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{{Contains special characters|Indic}}
{{Contains special characters|Indic}}


'''Kumbhakarna''' ([[Sanskrit]]: कुम्भकर्ण, lit. ''pot-eared'') is a powerful [[rakshasa]] and younger brother of [[Ravana]] from the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] epic ''[[Ramayana]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Valmiki |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qj9bDwAAQBAJ&dq=kumbhakarna+rakshasa&pg=PT3691 |title=Delphi Collected Sanskrit Epics (Illustrated) |last2=Vyasa |date=2018-05-19 |publisher=Delphi Classics |isbn=978-1-78656-128-2 |language=en}}</ref> Despite his gigantic size and appetite, he is described as a virtuous character and a great warrior in [[Hindu texts]]. He is said to have slaughtered 8,000 [[Vanara|vanaras]] over the course of [[Rama]]'s invasion of [[Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Valmiki |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mkSzznK3VuEC&dq=kumbhakarna+vanara&pg=PA309 |title=The Concise Ramayana of Valmiki |last2=Venkatesananda |first2=Swami |date=1988-01-01 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-88706-862-1 |language=English}}</ref>
'''Kumbhakarna''' ([[Sanskrit]]: कुम्भकर्ण, lit. ''pot-eared'') is a powerful [[rakshasa]] and younger brother of [[Ravana]] from the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] epic ''[[Ramayana]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Valmiki |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qj9bDwAAQBAJ&dq=kumbhakarna+rakshasa&pg=PT3691 |title=Delphi Collected Sanskrit Epics (Illustrated) |last2=Vyasa |date=2018-05-19 |publisher=Delphi Classics |isbn=978-1-78656-128-2 |language=en}}</ref> Despite his gigantic size and appetite, he is described as a virtuous character and a great warrior in [[Hindu texts]]. He is said to have slaughtered 8,000 [[Vanara|vanaras]] over the course of [[Rama]]'s invasion of [[Lanka]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Valmiki |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mkSzznK3VuEC&dq=kumbhakarna+vanara&pg=PA309 |title=The Concise Ramayana of Valmiki |last2=Venkatesananda |first2=Swami |date=1988-01-01 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-88706-862-1 |language=English}}</ref>


[[Vibhishana]] narrated that Kumbhakarna had been born with immense strength, having subdued both [[Indra]] and [[Yama]], striking the former in the chest with the broken tusk of [[Airavata]]. At the bequest of [[Indra]], [[Brahma]] cursed the rakshasa to "sleep like he is dead". On Ravana's request, he commuted the curse to have the rakshasa sleep for six months at a time, and wake up for exactly one day to wreak havoc and devour to his heart's content.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Parameswaran |first=Mangalam R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzjsDwAAQBAJ&dq=kumbhakarna+indra&pg=PA223 |title=The Ramayana of Valmiki (A condensed version of Valmiki's epic): , published by Manipal Universal Press |date=2013-04-19 |publisher=Manipal Universal Press |isbn=978-93-82460-08-4 |language=en}}</ref>
[[Vibhishana]] narrated that Kumbhakarna had been born with immense strength, having subdued both [[Indra]] and [[Yama]], striking the former in the chest with the broken tusk of [[Airavata]]. At the bequest of [[Indra]], [[Brahma]] cursed the rakshasa to "sleep like he is dead". On Ravana's request, he commuted the curse to have the rakshasa sleep for six months at a time, and wake up for exactly one day to wreak havoc and devour to his heart's content.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Parameswaran |first=Mangalam R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzjsDwAAQBAJ&dq=kumbhakarna+indra&pg=PA223 |title=The Ramayana of Valmiki (A condensed version of Valmiki's epic): , published by Manipal Universal Press |date=2013-04-19 |publisher=Manipal Universal Press |isbn=978-93-82460-08-4 |language=en}}</ref>
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==Origin==
==Origin==
[[File:The Demon Kumbhkaran finally wakes up and eats (6125069010).jpg|thumb|left|Depiction of Kumbhakarna’s massive appetite]]
[[File:The Demon Kumbhkaran finally wakes up and eats (6125069010).jpg|thumb|left|Depiction of Kumbhakarna’s massive appetite]]
In the [[Bhagavata Purana]], Kumbhakarna is said to be the incarnation of the gatekeeper deity [[Jaya-Vijaya|Vijaya]]. Vijaya, along with his brother and fellow gatekeeper [[Jaya-Vijaya|Jaya]], was punished by the [[Four Kumaras]] for impiety while they guarded the sacred realm of [[Vishnu]]. Vijaya was initially sentenced to mortality, but after appealing to Vishnu, their sentences were reduced to just three lifetimes, allowing them to return to [[Vaikuntha]]. While his brother Jaya became Ravana, Vijaya became Kumbhakarna during their second of three incarnations on Earth.
In the [[Bhagavata Purana]], Kumbhakarna is said to be the incarnation of the gatekeeper deity [[Jaya-Vijaya|Vijaya]]. Vijaya, along with his brother and fellow gatekeeper [[Jaya-Vijaya|Jaya]], was punished by the [[Four Kumaras]] for impiety while they guarded the sacred realm of [[Vishnu]]. Vijaya was initially sentenced to mortality, but after appealing to Vishnu, their sentences were reduced to just three lifetimes, allowing them to return to [[Vaikuntha]]. While his brother Jaya became Ravana, Vijaya became Kumbhakarna during their second of three incarnations on Earth.<ref name=":0" />


