26. The Awakening of Kumbhakarna
As advised by Mahodara, Kumbhakarna proceeded to meet Ravana. Several demons reached Ravana ahead of him and informed the demon king of Kumbhakarna’s approach.
“I’m glad that he has woken up. Usher him into my presence,” said Ravana, looking delighted when Kumbhakarna entered his apartment.
Kumbhakarna’s Terrifying Entrance
While Kumbhakarna was on his way to meet Ravana, his gigantic stature attracted the eyes of the Vanaras, who became visibly terrified at the sight. Rama too saw the ominous figure and noticed the panic among his own soldiers. He asked Vibhishana, “What is that creature emerging like a huge black cloud?”
Vibhishana responded, “He is Kumbhakarna, the son of Vistavas. He has defeated Indra and Yama. No demon can compare to him in physical prowess. Other demons draw their power from boons given by the gods, but Kumbhakarna is mighty by his own merit. He had such a voracious appetite that he devoured a thousand creatures as soon as he was born. All grew afraid of him. Some went to appeal to Indra to destroy this terrible being immediately. Indra used his weapon, the thunderbolt, against him, but Kumbhakarna gave such a tremendous roar that even Indra was stunned. He then plucked out one of the tusks of Indra’s elephant, Airavata, and used it to strike Indra’s chest.
Brahma’s Intervention
Panic-struck, Indra fled and sought the help of Brahma. He appealed to the great God to check the menace posed by Kumbhakarna. Brahma called all the demons, including the young Kumbhakarna. Even Brahma felt a little scared at his sight. He immediately proclaimed, “You monster! You will devour all creation if you continue to eat at this rate. I command you to remain asleep all the time, forgetting your hunger.”
In response, Ravana pleaded with Brahma, “Your word will not go in vain. But kindly amend it a little and let him remain awake at times.” Brahma accordingly decided that Kumbhakarna should sleep for six months at a stretch and then wake up for one day before falling asleep again. For that one day he would be free to eat whatever he could find.
The Warnings of Prophecy
“Ravana, afraid of you, has awakened this great demon prematurely. He will begin consuming the Vanaras at once. I do not know how the Vanaras will fight him,” Vibhishana said.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Rama instructed Neela to launch a simultaneous assault on all the gates of the city. Accordingly, Gavaksha, Sarava, Hanuman, and Angada picked up huge blocks of stone, preparing to mount a fresh attack.
Kumbhakarna Meets Ravana
Meanwhile, Kumbhakarna arrived before Ravana, who appeared pensive. Ravana came down from his seat and embraced Kumbhakarna with great excitement.
“My brother! What is the grave crisis that made you wake me up prematurely? Why do you look so sad?” Kumbhakarna asked.
“A great danger has befallen me. Ramachandra, along with Sugriva and his Vanara army, is waging an unyielding battle against us. The Vanaras are spread all over the land, and several demon heroes have already been killed, while the Vanara heroes continue to thrive. It is up to you to save the land.”
The Consequences of Sita’s Kidnapping
Kumbhakarna replied, “I remember our previous conference on this issue. You kidnapped Sita Devi. No wonder we are facing the consequences. You should have heeded Vibhishana’s advice, even though he is younger than us. Now, tell me what you want me to do.”
Ravana could not contain his anger. “Kumbhakarna! Do not forget your place; you are junior to me in age. Now is not the time for advice, but for courage.”
Kumbhakarna’s Determination
“O King! I spoke out of concern for your welfare. Forget my words if they have offended you. Be assured, I will destroy all your enemies. I will slay both Rama and Lakshmana and drive the Vanara hordes away. The demons who mourn their fallen relatives will smile again, and none shall harm you while I am alive. Allow me to fight the battle alone!”
However, Mahodara intervened. “Do not rush into the battlefield alone. Ramachandra has not spared our notable heroes. You must go prepared, with assistance. Many demons who have witnessed Ramachandra in battle are afraid to face him.”
