Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa

Contents

  1. Lead
  2. Name and epithets
  3. Family and origins
  4. Physical description
  5. Character and traits
  6. Relationships
  7. Role in the narrative by kanda
    1. Yuddha Kanda
    2. Uttara Kanda
  8. How other characters describe them
    1. Ravana
    2. Mahodara
    3. Vibhishana
    4. Indra
    5. Surpanakha
    6. Lakshmana
    7. Sugriva
    8. Rama
    9. The rakshasas and Yupaksha
    10. Attribution unclear
  9. Contested and contradictory passages
  10. Southern-only material
    1. Sleep and awakening
    2. Speech in the war council (VR-S 6.9.22+ insertions)
    3. Boasts after waking (VR-S 6.51.45+)
    4. Battle narrative (VR-S 6.55 insertions)
    5. Exchange with Lakshmana
    6. Death
    7. Kinship and later references
  11. Key verses
  12. References

Kumbhakarna in the Valmiki Ramayana

Lead

Kumbhakarna is a rakshasa of the Valmiki Ramayana. He is the son of Vishravas [VR-CE 6.49.9] and the younger brother of Ravana [VR-CE 6.56.19], and Ravana calls him Prajapati's grandson [VR-CE 6.49.25]. His wife is Vajrajvala [VR-CE 7.12.21], and his sons are Kumbha and Nikumbha [VR-CE 6.62.37]. He lies under a curse of Brahma [VR-CE 6.48.9] and is known for prolonged sleep [VR-CE 3.16.19]. He is described as mountain-sized [VR-CE 6.51.40], crowned [VR-CE 6.49.1], and armed with a spear of dark iron and gold [VR-CE 6.53.12]. When roused for the war, he criticizes Ravana's policy [VR-CE 6.51.2] but pledges to fight out of brotherly affection [VR-CE 6.51.31]. Assessments of him conflict. The narrator calls him wise [VR-CE 6.53.40], while Mahodara calls him arrogant and of ordinary understanding [VR-CE 6.52.2]. One Uttara verse calls him devoted to dharma [VR-CE 7.10.3], and another calls him evil-minded [VR-CE 7.28.32]. In battle he seizes Sugriva [VR-CE 6.55.65] and loses his ears and nose [VR-CE 6.55.68]. Ravana mourns him as his right arm [VR-CE 6.56.7].

Name and epithets

The Critical Edition applies a cluster of martial epithets to Kumbhakarna. Two set him against Indra: śakraripu, "enemy of Śakra" [VR-CE 6.48.54], and indraripu, "enemy of Indra" [VR-CE 6.56.19]. Rama addresses him as śakrasapatna and rakṣo'dhipa [VR-CE 6.55.100] (speaker: Rama). The narrator calls him nairṛtavyāghra, "tiger among rakshasas" [VR-CE 6.48.23], rākṣasaśreṣṭha [VR-CE 6.55.97], and mahātman and ariṃdama [VR-CE 6.55.93]. The minister Yupaksha also uses arimdama, "subduer of enemies" [VR-CE 6.48.61] (speaker: Yupaksha). Other descriptive titles include durdharṣa, "hard to assail," and mahāvīrya [VR-CE 6.48.79], and mahātejas [VR-CE 6.53.33]. Mahābala, "of great strength," is the most frequent epithet in the pack [VR-CE 6.48.23] [VR-CE 6.53.28] [VR-CE 6.55.93]. Ravana's forms of address include paraṃtapa, "scorcher of foes" [VR-CE 6.50.17], vīra and ripudarpaghna, "destroyer of enemy pride" [VR-CE 6.56.6], yuddhaviśārada, "expert in war" [VR-CE 6.53.10], and priyaraṇabāndhavapriya, "fond of battle and fond of kinsmen" [VR-CE 6.50.19] (speaker: Ravana). One passage calls him niśācara, "night-ranger," with the identification resting on pronoun and context [VR-CE 6.48.49]. Several labels are hostile. The narrator calls him duṣṭātman, "evil-minded" [VR-CE 7.28.32]. The gods call him durmati [VR-CE 7.10.32] (speaker: the gods), and Lakshmana uses the same word [VR-CE 6.55.87] (speaker: Lakshmana). In the Southern recension (Southern only), he is rāvaṇānuja, "Ravana's younger brother" [VR-S 6.55.70+1]. Ravana there addresses a hearer as arindama [VR-S 6.53.11+7].

Family and origins

Vibhishana identifies Kumbhakarna to Rama as the son of Vishravas [VR-CE 6.49.9] (speaker: Vibhishana). Ravana speaks of him as Prajapati's own grandson [VR-CE 6.49.25] (speaker: Ravana). Ravana is named as his brother throughout the war narrative [VR-CE 6.48.67] [VR-CE 6.50.7] [VR-CE 6.53.1] [VR-CE 7.25.30], and one verse specifies that Kumbhakarna is Ravana's younger brother (anuja) [VR-CE 6.56.19]. The Southern recension agrees. It calls him rāvaṇānuja [VR-S 6.55.70+1] and describes him as the brother who comes right after Ravana [VR-S 6.13.5+4] (Southern only). Surpanakha lists Kumbhakarna together with Ravana in one enumeration. That verse does not state his relationship to her [VR-CE 3.16.19]. His wife is Vajrajvala, who is called the dauhitrī of Vairocana [VR-CE 7.12.21]. Kumbha and Nikumbha are both named as his sons [VR-CE 6.62.37]. Nikumbha also carries the patronymics kumbhakarṇātmaja [VR-CE 6.64.20] and Kaumbhakarṇi [VR-CE 6.8.12]. One verse calls Kumbha "born after" his father and stronger than him, though the father is identified only from context [VR-CE 6.63.38]. The Southern recension also names Kumbha and Nikumbha as his two sons [VR-S 7.1.17+2] [VR-S 6.111.7+3] and refers to two unnamed Kaumbhakarṇis [VR-S 6.62.37+1] (Southern only). Kumbhakarna is called pitṛvya, "father's brother," of Devantaka, Narantaka, Trishiras and Atikaya [VR-CE 6.56.3]. He is said to have come under the power of a curse [VR-CE 6.48.42]. Ravana describes him as overcome by a curse of Brahma [VR-CE 6.48.9], and a scene shows Ravana pleading with Prajapati after the sleep curse [VR-CE 6.49.25] (speaker: Ravana). In the Uttara material, Kumbhakarna tells the god he addresses as devadeva that his wish is to sleep for many years [VR-CE 7.10.39]. A residence designated as his is described as cloud-like [VR-CE 5.5.17].

