Sundara Kandam Parayanam - Sundara Kandam Recital:

Ramar Pattabishegam Picture!

Sundara Kandam is one of the 6 kandams in Valmiki Ramayana

1. Bala Kanda - 77 chapters
2. Ayodhya Kanda - 119 chapters
3. Aranya Kanda - 75 chapters
4. Kishkindha Kanda - 67 chapters
5. Sundara Kanda - 68 chapters
6. Yuddha Kanda - 128 chapters


There is said to be one more Kanda called Uttara Kanda, describing Rama's life in Ayodhya as king, the birth of his two sons, Sita's test of innocence and return to her mother, and end of Rama's earthly life.

Sundara Kandam Book
 

Out of these, the Sundara Kanda is considered very important. Reciting Sundara Kandam is said to give material as well as spiritual benefits to both, one who recites as well as one who listens to it.


All the sufferings will be alleviated and the family will be filled with peace.


I've personally experienced tremendous benefits from reciting Sundara Kandam and have recommended to so many friends and relatives. Though some people can experience peace, happiness, prayers getting
answered and other kind of benefits immediately, some may not. It would have worked at a subtle level. Though we don't feel it immediately, it will definitely prove beneficial in the long run. I can vouch for it. But please do it with whole- hearted belief.


There are many conventional ways of reciting Sundara Kandam, which you are welcome to follow. But, if you cannot follow those methods due to busy life style, you need not get dis-heartened. It's just the devotion and love for God that matters most.


Either you plan for a course of 5 days, 7 days, 9 days, and 11 days. Divide the 68 sargams conveniently over the chosen period of time, to recite.


A picture of Rama,Sita, Lakshmana and Anjeneya, preferably Pattabishegam Picture, or just the Ramayana - Sundara Kandam recital book and any kind of Prasad, is all what you need for the recital. Just a cup of boiled milk with sugar would do for the Prasad. You can offer any kind of fruits instead, though Pomegranate is said to be a very appropriate offering. Try to offer Tulsi or any Kind of flower that's meant for Prayer. If possible make some sweet, like Sweet Pongal - Sarkarai Sadam on the final day.

 

Srimad Valmiki Ramayana Sundarakandam in Tamil
 

Start everyday recital with Ganesha Slokam followed by any Mahalakshmi Slokam and Ramar Slokam. Instead of Slokam, you can sing bhajans as well.
Also finish the recital with Ram bhajan/Slokam followed by Hanuman Slokam/bhajan.


The recital would culminate with Ramar Pattabishegam Chapter from Yuddha Kandam, on the final day. Normally this chapter would be included in all the Sundara Kandam recital books available in the market.


Sundara Kandam has been translated by numerous Authors, in many vernacular languages; choose a book which you would be comfortable with, to get started. Translation (in Tamil) of original version of Valmiki Ramayanam Sundara Kandam is also available, this is the one one I use now. This is little more elaborative. But when I started I began with the simplified Tamil version.


You can invite some of your friends and relatives on the final day of recital (or all days) and enjoy the bliss together. It's good to offer food for the poor people as well.


To simplify the whole process and to do it on a regular basis, I use to read one Sargam everyday and upon reading the last, 68th Sargam, I read Ramar Pattabishegam. Generally I make Sarkarai Pongal, along with some fresh fruits for Prasad. Do it with whole-hearted devotion and love, enjoy His bliss.


However, if you wish to recite, following traditional methods, here's a link which will give you more information about this.

http://family.wikinut.com/How-To-Perform-Sundara-Kandam-Parayanam/giju7fhq/.


Sri Rama Jayam!


Sri Rama dhootha Mahadheera
Rudraveerya Samudhbava
Anjanaa garbha sampootha
Sri Vaayu Puthra Namosthuthe!

Buddhir Bhalam Yaso Dhairyam Nirbhayatvam Arogathaam
Ajaatyam Vaak Padutvam Cha Hanumat Smaranaath Bhavet !

Yathra Yathra Raghunaatha Keerthanam 
Thathra Thathra Kritham Hasthaka Anjalim
Bhaashpa Vaari Paripoorna Lochanam
Maarutim Namatha Raakshasa Anthakam !

Asaadhya Saadhaka Swaamin
Asaadhyam Thava Kim Vadha
Raama Dhootha Krupaa Sindhoh
Muth Kaaryam Saadhaya Prabhoh !