The Brute of Ramayana

Known for two qualities, Kumbhakaran was more than his proverbial tag of 'eat, sleep, repeat', led on.

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As effigies of the Demon King, his son Megnadha and Kumbakaran burn across the subcontinent, recalling certain parts of the Epic Ramayana would do us good. Through popular culture, caricatures and cartoons, we have been fed the idea of Kumbakaran as the devil with power and strength unmatched. Usually described in parallels with his appetite and hypersomnia, he is one character that is often misunderstood by the masses.

In Ramacharitramanas, Kumbhakaran is described as the exceptionally knowledgeable and righteous brother with equal brawls and brains. So extraordinary was his strength and intelligence, that even Lord Indra was jealous of him. Often regarded as the man with no match, Kumbhakarna had the capacity to defeat anyone who dare challenge him.

Atibal kumbhakaran asa bhrata,

Jehi kahun nahi pratibhat

Jaga jaata karai paan

Sawai shat maasa

Jaagat hoi tihun pur traasa

This excerpt from the Ramayan loosely translates to the great powerful being whose strength was unquestionably undefeated. In popular culture, the entry of Kumbhakaran was always a sight to behold. Presenting as comic belief, the scene would present countless people attempting to wake the great big brute from his dreamlike state.

The story behind the same is also rooted in Indra’s fear. When Vivishana, Ravana and Kumbhakaran had manifested Lord Brahma as a result of their impressive meditation, Indra had requested Goddess Saraswati to tie his tongue. As a result, when Kumbhakaran wished for Indraasan (Indra’s throne) he ended up asking for Nindraaasan (a bed for sleeping) and when he wanted to ask for Nirdevatvam (annihilation of the Devas), he asked for Nidravtvam (sleep)

The asura with a bane than a boon was in fact more fair, loyal and righteous than his brother. Guided by his intellect and ken, Kumbhakaran was a staunch adversary of war and violence. Kumbhakaran believed in guiding his people through philosophy and genuine character.

Opposed to war, inclining harm to others and committing any sin, he had expressed his strong disbelief in the crime that Ravana was committing.

Jagadamba hari aani

Aba satha chahat kalyaan

Kumbhakaran had sufficiently hinted that by kidnapping the Jagat Janani, or Lord Rama’s wife, Ravana was setting up a trap. If he believed that he’d secure happiness by kidnapping the lord’s wife, he was no more than a fool. He had prompted Ravana to ask for Lord Rama’s forgiveness before meeting his dire end.

Not just this, he vehemently opposed Ravana’s approach to the matter. By foregoing the principles of statecraft and refusing to consult the council, Ravana had solely embarked on a path of war and because he refused to seek Lord Rama’s forgiveness, Kumbhakaran decided to be a part of the war to uphold his brother’s pride.

Symbolic is the duty, loyalty and love of Kumbhakaran to that of Lakshman and Rama.

Some believe that in his heart, Kumbhakaran knew that Lord Rama was the avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is said that his willingness to step into battle was for his need to gain Moksha which was precisely what happened. By being killed by Lord Rama, Kumbhakaran got exactly what he wanted.