Physical description

Size. Kumbhakarna describes his own body as mountain-sized (girimātraśarīra) [VR-CE 6.51.40] (speaker: Kumbhakarna). The narrator calls him mahākāya and crowned (kirīṭin) [VR-CE 6.49.1]. Rama, seeing him from afar, asks who the mountain-like, crowned, tawny-eyed hero is, comparing him to a cloud with lightning [VR-CE 6.49.5] (speaker: Rama). His height is given as six hundred, with no unit stated [VR-CE 6.53.34]. Two Uttara verses say that no measure exceeds his size, without giving dimensions [VR-CE 7.9.26] [VR-CE 7.1.17]. Rama likens him to a wind-driven cloud and to a mountain, and compares his arms to the bodies of the best serpent kings [VR-CE 6.55.99] (speaker: Rama). His chest is described as broad [VR-CE 6.55.44]. Face and eyes. His eyes are called bhīmākṣa, "terrible" [VR-CE 6.48.73] [VR-CE 6.54.27], and virūpākṣa, "misshapen" [VR-CE 6.49.11] (speaker: Vibhishana). On waking they are rolling [VR-CE 6.48.67] and reddened with anger [VR-CE 6.50.9]. At one point his large eyes are said to resemble blazing fire and to shine like two great planets [VR-CE 6.48.53]. He has fearsome nostrils and a mouth as wide as Pātāla [VR-CE 6.48.23], and he is called mahāvaktra [VR-CE 6.53.35]. He calls himself sharp-fanged [VR-CE 6.51.40]. In anger, flames mixed with embers come from his mouth [VR-CE 6.55.79], and he has the radiance of a blazing fire [VR-CE 6.55.97]. Asleep. While sleeping on the ground [VR-CE 6.48.33], his body bristled with erect hair, and he breathed like a hissing serpent, frightening others with his great breaths [VR-CE 6.48.22]. Ornaments. After bathing he was supremely adorned [VR-CE 6.48.80]. He wore golden armlets, keyūra and a niṣka [VR-CE 6.53.22], and a large dark waist-cord [VR-CE 6.53.23]. His body is described as bound with all ornaments [VR-CE 6.53.25]. Weapons. His spear is sharp, made entirely of dark iron, blazing, and adorned with molten gold [VR-CE 6.53.12]. He is called śūlapāṇi [VR-CE 6.49.11] and śūlahasta [VR-CE 6.55.31]. He also carries a huge parigha [VR-CE 6.53.50]. He shows his opponent a great club (mudgara) made wholly of black iron [VR-CE 6.55.104]. In battle. Sugriva describes his limbs as smeared with the blood of monkeys [VR-CE 6.55.38] (speaker: Sugriva). He stood with all his limbs exposed [VR-CE 6.55.37]. After his ears and nose were torn off, his body was wet with blood [VR-CE 6.55.68]. He later streamed fat and blood [VR-CE 6.55.74] and was deeply pierced by arrows and drenched in blood [VR-CE 6.55.82] [VR-CE 6.55.93].

Character and traits

Strength. Strength is the trait most often attributed to him. - Ravana says no being equals him in strength [VR-CE 6.50.18], that his strength equals Shakra's [VR-CE 6.48.15], and that a thunderbolt's blow would never distress him [VR-CE 6.56.9] (speaker: Ravana). - Ravana also calls him incomparably grave (apratimagambhīra) and a destroyer of the pride of devas and danavas [VR-CE 6.48.9] [VR-CE 6.56.8]. - Vibhishana calls him majestic [VR-CE 6.49.9] and of fearsome prowess [VR-CE 6.49.29]. He says Kumbhakarna is radiant and very strong by nature [VR-CE 6.49.12], contrasting this natural strength with the boon-based strength of others [VR-CE 6.49.12] (speaker: Vibhishana). - Surpanakha calls him mahābala [VR-CE 3.16.19] (speaker: Surpanakha). - In the Southern recension he is described as having a great roar [VR-S 6.55.34+5] (Southern only). Against these statements, a speaker identified by context as Angada asserts that the rakshasa is not capable of battle and is a great bugbear [VR-CE 6.54.5]. Intelligence and counsel. The pack contains opposing attested statements about his understanding. The narrator calls him dhīmat, "wise" [VR-CE 6.53.40] [VR-CE 6.55.15] [VR-CE 6.53.9]. In his own speech to Ravana, Kumbhakarna argues several points of policy:

Relationships

Ravana. Kumbhakarna says his words were spoken out of kinship feeling and brotherly affection [VR-CE 6.51.31], and he describes what an affectionate kinsman should do at such a time [VR-CE 6.51.32]. He promises to destroy the cause of Ravana's torment [VR-CE 6.51.30]. He also predicts that Sita will be under the king's control for a long time [VR-CE 6.51.47] (speaker: Kumbhakarna). In the Southern recension he addresses Ravana as "sinless one" and calls the enemies "yours" [VR-S 6.9.22+88] (Southern only). Ravana voices affection and high expectation for him [VR-CE 6.50.17]. He says no one equals Kumbhakarna in goodwill and strength [VR-CE 6.53.11] (speaker: Ravana). Ravana is also described as angry when he speaks to Kumbhakarna [VR-CE 6.51.21], and one of his statements frames their brotherhood conditionally [VR-CE 6.51.25]. After Kumbhakarna's death, Ravana makes several statements (speaker: Ravana):

Role in the narrative by kanda

Yuddha Kanda

Kumbhakarna enters the Yuddha Kanda as a sleeper whom Ravana describes as one who always sleeps (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 6.48.14]. The rakshasas sent to rouse him struck him with mountain peaks, pestles, maces, trees, palms of the hand, mallets and fists [VR-CE 6.48.33], and holding hammers they beat his head, chest and limbs [VR-CE 6.48.45]. Rocks of mountain peaks and trees were thrown down on him, and he took no notice of those many blows [VR-CE 6.48.48]. Once he was awake, they bowed to him with their heads and surrounded him on all sides [VR-CE 6.48.55]. Kumbhakarna spoke to Yupaksha and heard his account of his brother's defeat in battle [VR-CE 6.48.67]. He answered "so be it" (tatheti) and sprang up from his bed [VR-CE 6.48.79], then went along the royal road, lighting it up with his body, surrounded by a garland of folded hands [VR-CE 6.48.85]. In the opposing camp, Vibhishana gives an account of Kumbhakarna's earlier deeds. He states that Kumbhakarna defeated Vaivasvata and Vasava in battle (speaker: Vibhishana) [VR-CE 6.49.9], and that gods, danavas, yakshas, serpents, flesh-eaters, gandharvas, vidyadharas and kinnaras were routed by him in their thousands (speaker: Vibhishana) [VR-CE 6.49.10]. The text also records that, in anger at Mahendra, Kumbhakarna pulled a tusk from Airavata and struck Vasava on the chest with it [VR-CE 6.49.17]. On reaching his brother, Kumbhakarna took the seat offered and spoke to Ravana [VR-CE 6.50.9], remarking that Ravana had awakened him with regard (ādṛtya) (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-CE 6.50.10]. Ravana then spoke to him [VR-CE 6.50.11] and recalled that asuras too had been conquered by Kumbhakarna in battle (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 6.50.18]. After hearing the lament of the rakshasa king, Kumbhakarna laughed aloud as he spoke [VR-CE 6.51.1]. Ravana told him that, rather than spending effort on words, he should do what the present moment required (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 6.51.22], and he set conditions for the request: if Kumbhakarna felt affection for him, acknowledged their brotherhood, or held this task as foremost in his heart (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 6.51.25]. Kumbhakarna, observing his brother, spoke slowly while soothing him [VR-CE 6.51.28]. What follows is a sequence of declarations of intent, all spoken by Kumbhakarna and not established outcomes. He told Ravana to watch the slaughter of enemies he would carry out [VR-CE 6.51.32], to see the monkey army flee with Rama killed alongside his brother [VR-CE 6.51.33], and to see Rama's head brought back from the battle [VR-CE 6.51.34]. He said that the rakshasas of Lanka whose kinsmen had been killed should witness Rama's death [VR-CE 6.51.35], and that he would wipe away the tears of the grieving by destroying the enemy [VR-CE 6.51.36]. He promised that Sugriva, lord of the monkeys, would be routed that day [VR-CE 6.51.37], and told Ravana that no one else need be sent to fight [VR-CE 6.51.38]. He claimed he could strike down even the thunderbolt-wielder with his hands alone, without spear, mace, sword or arrows [VR-CE 6.51.42], and said that if Rama endured the force of his fist, Rama's own flood of arrows would drink Rama's blood [VR-CE 6.51.43]. He asked why the king should be troubled by worry while he himself was present [VR-CE 6.51.44]. He announced that he would kill Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva [VR-CE 6.51.45], that after killing Rama and Lakshmana he would eat the chief monkey-troop leaders, and that he was going to bring the king happiness by killing Dasharatha's son [VR-CE 6.51.46]. Once Rama had been sent to Yama's abode, he said, Sita would remain in the king's power for a long time [VR-CE 6.51.47]. Mahodara heard these words and replied [VR-CE 6.52.1]. He argued that the reason Kumbhakarna had put forward, going out against the enemy alone, was itself unsuitable and faulty (speaker: Mahodara) [VR-CE 6.52.11], and pointed out that the Raghava whom Kumbhakarna proposed to defeat was the one who had earlier killed many powerful rakshasas in Janasthana (speaker: Mahodara) [VR-CE 6.52.12]. The text marks the end of Mahodara's speech to Kumbhakarna [VR-CE 6.52.19]. Kumbhakarna rebuked Mahodara and turned to Ravana [VR-CE 6.53.1], saying he would wipe away Ravana's dreadful fear by killing Rama [VR-CE 6.53.2] and telling him to see roaring in battle made good by action [VR-CE 6.53.3]. He stated that his purpose was to set right the misconduct (durnaya) of those he addressed and declared that he was now going out to battle, prepared to conquer the enemy (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-CE 6.53.8]. Ravana, addressing him as "dear one" and "skilled in battle," remarked that battle was not to Mahodara's liking (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 6.53.10]. Kumbhakarna took up a sharp spear and spoke to Ravana [VR-CE 6.53.14], saying that when that one was slain everything was slain and that he would kill him in battle (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-CE 6.53.38]. As he went along the road, a vulture fell on his spear [VR-CE 6.53.43]. On seeing him, the vanaras scattered in all directions [VR-CE 6.53.47]. In the fighting, he did not tremble even when struck with flowering trees [VR-CE 6.54.9]. The vanaras struck him from all sides with rocks, trees, palms, feet and fists [VR-CE 6.55.18]. After hearing them, Kumbhakarna, called a tiger among rakshasas, spoke [VR-CE 6.55.41]. He was struck on the chest with a mountain-rock compared to a thunderbolt [VR-CE 6.55.43], and he whirled a spear shining like lightning and hurled it to kill the lord of monkeys and bears [VR-CE 6.55.45]. He approached Sugriva in battle, seized him and carried him off [VR-CE 6.55.50]. Later in the same chapter, Kumbhakarna came suddenly out of the city and devoured the monkey army [VR-CE 6.55.71], entering it and, through confusion (moha), eating rakshasas, monkeys, pishachas and bears alike [VR-CE 6.55.72]. Rama saw him and stretched his bow [VR-CE 6.55.97], and spoke to Kumbhakarna as he approached [VR-CE 6.55.99]. Kumbhakarna addressed words to Rama in turn [VR-CE 6.55.102]. Struck by arrows of thunderbolt-like speed, he was neither agitated nor pained [VR-CE 6.55.107]. Rama cut off his raised arm together with the sala tree it held, using an arrow joined to the Indra weapon [VR-CE 6.55.115]. Rama then hurled an arrow at him [VR-CE 6.55.121], and it cut off his head [VR-CE 6.55.123]. Ravana afterward stated that Kumbhakarna had been killed in battle that day by Raghava (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 6.56.8], that he lay asleep on the ground afflicted by Rama's arrows (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 6.56.9], and that the enemy were shouting in delight at the sight of him slain (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 6.56.10]. His death is recalled later in the kanda, where he is called greatly strong and said to have been slain by Raghava [VR-CE 6.82.21], and where Rama points out the place where Kumbhakarna was killed (speaker: Rama) [VR-CE 6.111.5].

