II Sundar Kand II
Sundar Kand is the fifth chapter of the Ramayana. This chapter describes Hanuman ji's vow to cross the ocean in search of Sita mata, his intellect and strength to overcome all obstacles on his way, how his meeting alleviates Sita mata's pain, and his show of great courage and wisdom in the assembly of Ravan as an ambassador of Shri Ram. On his way back, Hanuman ji demonstrates the power of Shri Ram's army by burning important palaces of Ravan's kingdom. Upon his return to the shore, Shri Ram himself immensely appreciates Hanuman ji and embraces him after hearing details of his journey to Lanka, and finally Shri Ram lays the plan to build the bridge across the ocean to Lanka with the help of his army.
All the chapters of Ramayana except Sundar Kand are named on the basis of places or events. In Sundar Kand, through his heroic efforts, Hanuman ji is able to bring happiness to both Shri Ram and Sita. He sang glories of Shri Ram and was praised by Shri Ram for his work and viewed upon as a brother. Due to the description of beautiful incidences and beautiful relationship between Bhakta and Bhagwan, this chapter is called Sundar (beautiful) Kand.
Chanting of Sundar Kand instills the feeling of happiness and peace in the devotee; and it has the power of removing the miseries of the devotee as he spiritually elevates himself. In the words of a great Indian philosopher and thinker Shri Rajagopalachari, "One cannot understand Hindu dharma unless one knows Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat and Hanuman