Shloka 6.61.19

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

Devanagari script

कुम्भकर्णस्यदौरात्म्यंशशंसुस्तेप्रजापतेः ।।6.61.19।।प्रजानांभक्षणंचापिधर्षणं च दिवौकसाम् ।आश्रमध्वंसनंचापिपरस्त्रीहरणंभृशम् ।।6.61.20।।

Transliteration

kumbhakarṇaprahārārto vijajvāla sa vāsavaḥ |

tato viṣedus sahasā devā brahmarṣidānavāḥ ||6.61.18||

prajābhiḥ saha śakraś ca yayau sthānaṃ svayambhuvaḥ |

Translation

Struck and pained by Kumbhakarṇa’s blow, Vāsava (Indra) blazed with anguish. Then the Devas, the Brahmarṣis, and the Dānavas suddenly fell into despair; and Śakra, together with the beings, went to the abode of Svayambhū (Brahmā).

Context

"They reported to Brahma about Kumbhakarna's ruthless deeds, devouring created beings, insulting, harsh and also destroying the abodes of sages violently and abducting others' wives."

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Vāsava (Indra)
• Śakra (Indra)
• Devas
• Brahmarṣis
• Dānavas
• Svayambhū (Brahmā)

FAQs

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

When power fails, Dharma advises turning to higher wisdom and truth (satya) rather than despair—seeking guidance from the rightful source of order (Brahmā).

What is the narrative situation?

After Indra is struck, the celestial beings lose heart and approach Brahmā for counsel and remedy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue is accountability and seeking right counsel—acknowledging limits and appealing to higher authority for the welfare of all.