==In the war==
==In the war==

Revision as of 18:10, 2 November 2022

This article is about the brother of demon king Ravana. For the mountain in Nepal, see Kumbhakarna Mountain.
Not to be confused with Kumbha of Mewar.

Kumbhakarna
Kumbhakarna with his weapons
AffiliationRakshasa
TextsRamayana and its versions
Genealogy
ParentsVishrava (father)
Kaikashi (mother)
SiblingsRavana, Vibhishana (brothers)
Shurpanakha (sister)
Consort
  • Vajrajwala
  • Karkati
ChildrenKumbha and Nikumbha (from Vajrajwala)
Bhimasura (from Karkati)
This article contains Indic text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks or boxes, misplaced vowels or missing conjuncts instead of Indic text.

Kumbhakarna (Sanskrit: कुम्भकर्ण, lit. pot-eared) is a powerful rakshasa and younger brother of Ravana from the Hindu epic Ramayana.[1] Despite his gigantic size and appetite, he is described as a virtuous character and a great warrior in Hindu texts. He is said to have slaughtered 8,000 vanaras over the course of Rama's invasion of Lanka.[2]

Vibhishana narrated that Kumbhakarna had been born with immense strength, having subdued both Indra and Yama, striking the former in the chest with the broken tusk of Airavata. At the bequest of Indra, Brahma cursed the rakshasa to "sleep like he is dead". On Ravana's request, he commuted the curse to have the rakshasa sleep for six months at a time, and wake up for exactly one day to wreak havoc and devour to his heart's content.[3]

In a popular retelling of this tale, Kumbhakarna, accompanied by his brothers Ravana and Vibhishana, performed a major yajna to please Brahma. Indra was worried and jealous of his strength so he went to Brahma before Kumbhakarna's boon could come to fruition.

When Kumbhakarna asked for his boon, his tongue was tied by the goddess Saraswati, who acted on Indra's request. Instead of asking for Indraasana (the throne of Indra), he asked for Nidraasana (bed for sleeping).[4] It is also said that he intended to ask for Nirdevatvam (annihilation of the devas) and instead asked for Nidravatvam (sleep). His request was instantly granted. However, his brother Ravana requested Brahma to undo this curse as a boon and Brahma reduced it to sleeping for six months, after which he would sleep again as soon as his appetite was satisfied.[5]

Origin

Depiction of Kumbhakarna’s massive appetite

In the Bhagavata Purana, Kumbhakarna is said to be the incarnation of the gatekeeper deity Vijaya. Vijaya, along with his brother and fellow gatekeeper Jaya, was punished by the Four Kumaras for impiety while they guarded the sacred realm of Vishnu. Vijaya was initially sentenced to mortality, but after appealing to Vishnu, their sentences were reduced to just three lifetimes, allowing them to return to Vaikuntha. While his brother Jaya became Ravana, Vijaya became Kumbhakarna during their second of three incarnations on Earth.[2]

