Sundara Kānda: Hanuman's Odyssey

By Murthy, B.S.

Book Id: WPLBN0002097653
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 6.44 MB
Reproduction Date: 9/16/2011

Title:	Sundara Kānda: Hanuman's Odyssey
Author:	Murthy, B.S.
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Love, Spirituality, Epic, Erotic romance, poetry, Adventure, Mythology, Hindu mythology, Sundara Kanda,Ramayana, Rama, Hanuman, Sita, Ravana, Fantasy adventure, Scriptures, Puranas, Indian literature, Hindu literature, Sanskrit literature, Classics, Hindu classics, Sanskrit classics, Religion, Sspirituality, Adversity, Forbearance, Hope, Fidelity, Kidnap, Lanka, Hinduism, Magical realism, Poetry, Verses, , Literature, Ramayana, War , Mythology, Hinduism today,
Collections:	Religion, Favorites in Hong Kong, Authors Community, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Literature, Most Popular Books in China, Favorites in India
Historic Publication Date:	2005
Publisher:	Self Imprint

Member Page:	BS Murthy
Citation APA MLA Chicago Murthy, B. B. (2005). Sundara Kānda. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.cc/

Description
While Mahabharata's Bhagvad-Gita is taken as a philosophical guide, Ramayana's Sundara Kãnda is sought for spiritual solace; many believe that reading Sundara Kãnda or hearing it recited would remove all hurdles and usher in good tidings! Miracles apart, it's in the nature of Sundara Kãnda to inculcate fortitude and generate hope in one and all. After all, isn't it a depiction of how Hanuman goes about his errand against all odds! Again, won't it portray how Seetha, on the verge of self-immolation, overcomes despair to see life in a new light? Besides, how Hanuman's Odyssey paves the way for Rama to rescue his kidnapped wife! One is bound to be charmed by the rhythm of the verse and the flow of the narrative in this sloka to sloka transcreation of Valmiki's adi kavya - the foremost poetical composition in the world. What is more, as the following verse illustrates, it was the forerunner of the magic realism of our times – “Gripped she then him by shadow / Cast which Hanuman coast to coast; Recalled he in dismay then / What Sugreev said at outset / That one fiend had aptitude / To grip its prey by mere shadow.” On a personal note, my paternal grandfather, Bulusu Thimmaiah-garu, like many in his time, was a life-long practitioner of Sundara Kãnda parayana (the epic’s daily recital in part or full), whose spirituality could have providentially guided me in this, rather an effortless, trans-creative endeavour.

Excerpt
Canto 31 - Rama’s Ballad For Seetha’s ears then Rama’s tale Sang in sonorous tone Hanuman. In lineage old of Ikshvaakus Known to all for his valour Dasarath was the reigning king. Noble as he was the king Valued was he like a saint Power he had to rival gods. Generous was he by nature Took he care of his subjects Ruled he like a god on earth. For his righteous reign Dasarath Earned he fame the world over. Esteemed he his eldest son Known to all as Lord Rama, Prowess his to target well Arrows at his enemies awe. Wavers not he from dharma Adheres he to human rights Keeps his word at every turn Gives no quarter to enemies. Stepmother of Ram, Kaikeyi Wanted who crown for her son Coerced as she Dasarath then Gave up Ram thus his birthright So led Seetha with Lakshman To the thick woods of Dandak. Demons that ruled roost in Dandak Menaced they folk lived all there Killed them all Ram at one go Restored he thus righteous reign. At the news of kindred’s death Thought of settling scores Ravan, So he summoned Maareecha Turned who into golden deer Tempting Seetha to seek him, Sent then Seetha Ram to fetch Magic deer that stole her heart, Arrow when Ram’s hit Maareech Rent he cries then mimicking him Made which Seetha fear for Ram, Goaded Rama’s wife Lakshman To go in search of his sibling, With none there to stand by her Kidnapped Ravan Seetha then. Set as he on search for spouse Came Ram in touch with Sugreev Stole whose wife his own sibling. To uphold dharma then Rama Slew he Vali that mighty Helping Sugreev ascend throne. In time as per pact he made Sent Sugreev his vanar force In search of Seetha thus missing. It’s my fortune that I came Place to this in search of her. Picture have I of Seetha Painted for me by Rama. Won’t this lady well tally Picture with that Ram gave me? Spake as he with all his warmth Looked up Rama’s wife in hope. Found though she no soul in sight What she heard then made her glad. Sensing Seetha’s upbeat mood From hideout then came out Hanuman.

Table of Contents
Copyright page Dedication Cantos in the Book - 1 - Hurdles in Skies 2 - City in Clouds 3 - Prelude to Entry 4 - Foray into Fort 5 - Life in Lanka 6 - Precincts to Beat 7 - Palace in the Plane 8 - Pushpak’s Prowess 9 - Harem at Night 10 - Women in Want 11 - Qualms of Celibate 12 - At Wits End 13 - Errand in the Bend 14 - Garden of Grief 15 - Withered Flower 16 - She is Seetha 17 - Guards all Hideous 18 - Ravan on Heat 19 - Dame in Despair 20 - Womanizer at Work 21 - Steadfast in Love 22 - Deadline to Death 23 - Guards that Pander 24 - Carrot and Stick 25 - Hapless Soul 26 - Wandering Thoughts 27 - Dream of a Nightmare 28 - On the Verge 29 - Good Tidings 30 - Hanuman’s Dilemma 31 - Rama’s Ballad 32 - Is it True? 33 - Genesis of Exile 34 - Swings in Mood 35 - Winning the Trust 36 - More of the Same 37 - Aborted Move 38 - Story to Tell 39 - Doubts to the Fore 40 - Repeats the Dose 41 - Rampage in the Park 42 - Panic in the Town 43 -Itching for Fight 44 -Takes on Prahastha’s Son 45 - Marshals in the Mire 46 - Generals in the Dumps 47 - Akshay’s Life on Line 48 - It takes Indrajit 49 - Ravan’s Darbar 50 - Cause of Loss 51 - Advice to Deliver 52 -Placates the Sibling 53 - Tail on Fire 54 - Arson to Hurt 55 - What of Seetha? 56 - Havoc of a Take-off 57 - Flight sans Hassles 58 - Odyssey in a Nutshell 59 - Pep Talk to Peers 60 - Angad on Rebound 61 - Eying the Madhuvan 62 - Orgy in the Garden 63 - Sugreev’s Reading 64 - Return of the Platoon 65 - News in Brief 66 - Tears in Torrents 67 - Hanuman’s Replay 68 - Times of Hope and Peep into 'Yuddha Kanda' 1. Embrace of a Gift 2. Coronation and After