Mahodara then suggested, “Let some of us confront the enemy. If we are successful in killing Rama, it will be a great victory. If we fail, you can spread a rumor that Ramachandra is dead. You can console Sita Devi with this news. If she believes her husband is gone, she might consent to marry you.”
Kumbhakarna Defies Cowardice
Kumbhakarna retorted angrily, “Stop your cowardly suggestions. It is the likes of you, with such feeble minds, that have led Ravana into this pitiable state. You do not have the courage to speak the truth to your king’s face, instead opting to flatter him. I must head to the battlefield to atone for your sins.”
Ravana felt pleased. “There is no doubt that Mahodara fears war. He forgets that you are no ordinary demon. However, I know your worth. No one compares to you in valor and strength. Proceed to the battlefield. I have faith that the Vanaras will flee at your sight.”
The March to Battle
Kumbhakarna soon armed himself. Turning to Ravana, he said, “As I promised earlier, I wish to confront the battlefield alone. I will return after consuming all the Vanaras. Let my army remain here.”
“No, take the army with you. The enemy should not be underestimated. The Vanaras have proved to be clever and crafty,” Ravana replied gently.
Thereafter, Ravana himself adorned Kumbhakarna with ornaments, and the two embraced for a moment. With Ravana’s blessing, Kumbhakarna then advanced toward the battlefield, followed by a large army playing martial music.
Kumbhakarna’s Target
On the way, Kumbhakarna instructed his lieutenants, “The Vanaras are not my target. Their presence in Lanka matters little to me; we have ample wilderness for them to inhabit. My vengeance is reserved solely for Ramachandra and Lakshmana.”
His announcement was met with lusty cheers from the demons. However, as Kumbhakarna appeared before the Vanara soldiers, they began to retreat in fear.
A Call to Courage
Angada, witnessing the Vanaras’ hesitance, shouted, “What has happened to your glorious tradition of fighting? This isn’t a living demon, just a dummy meant to scare us off! We can easily defeat it!”
The Vanaras regrouped and prepared to challenge Kumbhakarna. Charging at him like maddened elephants, they struck fiercely. However, all their blows, aided by massive boulders and heavy trees, had little effect on Kumbhakarna, who mercilessly killed them as he advanced. Many Vanaras fled, some plunging into the sea to escape his grasp, while others took flight in search of safety.
The Rallying Cry
Once again, Angada had to admonish his comrades, reminding them of the glory that awaited them should they confront the fearsome demon. Just then, Hanuman arrived on the scene, boosting their morale.
Hanuman led the charge against the demons, joined by several prominent heroes: Rishabha, Sarabha, Mainda, Dhumra, Neela, Kumud, Susena, Gavaksha, and Tar, among others.
The Fierce Clash
Kumbhakarna was engrossed in devouring the Vanaras. Dwividha hurled a stone mound aimed at his head. It missed and instead struck a group of demons, destroying their chariots. A second stone mound from him further decimated their ranks.
At the same time, the demons fought fiercely, trying to outnumber the Vanaras. Whenever Hanuman hurled stones and trees at Kumbhakarna, the latter dismissed them with his trident before they could make contact. Soon, Kumbhakarna charged at the Vanara army, but Hanuman, quick on his instincts, hurled a hillock at him.
A Sudden Turn
The hillock checked the great demon, causing him to stand still for a moment, bleeding profusely. Then, in his rage, he threw his trident at Hanuman, striking him on the chest and causing him to swoon.
Neela retaliated, bringing down yet another hillock onto Kumbhakarna. But Kumbhakarna’s clenched fist met the hillock mid-air, disintegrating it into dust.
Then, Rishabha, Sarabha, Neela, Gavaksha, and Gandhamadana attacked together, but their combined efforts fell short against the resilient foe. Each one quickly succumbed to Kumbhakarna’s brutality, one after another losing consciousness.
