Balakanda

of Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam

With so much written about Sundara Kanda one is apt to forget the uniqueness of Balakanda.

The first few Slokas in Sarga one of Balakanda bring out the essence of the story of Ramayana.

It is a story of a Nara

It is not that of a superhuman being performing impossible tasks. It is the story of a Nara with an unflinching commitment to duty

What are the best qualities of a Nara ? - That is very well described in the first few Slokas in Balakanda.

Then the full story is told in brief in the first chapter of Balakanda!

The first chapter has the full narration of Ramayana as narrated by Narada. It is also called Samkshipta Ramayanam This chapter is a must read in millions of households.

The second Chapter of Balakanda has the appearance of Brahma to push Valmiki to write the Ramayana which will be read or heard as long as the mountains stay and rivers flow on this earth !!.

With Valmiki going into deep reflection, the third chapter adds depth to the story of Ramayana told by Narada So the introduction of complete Ramayana story is done in the first three chapters of Balakanda.

Exploits of Rama in his childhood forms a good part of the narrative. The Balakanda ends with the marriages of all the four brothers Rama , Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna. The highlight being Sitaa-Rama kalyanam. The last scene described is the successful return of Rama along with Sita to Ayodhya ending in a happy note.

Thus for a large segment of Hindu community, Balakanda is of as much significance as Sundarakanda.

While traditionally the people read Sundarakanda for the all-round development centered around self ( and family) , the reading of Balakanda is centered around the growth and welfare of children. It is not unheard of if one were to say that they are ding Balakanda parayana for the progress of their children through the growing up pains.

We are embarking on Balakanda too with similar thoughts !!

om tat sat

 

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