What is Sunderkand?
Sunderkand is the fifth book (sopan) of the Shri Ramcharitmanas, composed by Goswami Tulsidas. The entire book is dedicated to Hanuman — it narrates his leap across the ocean, the search for Sita in Lanka, the burning of Lanka and his return with her message. It is the only book of the Ramcharitmanas whose hero is not Rama but his supreme devotee, Hanuman.
Tradition holds Sunderkand recitation as deeply fruitful. It is said that Hanuman himself is present wherever Sunderkand is read. It is especially chanted for relief from troubles, fear, illness and obstacles.
Sunderkand — Mangalacharan (with meaning)
Tulsidas opens Sunderkand with three Sanskrit verses — saluting Lord Rama and bowing to Hanuman.
Verse 1
Shantam shashvatamaprameyamanangham nirvanashantipradam
brahmashambhuphaneendrasevyamanisham vedantavedyam vibhum.
Ramakhayam jagadeeshvaram suragurum mayamanushyam harim
vandeham karunakaram raghuvaram bhoopalachoodamanim.
Meaning: I salute Lord Rama — peaceful, eternal, beyond proof, sinless, giver of supreme peace. Served ever by Brahma, Shiva and Shesha, known through Vedanta, all-pervading — the Lord of the universe, guru of the gods, Hari who took human form through maya, ocean of compassion, best of the Raghus, crest-jewel of kings.
Verse 2
Nanya spriha raghupate hridayesmadiye
satyam vadami cha bhavanakhilantaratma.
Bhaktim prayachchha raghupungava nirbharam me
kamadidosharahitam kuru manasam cha.
Meaning: O Lord of the Raghus! I have no desire in my heart but you — I speak the truth, and you are the indweller of all hearts. O best of Raghus, grant me your complete devotion and free my mind of lust and other faults.
Verse 3
Atulitabaladhamam hemashailabhadeham
danujavanakrishanum jnaninamagragranyam.
Sakalagunanidhanam vanaranamadhisham
raghupatipriyabhaktam vatajatam namami.
Meaning: I bow to Hanuman, son of the wind — abode of matchless strength, radiant as a golden mountain, fire to the forest of demons, foremost among the wise, treasure of all virtues, lord of the vanaras, beloved devotee of Rama.
How To Read Sunderkand
- Days: Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered especially fruitful.
- Vow: in a single sitting, or spread over 5, 7 or 11 days — take a vow as suits you.
- Time: morning after bathing, in a quiet place; in an unbroken reading, tradition avoids getting up midway.
- Method: light a lamp, remember Hanuman, begin with the mangalacharan and read in order. Hanuman Chalisa and aarti may follow.
- Practice: simple sattvic food and restraint are traditionally observed on reading days.
Benefits of Reading
- Traditionally read for relief from fear, anxiety and mental unrest.
- Chanted seeking protection in troubles, obstacles and from adversaries.
- Devotees believe Hanuman’s grace brings courage, patience and confidence.
- Tuesday–Saturday reading is part of many Hanuman devotees’ regular practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which scripture is Sunderkand part of?
A: It is the fifth book of Tulsidas’s Shri Ramcharitmanas.
Q: When should Sunderkand be read?
A: Tuesdays and Saturdays are special. In difficulty, it may be read any day with a vow.
Q: Must it be read in one sitting?
A: One sitting is ideal, but reading over 5, 7 or 11 days in order is also practised.
Q: What are the benefits of reading Sunderkand?
A: Tradition regards it as the remover of fear and troubles and the bringer of Hanuman’s grace. It is a matter of faith.