|
 Sundar Kanda is a chapter in the
Ramayana that literally means “Beautiful Chapter”. It is about the
first conquest of Hanuman over Lanka. The chapter describes how
Hanuman went to Lanka in search of Seeta, found her, then allowed
himself to be arrested by Ravana’s soldiers. At the request of
Vibheeshana, Ravana agrees not to kill Hanuman, but sets fire to his
tail instead.
Hanuman then leaps with his
burning tail from building to building, burning the beautiful Lanka
down. The rest of the chapter deals with Hanuman’s return to the
forest where Rama was waiting, with an ornament as a souvenir from
Seeta, and the plan for crossing the mighty ocean to Lanka begins to
take shape.
The regular chanting of this chapter has been
long believed to be very beneficial. The known benefits are:
Sundar Kanda is performed in direct praise of Lord Hanuman (Pavana
Putra) and indirect praise of Lord Rama.
The procedure for performing this japam are:
-
 The hostess offers tikka (sandalwood paste and kumkum) to all the
participants
-
The Ganesh puja and aarti (a must for any puja) are performed next
-
Pavana pratharna and Pavana Gayatri are recited (since Pavana was
the father of Hanuman and Bhim, the two most powerful characters in
Indian mythology)
-
Hanuman Chalisa is recited
-
Hanuman Aarti is performed
-
Flowers are offered
-
Sundar Kanda is chanted (it can be done on a single day or spread
over five days)
-
Bhog (food) and fruits are offered to the Lord (using Gangajal)
-
Hanuman Chalisa is recited
-
Hanuman Aarti is performed
-
Flowers are offered
-
Prasadam is distributed
-
Everybody present partakes lunch
Requirements for the japam:
-
 Idol of Ganesha
-
Pictures or idol of Hanuman, Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana
-
Kalasha (real or symbolic)
-
Flowers
-
Sandalwood paste
-
Gangajal
-
Camphor
-
Agarabatti
-
Cotton wick lamp and gingelly oil
-
Prasadam (halwa or kheer)
-
Betel leaves and nuts (for offering to women as they leave)
-
Copies of the Chalisa, Aarti and Sundar Kanda for the participants
-
Fruits
-
The Lord must face East or North
Preparation for the puja
-
 The environment must be clean and pure
-
The host must chant the Sundar Kanda at least five times before
performing the public japam
-
None of the participants must consume alcohol on the previous day
and on the day of the japam
-
The puja must begin before Rahu Kaalam
The language for performing this japam
Though originally written in Sanskrit, most people prefer the
Tulasidas’ Ramacharit Manas for this japam. It sounds most beautiful
in the Avadhi Hindi that Tulasidas used. However, it is up to the
convenience of the participants as to which language they select for
this japam.
Sundar Kanda Japam in Northern California
 Some residents of Northern California got together on the December
8, 2007 and performed this japam at Novato. Indians have modified a
few traditions to suit the conditions and rules existing in North
America. For instance, the panchang for North America is slightly
different from that in India and the timings of the different events
like Rahu Kalam, Yama Gandam, auspicious timings, etc., are slightly
different in North America.
These events also help in bonding the Indian community. It is only
at such events and cultural events that Indians get together. Food
is usually shared by organizing pot luck at the end of the event.
Each family that comes, brings an item of food. That way, no one is
burdened and also there is a spirit of sharing in the air.
The puja and japam started sharp at 9.10 a.m. (Rahu Kalam in North
America on Saturday starts at 9.28 a.m.) and ended at 12.50 p.m.
Almost 40 people turned up and it was amazing to see children
sitting through the puja and the japam.
Certainly, Indian traditions are alive and well
in Northern California as in the rest of North America.
Sameer Khanwalker
|
