Sundarkand is the fifth chapter of Goswami Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, the chapter that tells of Hanuman's journey to Lanka, his meeting with Sita and his devotion to Lord Ram. In countless North Indian homes, gathering the family to recite or sing the Sundarkand is a cherished way to honour Hanuman, mark an occasion or simply bring the household together.
For families who have moved to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune or Mumbai, finding someone to lead the path in the familiar style can be harder than at home. This guide covers when families hold Sundarkand Path, how long it takes, the two common styles, the prasad, and how to arrange it with a Pandit.
Why families hold Sundarkand Path
Sundarkand is loved for its message of devotion, courage and service. Families traditionally associate its recitation with strength in difficult times, removal of obstacles and peace in the home. Like all such associations, these are matters of faith, and the path is above all an act of devotion to Hanuman and Lord Ram.
- Moving into a new home, often alongside Griha Pravesh
- Birthdays, anniversaries and family milestones
- Before exams, interviews or a new job
- When a family member is unwell or going through a hard phase
- As a regular monthly or weekly gathering
Best days and timing
Tuesdays and Saturdays are the days most associated with Hanuman, and many families schedule Sundarkand Path on one of them. Hanuman Jayanti and the months of Navratri and Ram Navami are also popular. The evening is the most common time, so that working family members and guests can join.
Unlike some pujas, Sundarkand Path does not usually need a strict muhurat. Your Pandit can still suggest an auspicious day if you prefer one.
How long it takes
A complete recitation of Sundarkand takes roughly two and a half to three and a half hours, depending on the pace and style. Shorter versions are not traditional, so plan for the full length. The path is usually preceded by a short puja and followed by the Hanuman Chalisa, aarti and prasad.
Bhajan style or recitation
There are two common ways to hold the path, and families choose based on taste and the occasion.
- Recitation: the Pandit reads the chaupais and dohas in a steady chant, with the family following along in their books. This is calm and focused.
- Bhajan style: the path is sung to melodies with harmonium, dholak and manjira, often by a small mandali, and family members join in. This is lively and suits larger gatherings.
If you want the bhajan style with musicians, mention it when you enquire. It changes the number of people coming and the dakshina.
How the path is conducted
- 1Setting upA chowki is set with a picture or idol of Hanuman and Lord Ram, a diya, flowers, sindoor and a copy of the Ramcharitmanas for the Pandit.
- 2Sankalp and Ganesh pujaThe Pandit takes the sankalp in the family's name and worships Lord Ganesha and Hanuman.
- 3Recitation of SundarkandThe full chapter is recited or sung, with the family following. Many keep copies of the Sundarkand book so everyone can read along.
- 4Hanuman Chalisa and aartiThe path closes with the Hanuman Chalisa and the aarti of Hanuman and Lord Ram.
- 5PrasadPrasad is offered and shared with everyone present.
Prasad and preparation
Boondi or besan laddoos, gur chana and fruits are the traditional prasad for Hanuman. Keep a red cloth for the chowki, sindoor, a ghee diya, flowers, incense and a few copies of the Sundarkand book. Seating on the floor with durries or mats is customary, so clear a large enough space for the family and guests.
In a flat, the path is quiet enough for most societies, but if you have musicians, letting neighbours know the timing is a kind gesture.
Sundarkand for families away from home
For many families from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi who now live in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune or Mumbai, a Sundarkand Path is one of the rituals they miss most. At home there was always someone in the mohalla or the local temple who could lead it in the familiar way. In a new city, finding a Pandit who knows the Awadhi chaupais and sings them in the style you grew up with can take some effort.
Many families in large gated communities now organise Sundarkand together, taking turns to host it each month in their flats or in the society hall. This is a lovely way for North Indian families in a southern or western city to build a small community, and children grow up hearing the path just as their parents did.
If you are organising a monthly Sundarkand in your society, ask about a regular booking with the same Pandit so the style stays consistent.
Sundarkand with a havan or Hanuman puja
Some families extend the evening with a short havan after the path, or begin with a fuller Hanuman puja including chola, the offering of sindoor and chameli oil to Hanuman. On special occasions such as a new home, a birthday or the fulfilment of a mannat, the path may be followed by a bhandara, a shared meal for guests.
Others combine Sundarkand with an Akhand Ramayan Path, the continuous recitation of the full Ramcharitmanas over about 24 hours, where the Sundarkand is one chapter of the whole. Tell the Pandit what you have in mind so the timing, number of readers and dakshina can be planned together.
Following along as a family
One of the joys of Sundarkand is that everyone can take part. Keep enough copies of the Sundarkand book, available in Hindi and with transliteration in English, so family members and guests can read along. Children can be given the dohas to read aloud, and elders who know the path by heart often lead the singing.
If some guests do not read Hindi, ask the Pandit to explain the story briefly before each section. Knowing what Hanuman is doing at each point, crossing the ocean, finding Sita in the Ashok Vatika, meeting Ravan and setting Lanka alight, makes the recitation far more meaningful.
A short note on the story
Sundarkand begins as Hanuman leaps across the ocean to Lanka in search of Sita. Along the way he meets Surasa and Simhika, overcomes them with wit and strength, and reaches the golden city. He searches through Ravan's palace and finally finds Sita in the Ashok Vatika, where he gives her Lord Ram's ring and assures her that rescue is near.
Captured and brought before Ravan, Hanuman speaks fearlessly and advises him to return Sita. When his tail is set on fire, he leaps across the rooftops and sets Lanka alight, then returns to Lord Ram with Sita's chudamani and the news that she is safe. The chapter closes with the vanar sena preparing to build the bridge to Lanka.
Families love Sundarkand because it is a story of devotion, courage and humility in service of others. Knowing the story before the path begins helps everyone, especially children, feel part of it.
Sundarkand Path cost and booking
On PujaKarma, Sundarkand Path starts at a dakshina of ₹3,100 for a recitation by a Pandit. The amount rises if you want a bhajan mandali with musicians, a longer programme with havan, samagri arranged by us, or travel beyond the service area.
Hindi speaking Pandits who know the North Indian style are available in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai and across Delhi NCR. Share your date, location and preferred style on WhatsApp and we confirm a suitable Pandit.
