Kumbhakarna’s Story
Seeing Vanaras were running frightened Rama took his Kothanda (Bow) asked “Why are they suddenly running like this? What is the reason for this?” he saw Kumbhakarana with his Crown with immeasurable large tall Body, was like the Meru Mountain in Sun’s cosmos, was like Maha Vishnu when he measured the 3 worlds with his Feet, With golden Garlands, keyur and Crown Ear lobe balls, and Ornaments embedded with the Navarathnas (1.Kembu - Ruby 2.Komedhaga - Sardonyx 3. Neela -Saphire 4. Maragadaha-Emerald 5. Pavazham–Coral 6. Pushparagam –Topaz 7. Manickam –Carbucle 8. Muthu – Pearl 9.VAIRAM/Vaidooriyam- Diamond / Lapis Lazuli) decorated he saw him like the Rain bearing clouds with Lightning streaks. As the huge figure was coming nearer the Vanara Army was scurrying away and the Rakshasaa Army was in Aravaaram (Ostentation, Pompous, ruckus ovation Unaware of their Calamity) with Lion like roar Rama was surprised and asked “Vibheeshana! see there. Some Creature Like a Mountain is walking in Lanka. It has Yellow eyes with cruel Vision and is roving about. Who is this warrior who is dazzling like the Lightning streaks amongst the Clouds? There is none like him seen in Lanka. Seeing him Vanaras are scurrying away without a trace. Who is he? Is he Rakhsasaa? Or Asura? I haven’t seen such a creature like this before”. queried Rama.
Hearing that the great intelligent Vibhheshana said “Lord! Yama (God of Death) and Indra (King of Celestials) were defeated in Battle by this Famed Warrior. Vishraws’s son, Younger brother of Ravana, his name is Kumbhakarna. There is no other Rakshasaaa of his body’s proportion. There is no count of the Devas (Celestials), Dhanav (Demon), Gandharva (Musicians), Pisacha (Ghosts), Yaksha (Spirits), Bhujanga, Rakshasa, Vidhyadhara Kinnara their entourages he has defeated in Battle. With ominous looking Eyes, with Trident in his hands like Yama, when this strong man stands in Battle field, can the Devas even dare to look at him? They fell Unconcious thinking he is Death.Ravana and other Rakshasaas obtained strength from Boons; he by his nature has immense Strength, Asuraas inborn. When he was born unable to bear the hunger, he started eating all Living creatures in thousands. All the creatures were afraid and stunned, they went and complained to Indra seeking his refuge. Indra was furious and hit him with his sharp Vajhrayudha. He just didn’t bother for it, with rage Yelled. Till then those who had seen him and the Earth were Nadungina (Staggered, Shaken, Shivered, Quivered, stumbled, trembled) more. Then with Anger he plucked the tusk of Ayravatha (Indra’s elephant), hit Indra on his Chest. Indra was in pain and grieved more and all Devas, Sages, Dhanavas, the Earthlings headed by Indra went and submitted to Brahma (God of creations in Universe )Kumbhakarna’s atrocious behavior, his killing of Animals, tormenting the Devas, destroying the Ashramas, assaulting other’s wives all these were complained to Brahma. “Lord! If he daily kills all the pople very soon Earth will be empty”. Then Brahma called all Rakshsasaas and saw Kumbhakarana. Then he called Kumbhakrana nearby made him a friend “Child ! were you born to my Grandson just to destroy all the worlds / From today may you lie down like a corpse from today”. Thus Brahma cursed him.
Immediately in front of him Kumbhakarana fell unconscious. Seeing that Ravana was heart broken and said - “Lord! You have created the best tree and nurtured it to grow and then is it justified to shear it when it is about to bear fruits? You are the protector of all Living beings, does it behove of you to curse your own Great grand son? Your words won’t become a Lie; he will go on sleeping; so make a beginning and end for it” - thus prayed Ravana. Brahma replied “For minimum 6 Months he will sleep, then 1 day he will be awake and then again fall asleep for another 6 Months”. So this great warrior with unfinishable Hunger was roaming around the earth with his wide open mouth like the Paathal (world underneath), and with rage as the Kala Agni (Fire of Deluge); has been eating all those Animals coming infront of him. Ravana having been ashamed and insulted by You and afraid of your Valour has woken up Kumbhakarana. In a shortwhile from now he will come out of his palace and eat the Vanara Army in countless numbers. At that time due to rage he will not be conscious. Our Vanara warriors are running away due to fear, How would they stop him in Battle? is not known. So this is a big Jaggernaut Machine. If we tell him that this is happening because of some theories then our people will not be afraid that much.
Hearing this Rama called Army Chief Neel “Please organize our Army in formations and Block the entrances and path of the Lanka fort and take it in your control”. Accumulate as much as you want, Trees, Mountains, Mountain peaks. Let all Vanaras be ready to fight with Sword, Shield, Boulders etc.” - ordained Rama. Neel accordingly ordered Army commanders, Kavaksh, Sarabha, Hanuman, Anghadha, brought Mountain like peaks and blocked the Lanka Fort entrances so enemy can’t come out in Large numbers. Hearing Rama’s words the Army was boosted in Morale with War Frenzy, Killed those Rakshsaas who were in the Entrances with huge Trees. Rain bearing dark cloud as they surround a Mountain was the sea of Vanaras seen carrying huge Boulders in their hands. (Slokas 43)
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