Shloka 6.61.20

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

prajānāṁ bhakṣaṇaṁ cāpi dharṣaṇaṁ ca divaukasām | āśrama-dhvaṁsanaṁ cāpi para-strī-haraṇaṁ bhṛśam ||

Translation

They reported (to Brahmā) Kumbhakarṇa’s crimes—devouring living beings, assaulting even the Devas, destroying the sages’ hermitages (āśramas), and violently abducting other men’s wives.

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
• Brahmā (Prajāpati)
• Devas (divaukasaḥ)
• Āśramas (sages’ hermitages)

FAQs

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

Dharma protects society by condemning predation on the innocent, violation of women, and attacks on sacred spaces (āśramas). These acts are presented as clear markers of adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The devas approach Brahmā and enumerate Kumbhakarṇa’s destructive offenses to prompt divine intervention.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective responsibility: the devas uphold cosmic and social order by formally reporting wrongdoing to Brahmā rather than retaliating lawlessly.