Kumbhakarna

Kumbhakarna is a demon and the brother of Ravana.

Though known for his huge size and monstrous appetite, he is considered pious, intelligent and good.

When he performed a yajna (ritual penance) and the time came to ask for a boon, the goddess Saraswati, acting on the god Indra’s request, tied Kumbhakarna’s tongue. So, instead of asking for “Indra asana” (the seat of the god Indra) he asked for “Nidra asana” (bed for sleeping).

His request was granted but his brother Ravana asked Brahma to undo the boon as it was in fact a curse. So Kumbhakarna slept for 6 months and stayed awake for 6 months. During the war with Rama, Ravana needed the help of Kumbhakarna who woke up only after one thousand elephants walked over him. Kumbhakarna tried to tell Ravana that what he was doing was wrong. However, Ravana would not listen and Kumbhakarna went to battle in loyalty to his brother.

Unlike most characters in the Ramayana who embody either virtue or vice, Kumbhakarna is a more complex figure and therefore the more interesting. Dismayed by Ravana’s conduct he speaks out and attempts to intervene and moderate. Yet, bound by his warrior ethics, he is unable to openly oppose Ravana. Fighting on what he knows is the wrong side, he devastates Rama’s army but is ultimately killed in combat by Rama.