Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 65, Shloka 12
कुम्भकर्णप्रस्थानम्
Kumbhakarna’s Departure for Battle
तस्मात्तुशत्रुनाशार्थंभवान्सम्बोधितोमया ।अयंहिकालस्सुहृदांराक्षसानामरिन्दम ।।।।
tasmāt tu śatrunāśārthaṃ bhavān sambodhito mayā | ayaṃ hi kālaḥ suhṛdāṃ rākṣasānām arindama ||
Therefore you have been roused by me for the destruction of the enemy. For this is indeed the critical hour for the Rakshasas and their allies, O subduer of foes.
"You are difficult to encounter. You have awakened for the sake of putting an end to the enemy. It is a momentous period for the Rakshasas, O tamer of enemies."
FAQs
It reflects crisis leadership—mobilizing strength at a decisive moment—while inviting reflection on the dharmic legitimacy of the cause being defended.
Ravana frames Kumbhakarna’s awakening and deployment as necessary for the survival and advantage of the Rakshasa side.
Readiness and resolve in a decisive hour (kāla), a key trait in epic warfare narratives.