Sundara Kaandam

!!!!Shri Ramajayam!!!!

Recently I have started to learn the Sundarakaandam (sundara khaand) sanskrit version through a Guru along with a few of my friends. It's an epic journey and will take me years to even understand. As I work my way through this masterpiece I have decided to try and at least decipher some of the meanings of the shlokas to get a better sense of what I am learning to chant. 

Sundarakaandam has a special place for me since I have seen and heard my paati read it during my childhood days. It is worthy to note that my maternal grandmother Kamala paati was the one who told me the story of ramayana when I was merely 3 or 4 yrs old. She had a knack of story telling that made it really enjoyable and she used to tell me these stories while putting me to sleep. It is unfortunate that none of my kids' grandparents have kept up with this. One day in (not so far off) future when I become a grandma I hope I get the opportunity to share Indian mythological stories with my grandkids. 

Valmiki (a robber turned rishi) penned the Ramayana in 6 khandas (or books). Bala (child), Ayodhya (a place name), Aaranya (Forest), Kishkindha (a place name), Sundara (Beautiful) and Yuddha (War). Each book comprises of many chapters or sargas and each sarga has many shlokas. The sundara kaandam consists of 68 sargas or chapters each with a different number of shlokas. This kaandam consists of events from Hanuman crossing the ocean in search of Sita to Hanuman convincing Sita and giving her solace that Rama will come to retrieve her from her prison in Asoka Vana. Since at the end of Sundara Kaanda, Sita realizes that her sorrowful days are over and looks forward to the future with hope, it is widely believed that reading the sundarakaandam will bring similar solace and hope to the reader. 

This is my humble attempt at understanding this epic work in my own toddling, baby like steps. It is not an authoritative translation of any kind but merely treat it as a simpleton's view. I seek His Blessings to help me continue this to the best of my knowledge and skill. If there are any omissions or errors (there certainly will be), please be kind and let me know through comments and I will make the amends. 

Shri Gurubhyo Namah!

Jai Shri Raam!!