Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam: Sundarakandam (Sanskrit Text with English Meaning)

Preface

manOjavam maaruta tulya vEgam,

jitEndriyam buddhi mataam variSHtham

vaataatmajam vaanara yootha mukhyam,

shree raama dootam charanam prapadyE.

Let me pray to the one who is swift as thought (manOjavam-), the one who is more powerful than the wind (maaruta.tulya.vEgam-), the one who has conquered his senses GitEndriyam-), the one who is supreme among all intelligent beings (buddhi mataarn variSHtham), the son of the wind-god (vaataatinajam-), the commander of the army of forest creatures (vaanara.yootha.mukhyam-), Let me find refuge in Lord Rama's Messenger, the incomparable Lord Hanuman. Please accept me and my prayers at your feet(shree raama dootam charanam prapadyE).

Hanuman has been my Hero right from childhood and when I see children even today picking up amongst many other books, a book on Hanuman, I am taken back to my childhood. I consider it a great blessing to have been given an opportunity to introduce the book and the writer to the Readers.

The essence of Ramayana, the beauty of Ramayana is vested in the "Sundarakanda", This kanda brings meaning to the epic story. Shri R. Viswanathan has been bestowed with blessings to not only read the book but share its beautiful flow in the most understood language of the youth of today i.e. English in a lucid manner. As the reader follows the translation, he/she is not only able to understand the meaning of the Sanskrit words but also visualize the valor of Hanuman, the beauty of the sea, the beauty of the mansion of Sri lanka, the piety of Sit a, the wonderful feeling of love, yearning and dedication between the universal couple Sri Rama and Sita. One can feel the dutiful power of Lord Hanuman as the messenger of Rama transforming into a dutiful son of Sita and bringing everlasting joy to the Divine couple. The various stages from confusion, to determination backed by logic has been conceptualized in this book. One cannot but be awed by the power of Hanuman. As the book progresses. one feels the solace of being cared for and protected by the messenger of God. If Hanuman can assuage the suffering of Rama and Sita who are God incarnation themselves, putting our faith in this wonderful personality who just bears the exterior form of a monkey but is endowed with the brain, power and blessings of the Lord Himself, would alleviate us from all our troubles and bring everlasting joy.

It is our sincere request to the readers to read the book with the faith that as you read the book, Hanuman is sitting beside you and listening to you. Let us remember the blessing of Sri Rama to Hanuman that whenever and wherever the story of Rama is sung or told Hanuman will be present.

yatra yatra raghunatha keertanam;

tatra tatra krRta mastakaanjalim;

baSHpavaari paripoorNa IOchanam;

maarutim namata raakSHasaantakam

Praying to Hanuman gives us the moderation that we are only the tools in the hand of the Almighty. It is he who uses us for tasks that in the long run would be a benefit to humanity. If we offer ourselves at His holy feet the pathway \ of our life will smoothened irrespective of our own shortfalls.

While with the blessings of Ram a, there are 'stand alone temples' of Hanuman and it is firmly etched in the minds of devotees that by worshipping Hanuman the devotee has worshipped Rama, Sita and Lakshmana along with Hanuman. There is not a single temple of Rama without the presence of Hanuman.

We seek forgiveness of the all powerful, all pervasive, all knowing, intelligent, patient Hanuman to accept our endeavour in bringing out the book for the well being of mankind.