Eastern Spirituality

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Kumbhakarna (Kumbhakarṇa), is a rakshasa and younger brother of Ravana in the Indian epic Ramayana. Despite his monstrous size and great hunger, he was described to be of good character, though he killed and ate many Hindu monks just to show his power.

He was considered so pious, intelligent and brave that Indra was jealous of him. Along with his brothers, Ravana and Vibhishana, he performed a major yajna and penance for Lord Brahma. When the time came for asking a boon (blessing) from Brahma, his tongue was tied by goddess Saraswati (acting on Indra's request). So instead of asking "Indraasana" (seat of Indra), he asked for "Nidraasana" (bed for sleeping). It is also said he intended to ask for Nirdevatvam (annihilation of the Devas) and instead asked for Nidravatvam (sleep). His request was granted. But his brother Ravana asked Brahma to undo this boon as it was in reality a curse. So Kumbhakarna slept and was awake for six months, when he ate everything in the vicinity, including humans.

Glossary Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z