Uttara Kanda

The Uttara Kanda opens with a retrospective view of Kumbhakarna's death. An unnamed speaker tells Rama that Kumbhakarna was felled in battle by him and calls this good fortune [VR-CE 7.1.17]. Rama then asks the sages why they praise Ravani while passing over Kumbhakarna and Ravana (speaker: Rama) [VR-CE 7.1.24]. The kanda's account of his origins states that Kumbhakarna was born right after the ten-headed child [VR-CE 7.9.26]. A verse describing siblings of great vigor who grew up in a great forest appears to include him, though the pronoun is resolved only from context [VR-CE 7.9.28]. He wandered about terrifying the three worlds and devouring great sages devoted to dharma [VR-CE 7.9.29]. Kumbhakarna then undertook severe austerities. In the hot season he stood among five fires [VR-CE 7.10.3]. In the rainy season, drenched by cloud water, he practised the vīrāsana posture, and in the cold season he constantly took shelter in the middle of water [VR-CE 7.10.4]. Ten thousand years passed for him in this manner [VR-CE 7.10.5]. When Prajapati was about to grant him a boon [VR-CE 7.10.31], the gods intervened and said the boon should not be given to him for now (speaker: the gods) [VR-CE 7.10.32]. They accused him of eating seven apsaras in Nandana, ten attendants of Mahendra, and sages and humans (speaker: the gods) [VR-CE 7.10.33]. They requested that delusion (moha) be given to him under the pretext of a boon (speaker: the gods) [VR-CE 7.10.34]. Sarasvati assented with "so be it" and entered the one addressed, after which Prajapati addressed Kumbhakarna as "mahabaho" and told him to choose the boon he desired [VR-CE 7.10.38]. Kumbhakarna heard these words and replied [VR-CE 7.10.39]. Pitamaha said "let it be so," and he, the gods, and Sarasvati released Kumbhakarna and departed to heaven [VR-CE 7.10.40]. Kumbhakarna, whom the narrator calls "dushtatma" (evil-minded), then reflected in distress and wondered what kind of speech had slipped from his mouth that day [VR-CE 7.10.41]. Ravana later arranged Kumbhakarna's marriage to Vajrajvala, who is named as the daughter's daughter of Vairocana [VR-CE 7.12.21]. After some time, an intense sleep released by the lord(s) of the world came upon Kumbhakarna [VR-CE 7.13.1]. He addressed his seated brother as rājan, said that sleep oppressed him, and asked that a dwelling be made for him (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-CE 7.13.2]. The craftsmen built him a dwelling likened to Kailasa [VR-CE 7.13.3]. Overcome by sleep, he lay in that dwelling for many thousands of years without waking [VR-CE 7.13.7], and the narrative marks him as overpowered by sleep at this point [VR-CE 7.13.8]. Kumbhakarna also took part in Ravana's campaigns. Ravana commanded that Kumbhakarna and the chief night-rangers mount their vehicles armed with various weapons (speaker: Ravana) [VR-CE 7.25.30], and Kumbhakarna took his place at the rear [VR-CE 7.25.34]. A following verse states that all the others went toward Madhupura, though the membership of that group is not enumerated [VR-CE 7.25.35]. In the battle against the gods, Kumbhakarna stood ready with various weapons and did not recognize with whom he fought, engaging anyone [VR-CE 7.28.32]. Enraged, he struck the gods with his teeth, arms, and feet, and with spears, darts, arrows, or whatever else was at hand [VR-CE 7.28.33]. The next verse speaks of a night-ranger who fought the Rudras together with the Adityas and was cut continuously by their weapons. That verse is read here as referring to Kumbhakarna, an identification drawn from context [VR-CE 7.28.34].

