Srimad Ramayana is composed as the very essence of the Vedas. Reciting the Ramayana carries the sanctity and spiritual merit of Vedic recitation, Damal S. Ramakrishnan said in a discourse. Traditionally, the name Ramayana is associated with the four Vedas: “Ra” with the Rigveda, “Ma” with the Samaveda, “Ya” with the Yajurveda, and “Na” with the Atharvanaveda. Great acharyas, saints, and poets have celebrated the glory of the Ramayana and Lord Rama. In Tamil, poet Kambar immortalised the story of Rama through his Kamba Ramayanam. Sundarakanda in the Ramayana holds a special sacred place. In Sundarakanda, Hanuman’s mother Anjana Devi affectionately calls him Sundara. Through his divine vision, Maharshi Valmiki knew this sacred name and named it Sundarakanda, which celebrates Hanuman and his unparalleled devotion to Rama. Another significant interpretation of Valmiki behind the name Sundarakanda is defined in the sloka: “Sundare Sundaro Rama” — In Sundarakanda Rama is beautiful; “Sundare Sundari Katha” — The story narrated in it is beautiful; “Sundare Sundari Sita” — Sita Devi is beautiful in her purity, courage, and unwavering devotion; “Sundare Sundaram Vanam” – The Ashoka Vatika is beautiful; “Sundare Sundaram Kavyam” — Valmiki’s poetic brilliance reaches its sublime expression; and “Sundare Sundara: Kapi: — In Sundarakanda, Sundara, that is beautiful Hanuman, holds the key.
In Kamba Ramayanam, Kambar connects the five elements (Panchabhoothas) with Hanuman in “Anjile Ondru Petraan”. He refers to Hanuman as Vayuputra (air), leaps across the ocean (water), travels to Lanka through Akasha (sky), and finds Mother Sita, who arose from Mother Earth (earth). Finally, Hanuman uses Agni (fire) to burn Lanka. Sundarakanda narrates Hanuman’s mission to reunite Rama and Sita. Thus, Hanuman’s service reflects the speed, certainty, protective purpose, and unfailing nature associated with the Rama baana. Hanuman is not merely Rama’s messenger; he is Rama’s resolve in motion.
Published - October 17, 2026 05:06 am IST