The Ramayan Chapter-5,6&7

Chapter 5 - The Sundar Kand of Ramayana

The Sundara Kand (Beautiful Chapter) of the Ramcharitmanas deals primarily with Hanuman’s journey to Lanka and exemplifies Hanuman's selflessness, strength, and devotion to Ram.

Obstacles in Hanuman’s Journey to Lanka

Hanuman encountered numerous obstacles while crossing the ocean to reach Lanka, including the Mainak mountain, Demoness Sinhika, and later Sursa. Even after successfully crossing the ocean, he faced the daunting task of finding a way through Lankini and other formidable forces that were guarding the golden city of Lanka. Hanuman uses his intelligence, strength, and agility to overcome all the challenges.

Hanuman Meets with Vibhishan

Upon reaching Lanka, Hanuman assumed the form of an insect and commenced his flight across the city in search of Sita. He came across a temple of Ram in Lanka and was pleasantly surprised. Subsequently he spotted Vibhishan coming towards Ram's temple and decided to approach him for a conversation. Hanuman imparts spiritual wisdom to Vibhishan and encourages him to surrender at the lotus feet of Ram. Vibhishan guides Hanuman about the whereabouts of Sita in Lanka.

Hanuman Finds Sita and Assures Her

Hanuman sees Sita in the Ashoka Vatika, with numerous demons surrounding her. Soon after, Ravan appears and tries to intimidate Sita into marrying him, but his efforts are in vain. Hanuman spots Sita in the Ashoka Vatika, surrounded by many demons. In a short while, Ravan shows up there and tries to intimidate Sita into marrying him but is unsuccessful.

Hanuman, still in a tiny form, appears before Sita now and introduces himself as servant and messenger of Ram while presenting Ram's ring to Sita as a proof. He assures her that Ram, Lakshman and their army will soon rescue her from Ravan's captivity.

Hanuman Sets Lanka on Fire

Hanuman gets permission from Sita to eat the fruits from the trees in Ashok Vatika. He deliberately creates a scene by uprooting trees and even killing a few of Ravan’s soldiers. Hanuman is uncontrollable, but finally, Meghnath captures Hanuman and is brought to Ravan's court. In spite of Hanuman's pleas, Ravan adamantly refuses to consider releasing Sita or take any of his advice into account.

Ravan then instructed his men to put Hanuman's tail on fire and let him go. With his tail ablaze, Hanuman started jumping from one palace on to the other, setting Lanka ablaze.

Hanuman Heads Back to Kishkindha

Before leaving Lanka, Hanuman meets with Sita again and asks for her bangles to take back to Ram as a proof of their meeting. Hanuman shares with Ram about his journey to Lanka. Ram then told Sugreev that they should make preparations to march towards Lanka. He encouraged and energized the Vanar army.

Vibhishan Surrenders to Ram

Vibhishan attempts to persuade Ravan to free Sita and avoid engaging in a battle with Ram. Realizing that it is futile to try and persuade Ravan, he chooses to depart Lanks and join Ram and Lakshman in their quest to rescue Sita from Ravan's clutches. Ram welcomes Vibhishan with open arms and crowns him as the King of Lanka.

Significance of the Sundar Kand

The Sundar Kand is the heart of Ramayana and is also the most popular chapter. It showcases the power of faith, devotion, and surrender.

Chapter 6 - The Lanka Kand of Ramayana

The dramatic events leading up to Ram and Ravana's confrontation are described in detail in the Ramcharitmanas' Lanka Kand. It highlights themes of bravery, devotion, the strength of faith and love, and the eventual victory of good over evil.

Construction of the Bridge and War Games

Ram and Sugriv make arrangements to build a bridge across the vast sea, separating them from Lanka. Nala and Neel, blessed with extraordinary engineering skills, led the Vanara army to build the Ram Setu (bridge). Before beginning their march towards Lanka, Ram established a Shivlinga at Rameshvaram and offered his worship.

Angada's Mission and Ravana's Arrogance

Ram sends Angada as a peace messenger to Ravana's court before the war, offering one last chance for Ravana to release Sita and prevent the conflict. Angada urges Ravana to release Sita and avoid a catastrophic battle. Disregarding Angada's counsel, Ravana, driven by desire and pride, insults Ram and his army. The battle is inevitable now.

The Battle of Lanka

The army of Ram arrives in Lanka and conflicts break out between the Ram's army and the Ravana's sons and generals. Ravana's son Indrajit aims his Shakti baan at Lakshman knocking him unconscious. Hanuman saves Lakshman's life by bringing the magical herb Sanjivani from the Himalayas Ram ultimately defeats the ten-headed demon king Ravana by overpowering him and piercing him with his arrows thanks to the gods' aid.

Sita's Reunification with Ram and Coronation of Vibhishan

At the end of battle, the Vanara army celebrate their victory, signifying triumph of good over evil. Ram coronates Vibhishan as the King of Lanka. Sita goes through Agni Pariksha before they all head to Ayodhya on the Pushpak Viman where Bharat is eagerly waiting for their return, the fourteen years of exile in forests are coming to an end soon.

Significance of the Lanka Kand of Ramayana

The Lanka Kand highlights the power of unflinching faith in God that makes Angad fearless as he visits Ravan as Ram's peace messenger. The triumph of good over evil is a prevailing theme of this chapter.

Chapter 7 - The Uttara Kand of Ramayana

The Utta Kand is the last Chapter of the Book, and can be broadly divided into two parts. The first half celebrates return of Ram to Ayodhya and establishment of Ram Rajya. The second half touches on spiritual knowledge in the form of dialects between Shiv-Parvati and Kag Bhushundi-Garud.

Ayodhya Celebrates Return of Ram - Start of Diwali Tradition

Lord Ram and his companions reached Ayodhya on the Pushpak airplane. The entire kingdom is lighted with Ghee Candles and joy of the people of Ayodhya knows no bounds. The returning of Ram back to Ayodhya has since been celebrated as the most revered festival amongst the Hindus. Amidst a spectacular ceremony, Ram is crowned as the King of Ayodhya. Sugreev, Vibhishan and other companions departs from Ayodhya shortly thereafter. Hanuman stays in Ayodhya as he could not bear separation from Ram even for a moment. (Read heart touching story of Hunuman and Sindoor)

Establishment of Ram Rajya

Lord Ram established his famed 'Ram Rajya', the Rule of Dharma, throughout his realm. It is marked by righteous leadership, justice, fairness, and empathy, immense prosperity and universal happiness. In Ram's kingdom, there were no widows to lament, nor there was any danger from wild animals, nor any fear born of diseases. The kingdom was bereft of thieves and robberies.

Lord Shiv Narrates Ram Katha Mahatmya (Glories of Ram) to Mother Parvati

Shiva narrates to goddess Uma, his consort, the enlightening conversation between Kaagbhusundi and Garud. Many important spiritual principles and philosophies are explained for the benefit of spiritual aspirants and seekers of divine knowledge.

Offering Prayers to Lord Ram

Finally, the Ramayana ends with offering of prayers to Lord Ram, and seeking the Lord's grace and mercy for one's spiritual well-being, stressing the fact that there is no living being in this world who has not benefited by submitting oneself before Lord Ram, and by worshipping and having devotion for him