Recitation of Sundara Kandam , which stands for everything auspicious, is common in Hindu households. Mere possession of Valmiki’s canto, which describes Hanuman’s leap across the Indian Ocean and finding Sita, is considered the crowning glory of the Ramayana.
A favourite theme of artistes, the canto is presented through song, dance and Harikatha. An audio album — simple garland of verses set to tune in Ragamalika — comes as an aural treat. Gifted to this writer by a friend in the U.S., it is a faithful echo — of Valmiki’s narration — in Kannada.
The cover says that the CD, produced by Nadatarangini (www.nadatarangini.org) in the U.S., is dedicated to the late H. C. Subba Rao, a lifelong devotee of Rama, by his family. May be it was meant for circulation among a close group but the quality warrants a mention in this edition of the supplement, which is dedicated to Sri Rama. The Kannada lyric was inspired by Sri Rama Sastry’s Telugu poem, says the cover.
Language is no barrier for those who know the epic. From Hanuman climbing Mahendragiri to launch himself, his conquering Lankini, tour of the breathtaking palace of Ravana, locating Sita under the Simsupa tree, receiving the ring, the Court scene, Pavanakumara setting the city on fire and his return are beautifully sung with the chorus refrain, “Jaya Jaya Rama Raghukula Soma Jaya Jaya Sitarama, Jaya Dimanta Jaya Hanumantha Jaya Jaya Vaanara Nisseema.” This is preceded by the majestic tone of Mangalavadyam. Veteran M.S. Sheela leads the team of musicians with her deep resonant voice.
“Sighted Sita,” exclaims Hanuman in front of Raghava, who receives the ring with tears in his eyes. “Sing, dance and hear Sundarakanda daily, for peace, prosperity and all that is Good” — the narration ends — when a single male voice takes over. “Raamaa...” his voice reaches a crescendo and then lands on a serene note, the chorus refrain softly playing in the background. Fitting finale to a moving story, which is powered solely by devotion.
