Shloka 9
निकुम्भवधः — The Slaying of Nikumbha
Hanuman’s Duel
दुरासदश्चसञ्जज्ञेपरिघाभरणप्रभः ।।।।कपीनांसनिकुम्भाग्निर्युगान्ताग्निरिवोत्थितः ।
durāsadaś ca sañjajñe parighābharaṇa-prabhaḥ | kapīnāṃ sa nikumbhāgnir yugāntāgnir ivotthitaḥ ||
Sein Glanz—aufleuchtend von der Eisenkeule und seinem Schmuck—wurde unnahbar; den Heerscharen der Vānaras erschien Nikumbha wie das Feuer, das am Ende eines Weltzeitalters emporsteigt.
The glow of the club, the ornaments, and the fire of Nikumbha that burst forth was like the fire at the time of dissolution of the universe. It was formidable for the Vanaras to reflect on.
FAQs
Dharma is suggested through the warning that unchecked fury and intimidation (when aligned with adharma) becomes socially and cosmically ruinous—like yugānta fire. Righteous strength is meant to protect, not to terrorize and annihilate.
The poet describes Nikumbha’s terrifying brilliance and battlefield presence as he confronts the Vānara forces.
The Vānaras’ courage is indirectly tested: they face a seemingly world-ending blaze, underscoring the steadiness required to stand for dharma even against overwhelming fear.