon army. He allowed himself to be captured by Ravana’s guards, knowing this would give him the chance to see the enemy face to face.
In Ravana’s grand court, filled with gold and pride, Hanuman stood tall despite being bound in chains. Ravana’s ten heads glared down at him.
“Who are you, little monkey, to trespass into my kingdom?” Ravana thundered.
Hanuman smiled calmly. “I am Hanuman, servant of Lord Rama — the one whose name alone can burn your pride to ashes.”
Enraged, Ravana ordered, “Burn him alive!”
The demons wrapped his tail in oil-soaked cloth and set it on fire. But as the flames rose, Hanuman laughed. With one mighty leap, he escaped his captors and grew in size once more. His burning tail turned into a weapon of divine justice.
He leaped from roof to roof, setting Lanka ablaze. Flames engulfed the golden city, lighting up the night sky like a fiery sun. Palaces crumbled, towers melted, and the demons screamed in fear. But Hanuman made sure not a single spark touched Sita’s garden.
When the city was reduced to ashes, Hanuman dipped his tail in the sea to extinguish the flames and took one final leap back toward India.
The Return to Lord Rama
When Hanuman landed on the shore, the monkey army cheered. He bowed before Lord Rama and presented Sita’s jewel.
Rama held it close to his heart, his eyes brimming with tears. “You have done what even the gods could not,” he said. “You have given me hope.”
Hanuman knelt humbly. “It was your grace, my Lord, that gave me strength. Without you, I am nothing.”
Rama smiled and placed his hand on Hanuman’s head. “Your name shall live forever. You are not just my devotee — you are my own soul.”
And thus, Sunderkand became the most revered section of the Ramayana — the tale of the Monkey King Monkey, whose love and devotion made even the impossible possible.
The Eternal Message of Sunderkand
Sunderkand is more than a story — it is a spiritual journey. Hanuman’s leap represents the power of faith that allows one to cross the vast ocean of life’s challenges. His humility teaches that true strength lies in surrender to the divine will. His courage reminds us that no demon — whether fear, doubt, or sorrow — can defeat the light of devotion.
Whenever someone reads or listens to Sunderkand, it is said that Hanuman himself listens with them, blessing them with courage, wisdom, and peace.
For in the end, the Monkey King Monkey — Hanuman — stands as the eternal symbol of love, loyalty, and unshakable faith, proving that with devotion and truth, even the smallest being can perform the greatest miracles. 🐒🔥🙏
