Shloka 6.61.18

कुम्भकर्णदर्शनम् — The Appearance of Kumbhakarna and the Account of His Might

Devanagari script

कुम्भकर्णप्रहारार्तोविजज्वाल स वासवः ।ततोविषेदुस्सहसादेवाब्रह्मर्षिदानवाः ।।6.61.18।।प्रजाभिस्सहशक्रश्चययौस्थानंस्वयम्भुवः ।

Transliteration

tatra kopān mahendrasya kumbhakarṇo mahābalaḥ |

vikṛṣyairāvatād dantaṃ jaghānorasi vāsavam ||6.61.17||

Translation

Then the mighty Kumbhakarṇa, in wrath, tore a tusk from Airāvata and struck Vāsava (Indra) upon the chest.

Context

"Hit by Kumbhakarna Indra felt tormented. The Devatas, Brahmarshis and Danavas became despondent. Accompanied by created beings they complained to Brahma."

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Mahendra (Indra)
• Vāsava (Indra)
• Airāvata

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Anger-driven retaliation multiplies harm, even harming innocents (Airāvata); Dharma requires proportionality and restraint, especially for the powerful.

What is the narrative situation?

Kumbhakarṇa escalates the conflict by using Airāvata’s tusk as a weapon to strike Indra.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the virtue highlighted is self-restraint (dama); Kumbhakarṇa’s lack of it illustrates adharma in action.