How other characters describe them

Ravana

Ravana's statements about Kumbhakarna move between sharp disparagement and high praise. In one passage he calls Kumbhakarna mudha (foolish or deluded) and fond of grāmyasukha (base or common pleasures) [VR-CE 6.48.14] (speaker: Ravana). In the next verse he describes Kumbhakarna's strength as equal to Shakra's, in a comparison [VR-CE 6.48.15] (speaker: Ravana). He then says he wishes to see Kumbhakarna brought before him, honored according to proper custom [VR-CE 6.48.76] (speaker: Ravana). He also refers to Kumbhakarna as Prajapati's own grandson [VR-CE 6.49.25] (speaker: Ravana). When he asks for help, Ravana speaks of Kumbhakarna as a warrior without equal. He says no one equal to Kumbhakarna in strength is seen among all beings [VR-CE 6.50.18], and that in many clashes between devas and asuras the devas were defeated by Kumbhakarna once he had arrayed forces against them [VR-CE 6.50.18] (speaker: Ravana). He addresses him as "mighty-armed" and asks him to perform a very difficult task for his brother's sake [VR-CE 6.50.17]. He calls him fond of battle and fond of kinsmen (priyaraṇabāndhavapriya) and asks him to do this supreme thing that is dear and beneficial to Ravana [VR-CE 6.50.19] (speaker: Ravana). After Kumbhakarna's criticism of his policy, Ravana tells him to stop expending effort on words and do what the present time requires [VR-CE 6.51.22]. He asks Kumbhakarna to set right through prowess (vikrama) the fault born of Ravana's own misconduct (apanaya) [VR-CE 6.51.24], and makes the appeal conditional: if Kumbhakarna has affection (sneha) for him, if he acknowledges brotherhood, or if he holds this task as foremost in his heart [VR-CE 6.51.25] (speaker: Ravana). Elsewhere Ravana addresses him as "dear one" (tāta) and "skilled in battle" (yuddhaviśārada), and contrasts him with Mahodara, to whom battle is not pleasing [VR-CE 6.53.10] (speaker: Ravana). He says that no one is equal to Kumbhakarna, in Ravana's view, in goodwill or friendship (sauhṛda) and in strength [VR-CE 6.53.11] (speaker: Ravana). He addresses him as hero (vīra), destroyer of enemy pride (ripudarpaghna) and mahābala [VR-CE 6.56.6] (speaker: Ravana). Ravana also ranks Kumbhakarna among the few able to carry a heavy burden, naming himself, Kumbhakarna, Prahasta as commander, Indrajit or Nikumbha [VR-CE 6.45.6] (speaker: Ravana). After Kumbhakarna's death, Ravana says that the dreadful destruction of Kumbhakarna and Prahasta, which came about in line with Vibhishana's words, shames him [VR-CE 6.56.17] (speaker: Ravana). Later he vows to take revenge for Khara, Kumbhakarna, Prahasta and Indrajit by slaying the enemies [VR-CE 6.83.11] (speaker: Ravana). In the Uttarakanda, Ravana commands Kumbhakarna and the chief night-rangers to mount their vehicles armed with various weapons [VR-CE 7.25.30] (speaker: Ravana).

Mahodara

Mahodara's assessment directly opposes Ravana's praise. He calls Kumbhakarna bold or arrogant (dhṛṣṭa) and of ordinary outlook (prākṛta-darśana) [VR-CE 6.52.2], and says he is puffed up (avalipta) and unable to understand duty or what must be done in any situation [VR-CE 6.52.2] (speaker: Mahodara). Kumbhakarna's speech is described as proud (sagarvita) and as having faults increased by anger (roṣavivṛddhadoṣa) [VR-CE 6.48.70] (speaker: Mahodara). Mahodara asks rhetorically what wise person would do what a strong person of ordinary understanding (prākṛta-buddhi), who has not attended on elders, might do [VR-CE 6.52.5] (speaker: Mahodara). He objects to Kumbhakarna's reasoning in particular. He says Kumbhakarna speaks of dharma, artha and kāma as having separate bases (pṛthag-āśraya), and that Kumbhakarna shows no mark (lakṣaṇa) of being able to understand these by his own nature [VR-CE 6.52.6] (speaker: Mahodara). He calls the reason Kumbhakarna gave, going out against the enemy alone, unsuitable and faulty [VR-CE 6.52.11], and points out that the Raghava whom Kumbhakarna proposes to defeat had already killed many very powerful rakshasas in Janasthana [VR-CE 6.52.12] (speaker: Mahodara). Mahodara still includes Kumbhakarna, with himself, Dvijihva, Saṃhrādī and Vitardana, among those who would go out [VR-CE 6.52.22] (speaker: Mahodara).

Vibhishana

Vibhishana describes Kumbhakarna's past record in war. He says that gods, dānavas, yakṣas, serpents, flesh-eaters, gandharvas, vidyādharas and kinnaras were routed by Kumbhakarna in battle in their thousands [VR-CE 6.49.10] (speaker: Vibhishana). He describes him as angry (kruddha) in battle, a description of his state in combat [VR-CE 6.49.30] (speaker: Vibhishana).

Indra

Indra, identified as the speaker by the reference in the following verse to Vāsava's words, says that if Kumbhakarna eats beings daily, the world will soon be empty [VR-CE 6.49.20] (speaker: Indra).

