Kishkinda Kanda: The Rescue Alliance of Goddess Sita
Kishkindha Kanda is the fourth book of the epic Ramayana. In this book, it tells the adventures of Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman in the search for Sita, Rama's wife. The story begins with Rama deeply mourning the loss of Goddess Sita, who was kidnapped by Ravana and taken to Lanka. This marks the beginning of the adventures of Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman.
Kishkindha Kanda is the fourth book of the Ramayana epic, which narrates the challenging adventures of Rama, Laksmana, and Hanuman in the search for Goddess Sita, Rama's wife, who was kidnapped by Ravana and taken to the kingdom of Lanka. The story begins with Rama's profound sorrow after Sita's abduction. Along with his loyal brother Laksmana, he embarks on a journey to find clues about Sita’s whereabouts.
At the peak of Mount Kishkindha, Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, observes the arrival of Rama and Laksmana. Worried about their presence, Sugriva sends his faithful ally Hanuman to investigate. Hanuman, disguised as a Brahmin, meets Rama and Laksmana. After hearing their story, Sugriva moves Rama deeply by showing a shawl belonging to Sita that had fallen from the sky. He offers to help find Sita, on the condition that Rama must assist him in defeating his brother Vali, who has usurped his throne.
The Battle between Vali and Sugriva (Source: Private Collection)
With newfound courage, Sugriva set out for Kishkindha and challenged Vali to a fight. A fierce battle ensued, with the two brothers striking each other with their fists. Rama, hiding behind a tree, prepared to assist Sugriva. However, since the two brothers were so similar in appearance, Rama could not distinguish which was Sugriva and which was Vali. The plan to kill Vali in this initial fight failed.
Sugriva with a Garland of Flowers. (Source: Private Collection)
In the second fight, Sugriva wears a garland as a mark of distinction to distinguish himself from Vali. With Rama's support, Sugriva challenges Vali again. This time the fight is more intense, with Sugriva and Vali fighting at full strength. Tara, Vali's wife, tries to prevent the fight, but Vali advances anyway. Rama, who is hidden, finally shoots his arrow into Vali's chest, ending the fight and killing Vali. Vali's death gives Sugriva victory and ends their conflict.
Rama agreed, and with Rama's help, Sugriva managed to defeat Vali in a fierce battle, allowing Sugriva to reclaim the throne of Kishkindha. However, after becoming king, Sugriva became immersed in the pleasures of life and forgot his promise to Rama. This angered Lakshmana, leading to Sugriva being reprimanded and eventually starting the search for Sita.
Hanuman Leaping (Source: Private Collection)
Under Sugriva's command, Hanuman and the monkey army traveled south, the last known direction where Ravana was believed to have taken Sita. Along the way, they discovered various clues that strengthened the suspicion that Sita was on the island of Lanka. Eventually, with guidance from the bird Sampati, Hanuman resolved to leap across the ocean to reach Lanka and find the goddess Sita. This marked the beginning of their great mission to rescue Sita. The Kishkindha Kanda highlights cooperation and loyalty, as well as how friendship can help overcome great challenges in life.