In the war

Kumbhakarna yawns as he is roused from Dhyana

In defense of his kingdom, Ravana charged into battle and was humiliated by Rama and his army after underestimating his enemy. He decided he needed the help of his brother Kumbhakarna, who woke up only after 1,000 elephants walked over him.[6]

Kumbhakarna Enters Warfront, Painting by Balasaheb Pandit Pant Pratinidhi

When informed of Ravana's war with Rama, Kumbhakarna tried to convince Ravana that what he is doing was wrong, that Rama is the avatar of Vishnu, and that Sita is an avatar of Lakshmi. However, Ravana was deaf to these words and Kumbhakarna chose to fight in the battle due to loyalty to his brother. He joined the battle and devastated Rama's army. After a battle against Hanuman and Sugriva, he knocked the latter unconscious and took him prisoner.[7]

Lakshmana and Kumbhakarna dueled for a long period, leaving both of them exhausted.[8] In his battle against Rama, Kumbhakarna had one arm cut off by the Vayuastra and the other mutilated by the Indrastra. Still, he raged towards Rama, opening his mouth to swallow him whole, and was met with a volley of arrows. In the Kamba Ramayanam, Kumbhakarna acknowledges the divinity of Rama, but informs him of his dharma to fight for his brother, and only urges the prince to keep Vibhishana safe from harm.[9] With his desire granted, he charged against Rama with his feet severed by crescent arrows. He was slain only when the Indrastra was deployed by Rama. Kumbakarna's head was decapitated, and is described to have smashed several buildings and fortifications before descending towards the sea.[10] When Ravana heard of his brother's death, he fainted and later proclaimed that he was doomed.[11]

Death of Kumbhakarna, c. 1670, Malwa painting, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Kumbhakarna had two sons, Kumbha and Nikumbha, with his wife Vajrajwala, the daughter of Bali and granddaughter of Virochana, who also fought in the war against Rama and was killed.[12]

Characterization

The demons try to rouse the giant Kumbhakarna, by hitting him with weapons and clubs and shouting in his ear, 17th century, British Museum

Kumbhakarna is portrayed as a loyal and powerful character. He had an grand appetite and slept for months at a time.[13][14]

Kumbhkaran Mask in Folk Play

Outside Indian subcontinent

Indonesia

Kumbakarna wayang (puppetry) figures in Indonesian culture
Defeat of Kumbakarna, Brahma Temple, Prambanan, Central Java, Indonesia

Kumbhakarna (Indonesian: Arya Kumbakarna) is the second son of Resi Wisrawa and Dewi Sukesi. He has three siblings named Dasamuka/Ravana, Dewi Sarpakenaka and Arya Wibisana.

Kumbakarna has a seat in the state of Leburgangsa. When he was young he went into meditation with the intention of getting God's grace. Kumbakarna once joined Prabu Dasamuka in attacking Suralaya, and got Dewi Aswani as his wife. From this marriage he had two sons named Kumba-kumba and Aswanikumba.

When the Great Alengka war broke out, Alengka was attacked by the monkey army of Prabu Rama under the warlord Narpati Sugriwa. They fought in order to free Dewi Sinta, who was held captive by Prabu Dasamuka. Kumbakarna fought not to defend King Dasamuka, but to defend the country of Alengka, the land of his ancestors who had given him life.

Kumbakarna died in battle against King Rama and Laksmana. His body was dismembered into several pieces by the blows of the arrows that were released simultaneously. What happened to Kumbakarna was the result of Resi Wisrawa, his father, killing Jambumangli.

When Ravana and Kumbakrana performed penance, Lord Brahma appeared because he was pleased with their worship. Brahma gave them the opportunity to make a request. When it was Kumbakarna's turn to make a request, Goddess Saraswati went into his mouth to bend his tongue, so when he asked for “Indraasan” (Indrāsan – the throne of Lord Indra), he said “Neendrasan” (Nīndrasan – eternal sleep). Brahma granted his request. Feeling affection for his brother, Ravana asked Brahma to cancel the gift. Brahma did not wish to cancel his gift, but he eased the gift so that Kumbakarna slept for six months and remained awake for six months, with his strength reduced while sleeping.