Surpanakha

Surpanakha says that Kumbhakarna is always pravṛddhanidra, of increased or prolonged sleep [VR-CE 3.16.19] (speaker: Surpanakha).

Lakshmana

Lakshmana tells Rama that Kumbhakarna does not distinguish between vanaras and rakshasas [VR-CE 6.55.85] and that, intoxicated by the smell of blood, he eats his own side and the enemy alike [VR-CE 6.55.85] (speaker: Lakshmana).

Sugriva

Sugriva tells Kumbhakarna to leave the monkey army and asks what he will do with ordinary ones (prākṛta) [VR-CE 6.55.40] (speaker: Sugriva).

Rama

In the Uttarakanda, Kumbhakarna and Ravana are together called mahāvīryau, "of great prowess" [VR-CE 7.1.24] (speaker: Rama).

The rakshasas and Yupaksha

The rakshasas who wake him call Kumbhakarna Ravana's brother (bhrātā te) [VR-CE 6.48.75], and tell Kumbhakarna that the king, bull of all rakshasas, desires to see him [VR-CE 6.48.78] (speaker: rakshasas). In the scene of his awakening, Kumbhakarna is described as speaking while saṃrabdha (agitated or enraged) [VR-CE 6.48.61] (speaker: Yupaksha).

Attribution unclear

Kumbhakarna is called dhīmat (intelligent or wise) at [VR-CE 6.53.9]. The pack tags this verse to Ravana but describes the wording as the narrator's. In a Southern-only passage, a first-person speaker who is not identified says that Kumbhakarna, called niśācara (night-ranger), was seen there [VR-S 5.25.20+1].

Contested and contradictory passages

Claims about Kumbhakarna in the staging records include explicit statements, metaphors, and uncertain readings, and speakers do not always agree. The judgments and traits sections above keep those sides separate. This page does not choose among them.

Southern-only material

Everything in this section comes from the Southern recension (VR-S) only. These passages are additions or variants outside the Critical Edition core and are not attested in VR-CE as supplied here. Statements made by characters are reported as speech, and boasts are presented as claims rather than events.

Sleep and awakening

In a Southern-only passage of the war council, Ravana says he did not urge Kumbhakarna in the matter because Kumbhakarna was asleep (speaker: Ravana) [VR-S 6.9.22+66]. Ravana also says that Kumbhakarna slept for six months, that he has now risen (samutthitaḥ), and that he is mahābala, "greatly strong" (speaker: Ravana) [VR-S 6.9.22+67]. Another Southern verse refers to Kumbhakarna as having been deeply asleep for a long time (dīrghakālam prasuptasya) [VR-S 6.51.45+4]. At the later awakening, Ravana addresses a "bhavān" whom the context identifies as Kumbhakarna. He describes him as sleeping (śayānaḥ) and says he woke him in order to destroy enemies (speaker: Ravana) [VR-S 6.53.11+7]. Ravana calls him arindama, "subduer of foes," and says this is a very great time (kāla) for the rakshasas (speaker: Ravana) [VR-S 6.53.11+7]. A nearby verse also calls the addressee arindama and a well-wisher (suhṛd) of the rākṣasas, though the reading is uncertain (speaker: Ravana) [VR-S 6.53.11+1]. After speaking to Kumbhakarna, here called mahābala, the great-radiant bull among rākṣasas considered himself as if reborn [VR-S 6.53.11+4]. The king knew Kumbhakarna's strength and his prowess (parākrama) [VR-S 6.53.11+5]. Spoken to in this way, the mighty one went out delighted [VR-S 6.53.11+8].

Speech in the war council (VR-S 6.9.22+ insertions)

In the Southern council expansion, Kumbhakarna hears the lament, becomes very angry, and speaks [VR-S 6.9.22+80]. He addresses Ravana as mahārāja and says that all of this was done by Ravana. He adds that the matter should have been arranged together with "us" at the very start of the undertaking (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.9.22+82]. He calls Ravana's deed apratima, "matchless." The verse does not make clear whether this is praise or reproach [VR-S 6.9.22+82], and in a related verse the sense of "paraiḥ" alongside the word is unclear [VR-S 6.9.22+88]. Kumbhakarna then states general maxims, addressing Ravana as Daśānana. A king who carries out royal tasks by proper method, with his mind settled on the goal, does not grieve afterward (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.9.22+83]. Actions done without proper means, and those that are contrary, become spoiled while being performed (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.9.22+84]. He says this great undertaking was begun by Ravana without prior consideration, and that it was fortunate (diṣṭyā) Rama did not kill Ravana (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.9.22+87]. He then turns to pledges. Addressing Ravana as anagha, "sinless one," he calls the enemies "yours" and declares he will set the matter right (samīkariṣyāmi) by killing them (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.9.22+88]. Calling Ravana niśācara, he says he will destroy (utsādayiṣyāmi) Ravana's enemies. He boasts that he would fight them even if they were Indra and Vivasvat, Agni and Vayu, or Kubera and Varuna (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.9.22+89]. Other councillors respond in the same Southern passage. Mahaparshva says that Kumbhakarna, together with the speaker's group, could hold back even Vajrin along with his vajra (speaker: Mahaparshva) [VR-S 6.9.22+97]. After hearing the words of the lord of night-rovers and Kumbhakarna's roars, Vibhishana speaks [VR-S 6.9.22+113]. He says Kumbhakarna is not able to stand against Raghava in battle (speaker: Vibhishana) [VR-S 6.9.22+117]. In a garbled verse, Vibhishana appears to tell a group that includes Prahasta, the king, Mahodara and Kumbhakarna to speak to Rama as the matter requires. The list of addressees is uncertain (speaker: Vibhishana) [VR-S 6.9.22+122].

