KUMBHAKARNA
Kumbhakarna is a Rakshasa
and brother of Ravenna in the Indian Ramayanaepic. Despite his monstrous size
and great hunger, he was described to be of good character, though he killed
and ate many Hindu monks just to show his power. He was considered so pious,
intelligent and brave that Indra was jealous of him. Along with his brothers,
Ravana and Vibhishana, he performed a major yajna and penance for Lord Brahma. When
the time came for asking a boon (blessing) from Brahma, his tongue was tied by goddess
Saraswati (acting on Indra's request). So instead of asking
"Indraasana" (seat of Indra), he asked for "Nidraasana"
(bed for sleeping). It is also said he intended to ask for Nirdevatvam
(annihilation of the Devas), and instead asked for Nidravatvam (sleep). His
request was granted. But his brother Ravana asked Brahma to undo this boon as
it was in reality a curse. So Kumbhakarna slept, and was awake for six months,
when he ate everything in the vicinity, including humans.
During
the war, Ravana went into battle and was humiliated by Rama and his army. He
decided he needed the help of his brother Kumbhakarna, who was awakened with
great difficulty. He woke up only after one thousand elephants walked over him.
When he was informed of the circumstances of Ravana's war with Rama, he tried
to convince Ravana that what he was doing was wrong. However, he chose to fight
in the battle due to his loyalty to his brother. After becoming drunk,
Kumbhakarna went into battle. He devastated Rama's army, injured Hanuman, and knocked
Sugriva unconscious and took him as a prisoner but was killed by Rama. When
Ravana heard of his brother's death, he fainted and proclaimed that he is truly
doomed. Kumbhakarna had two sons, Kumbha and Nikumbha, who too fought in the
war against Rama and were killed.
No comments:
Post a Comment