Shloka 6.62.4

कुम्भकर्णस्य प्रबोधनम् — The Awakening and Commissioning of Kumbhakarna

Devanagari script

स तत्तदासूर्यइवाभ्रजालंप्रविश्यरक्षोधिपतेर्निवेशम् ।ददर्शदूरेऽग्रजमासनस्थंस्वयम्भुवंशक्रवासनस्थम् ।।6.62.4।।

Transliteration

athāsīnasya paryaṅke kumbhakarṇo mahābalaḥ |

bhrātur vavande caraṇau kiṁ kṛtyam iti cābravīt ||6.62.8||

Translation

Then mighty Kumbhakarṇa rose from his seat, bowed at his brother’s feet, and asked, “What is it that must be done?”

Context

He saw entering the abode of Lord of Rakshasas like the Sun penetrating into a mass of clouds, from a distance his elder brother seated on the throne just like Indra saw the SelfBorn Brahma on the throne.

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Sevā and kartavya: readiness to serve and ask one’s duty. The dharmic tension is that duty to kin must be weighed against universal righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Kumbhakarṇa respectfully approaches Rāvaṇa and offers his service, asking what task is required.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and readiness for duty (kartavya-parāyaṇatā), expressed through bowing and immediate willingness to act.