Boasts after waking (VR-S 6.51.45+)

A further Southern series of boasts is attributed to Kumbhakarna, though several verses are marked uncertain. He says that if the king fears Indra or Svayambhu, he will destroy that fear. He compares the destruction he intends to the sun (aṃśumān) dispelling the darkness of night (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.51.45+1]. He claims that when he is angry, the gods will sleep on the ground (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.51.45+2]. He also declares that he will slay Shatakratu, make the sun fall to earth together with the stars, and drink up Varuna's abode (varuṇālayam) (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.51.45+3]. One verse names his vikrama in connection with his long sleep, but the sentence is incomplete in that verse [VR-S 6.51.45+4]. He boasts that the whole of the three heavens would not suffice to fill his food. He calls on beings to see that today they are being devoured on all sides (speaker: Kumbhakarna) [VR-S 6.51.45+5].

Battle narrative (VR-S 6.55 insertions)

A Southern verse calls Kumbhakarna mahākāya, "of great body," and reports that a mountain thrown at him did not reach him [VR-S 6.55.7+3]. The mountain fell on his army instead [VR-S 6.55.7+10]. It crushed horses, elephants, chariots and other rākṣasas there [VR-S 6.55.7+4]. After seeing the monkeys broken, a figure rushed swiftly at Kumbhakarna in the great battle [VR-S 6.55.34+1]. A mountain peak was hurled at Kumbhakarna's head. The verse does not name the thrower, but the context points to Angada [VR-S 6.55.34+3]. Kumbhakarna rushed with speed at Vali's son, who is described as amarṣaṇa [VR-S 6.55.34+4]. Kumbhakarna is called mahānāda, "of great roar," and mahābala [VR-S 6.55.34+5]. The extremely strong rakshasa then regained consciousness [VR-S 6.55.34+8]. In another verse the rakshasa becomes terrified and turns away from the fight. Only the preceding verses identify him as Kumbhakarna [VR-S 6.55.47+2]. Several verses describe his appearance. The rakshasa is drenched in blood, huge-bodied and of fearsome appearance [VR-S 6.55.70+1]. One verse compares him to a cloud with twilight and contains the phrase "like a heap of dark collyrium," though it is unclear what that phrase modifies [VR-S 6.55.70+2]. His body is smeared with fat, marrow and blood [VR-S 6.55.74+2]. Thinking himself weaponless, the fierce one obtained a terrible mace (mudgara) [VR-S 6.55.70+3]. He is called bhīmaparākrama and balavān [VR-S 6.55.83+1]. The leaders were afflicted by fear of Kumbhakarna, and Rama gladdened them [VR-S 6.55.90+1].

Exchange with Lakshmana

The terrible (bhīma) rakshasa, identified by context as Kumbhakarna, speaks to Lakshmana with disdain [VR-S 6.55.76+4]. The speaker's identity in the following verses is inferred from context and is uncertain. He says that anyone who stands before him is worthy of honour, and asks how much more so is one who gives battle (speaker: Kumbhakarna, identification uncertain) [VR-S 6.55.76+6]. In the same verse he likens himself, weapon in hand in this great battle, to Death (mṛtyu) [VR-S 6.55.76+6]. He claims that even Shakra on Airavata, surrounded by the immortals, has never stood firm in battle, presumably against the speaker [VR-S 6.55.76+7]. He addresses Saumitri, says he is pleased with him, and calls him a child (bāla), followed by an unclear phrase "not by prowess" [VR-S 6.55.76+8]. In a garbled phrase in the same verse, he says he wishes to go after taking leave of or informing Raghava [VR-S 6.55.76+8]. He says he is pleased in battle by the addressee's valour, strength and energy. He states that he wishes to kill Rama alone, because when Rama is killed "all is killed" (speaker: Kumbhakarna, identification uncertain) [VR-S 6.55.76+9]. Once Rama is dead, he says, he will fight the remaining combatants with his own crushing force [VR-S 6.55.76+10]. The narrator says the rakshasa spoke words containing praise (stutisaṃhita) [VR-S 6.55.76+11]. In verses tagged with Lakshmana as speaker, a figure is addressed as one who has obtained prowess and is unassailable by Shakra and others through boons [VR-S 6.55.76+12]. The same figure is also addressed as unassailable by Shakra and other heroes, having attained manliness (speaker: Lakshmana) [VR-S 6.55.76+15].

Death

One verse says that "his" two feet fell into the directions, the sub-directions, the mountain caves, the great ocean, Lanka, and the armies of monkeys and rakshasas, making them resound. The verse does not state whose feet these are, and the identification with Kumbhakarna is inferred [VR-S 6.55.117+1]. Kumbhakarna's head is described as large and adorned with earrings [VR-S 6.55.123+1].

Kinship and later references

A speaker identified only as a brother of Ravana calls Kumbhakarna "my elder" (mama jyeṣṭha). This speaker says Kumbhakarna is the brother who comes right after Ravana and describes him as vīryavān and mahātejāḥ [VR-S 6.13.5+4]. Southern verses name two sons:

Key verses

VR-CE 6.48.22

ऊर्ध्वरोमाञ्चिततनुं श्वसन्तमिव पन्नगम्

त्रासयन्तं महाश्वासैः शयानं भीमदर्शनम्

ūrdhvaromāñcitatanuṃ śvasantam iva pannagam trāsayantaṃ mahāśvāsaiḥ śayānaṃ bhīmadarśanam