Kumbakarna often gave advice to Ravana, realizing that his actions were wrong. When Ravana was overwhelmed with Sri Rama, he ordered Kumbakarna to confront him. Kumbakarna knew that his brother was wrong, but in order to defend Alengka, his homeland, he stepped forward as a soldier against Rama's invasion. Kumbakarna is often symbolized as an officer who defends his homeland, because he defends Alengka for all his people, not only for Ravana, and he fights against Rama without any hostility, just carrying out his obligations.

When the Alengka Kingdom was invaded by Rama and his allies, Ravana ordered his troops to wake up the sleeping Kumbakarna. Ravana's messenger woke Kumbakarna by leading an elephant to trample his body and pierce his body with a spear. When Kumbakarna's eyes began to open, his messenger immediately brought food to Kumbakarna's nose. After eating the food that was served, Kumbakarna woke up from his sleep.

After waking up, Kumbakarna faced Ravana. He tried to advise Ravana to return Sita and explainhis actions were wrong. Ravana was sad to hear this advice. Without being hostile to Rama, Kumbakarna went to the battlefield to fulfill his obligations as a defender of the country. Before the fight, Kumbakarna talked to Wibisana, his sister.

In the war, Kumbakarna killed many Vanara troops and injured many soldiers such as Anggada, Sugriwa, Hanoman, and Nila. With his magic arrow, Rama severed Kumbakarna's hands. However, with his feet, Kumbakarna was still able to trample the Vanara troops. Rama then cut off Kumbakarna's legs with his arrow. Without arms and legs, Kumbakarna rolled his body and ran over the Vanara troops. Seeing Kumbakarna's might, Rama was impressed and amazed. However, he did not want Kumbakarna to suffer for too long. Rama finally released his last arrow which separated Kumbakarna's head from his body, and carried him flying, eventually falling in the center of Alengka.[15]

See also

Literature

  • "Kumbhakarna" in M.M.S. Shastri Chitrao, Bharatavarshiya Prachin Charitrakosha (Dictionary of Ancient Indian Biography, in Hindi), Pune 1964, pp. 149-151

References

  1. ^ Valmiki; Vyasa (19 May 2018). Delphi Collected Sanskrit Epics (Illustrated). Delphi Classics. ISBN 978-1-78656-128-2.
  2. ^ a b Valmiki; Venkatesananda, Swami (1 January 1988). The Concise Ramayana of Valmiki. SUNY Press. ISBN 978-0-88706-862-1.
  3. ^ Parameswaran, Mangalam R. (19 April 2013). The Ramayana of Valmiki (A condensed version of Valmiki's epic): , published by Manipal Universal Press. Manipal Universal Press. ISBN 978-93-82460-08-4.
  4. ^ Murty, Sudha (25 September 2018). The Upside-Down King: Unusual Tales about Rama and Krishna. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-81-8475-417-9.
  5. ^ Mani, Vettam (1975). Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature. Robarts - University of Toronto. Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass. p. 439.
  6. ^ Venkataraman, M. (3 June 2022). A few gods and goddesses of Hinduism. Venkataraman M.
  7. ^ Swaminathan, L. (1 January 2018). Vaalmeeki Raamaayan: A Revelation. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 978-81-208-4216-8.
  8. ^ Maharajan, S. (1996). Kamban. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-7201-244-1.
  9. ^ Tampi, Pa Patmanāpan̲ (1996). Ramayanas of Kampan and Eluttacchan. O. Padmakumari.
  10. ^ Aravamudan, Krishnan (22 September 2014). Pure Gems of Ramayanam. Partridge. ISBN 978-1-4828-3720-9.
  11. ^ Mani, Vettam (1975). Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature. Robarts - University of Toronto. Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass. p. 450.
  12. ^ M.M.S. Shastri Chitrao (1964), pp. 149, 367
  13. ^ Lakhani, Om; Lakhani, Jitendra (May 2015). "Kumbhakarna: Did he suffer from the disorder of the hypothalamus?". National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 27 October 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ^ Rajagopalachari. RAMAYANA retold by C. Rajagopalachari. pp. 186–188.
  15. ^ Haryati Soebadio, Kajian astabrata: Pendahuluan dan teks
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