His body had hair standing erect; he was like a hissing serpent, frightening with great breaths, lying asleep, fearsome to behold. Word-by-word: ["ūrdhvaromāñcitatanum=body with erect bristling hair", "śvasantam iva pannagam=like a breathing serpent", "trāsayantam=frightening", "mahāśvāsaiḥ=with great breaths", "śayānam=lying asleep"]

VR-CE 6.48.23

भीमनासापुटं तं तु पातालविपुलाननम्

ददृशुर्नैरृतव्याघ्रं कुम्भकर्णं महाबलम्

bhīmanāsāpuṭaṃ taṃ tu pātālavipulānanam dadṛśur nairṛtavyāghraṃ kumbhakarṇaṃ mahābalam

They saw him, Kumbhakarna, of great strength, the tiger among rakshasas, with fearsome nostrils and a mouth wide as Pātāla. Word-by-word: ["bhīmanāsāpuṭam=with fearsome nostrils", "pātālavipulānanam=mouth wide like Pātāla", "nairṛtavyāghram=tiger among rakshasas", "mahābalam=of great strength", "dadṛśuḥ=they saw"]

VR-CE 6.48.33

तं शैलशृङ्गैर्मुसलैर्गदाभि;र्वृक्षैस्तलैर्मुद्गरमुष्टिभिश्च

सुखप्रसुप्तं भुवि कुम्भकर्णं; रक्षांस्युदग्राणि तदा निजघ्नुः

taṃ śailaśṛṅgair musalair gadābhir; vṛkṣais talair mudgaramuṣṭibhiś ca sukhaprasuptaṃ bhuvi kumbhakarṇaṃ; rakṣāṃsy udagrāṇi tadā nijaghnuḥ

Then the fierce rakshasas struck him, Kumbhakarna, sleeping soundly on the ground, with mountain peaks, pestles, maces, trees, palms, mallets and fists. Word-by-word: ["sukhaprasuptam=sleeping comfortably", "bhuvi=on the ground", "śailaśṛṅgaiḥ=with mountain peaks", "mudgara=mallet", "niजaghnuḥ=struck"]

VR-CE 6.48.53

तस्य दीप्ताग्निसदृशे विद्युत्सदृशवर्चसी

ददृशाते महानेत्रे दीप्ताविव महाग्रहौ

tasya dīptāgnisadṛśe vidyutsadṛśavarcasī dadṛśāte mahānetre dīptāv iva mahāgrahau

His large eyes, like blazing fire, with lightning-like radiance, were seen like two blazing great planets. Word-by-word: ["dīptāgnisadṛśe=like blazing fire", "vidyutsadṛśavarcasī=with lightning-like radiance", "mahānetre=large eyes", "dadṛśāte=were seen", "mahāgrahau=two great planets (or seizers)"]

VR-CE 6.48.67

स यूपाक्षवचः श्रुत्वा भ्रातुर्युधि पराजयम्

कुम्भकर्णो विवृत्ताक्षो यूपाक्षमिदमब्रवीत्

sa yūpākṣavacaḥ śrutvā bhrātur yudhi parājayam kumbhakarṇo vivṛttākṣo yūpākṣam idam abravīt

Having heard Yupaksha's words about his brother's defeat in battle, Kumbhakarna, eyes rolling, said this to Yupaksha. Word-by-word: ["bhrātur parājayam=brother's defeat", "yudhi=in battle", "vivṛttākṣaḥ=with rolling eyes", "abravīt=said", "yūpākṣavacaḥ=Yupaksha's words"]

VR-CE 6.48.72

महोदरवचः श्रुत्वा राक्षसैः परिवारितः

कुम्भकर्णो महातेजाः संप्रतस्थे महाबलः

mahodaravacaḥ śrutvā rākṣasaiḥ parivāritaḥ kumbhakarṇo mahātejāḥ saṃpratasthe mahābalaḥ

Hearing Mahodara's words, Kumbhakarna, greatly radiant and mighty, surrounded by rakshasas, set out. Word-by-word: ["parivāritaḥ=surrounded", "mahātejāḥ=greatly radiant", "mahābalaḥ=very strong", "saṃpratasthe=set out", "rākṣasaiḥ=by rakshasas"]

VR-CE 6.48.73

तं समुत्थाप्य भीमाक्षं भीमरूपपराक्रमम्

राक्षसास्त्वरिता जग्मुर्दशग्रीवनिवेशनम्

taṃ samutthāpya bhīmākṣaṃ bhīmarūpaparākramam rākṣasās tvaritā jagmur daśagrīvaniveśanam

Having raised him of terrible eyes, terrible form and prowess, the rakshasas hurried to Dashagriva's dwelling. Word-by-word: ["samutthapya=having raised up", "bhimaksham=terrible-eyed", "bhimarupaparakramam=of terrible form and prowess", "tvaritah=hurried", "daśagrīvaniveśanam=Dashagriva's dwelling"]

VR-CE 6.48.80

प्रक्षाल्य वदनं हृष्टः स्नातः परमभूषितः

पिपासुस्त्वरयामास पानं बलसमीरणम्

prakṣālya vadanaṃ hṛṣṭaḥ snātaḥ paramabhūṣitaḥ pipāsus tvarayām āsa pānaṃ balasamīraṇam

Having washed his face, glad, bathed and richly adorned, thirsty, he hurried on the drink that stirs strength. Word-by-word: ["prakshalya vadanam=having washed face", "hrishtah=glad", "snatah=bathed", "paramabhushitah=supremely adorned", "pipasuh=desirous of drink", "balasamiranam=strength-stirring (drink)"]

References

Distinct inline citations used above:

Source-only article compiled from Valmiki Ramayana verses in the Critical Edition (VR-CE) and Southern-only passages (VR-S). Inline citations were checked against the project verse index.