Shloka 6.68.13

कुम्भकर्णवधश्रवणेन रावणविलापः (Ravana’s Lament on Hearing of Kumbhakarna’s Slaying)

Devanagari script

कथमेवंविधोवीरोदेवदानवदर्पहा ।कालाग्निरुद्राप्रतिमोरणेराघवेणवैहतः ।।।।

Transliteration

rājan sa kālasaṅkāśaḥ saṃyuktaḥ kālakarmaṇā |

vidrāvya vānarīṃ senāṃ bhakṣayitvā ca vānarān ||

Translation

O King, that Kumbhakarṇa—terrible as Death itself—after scattering the monkey-host and devouring many vānaras, has now met his own end, brought about by the workings of Time (fate).

Context

"You, who crushed the pride of Devas and Danavas are equal to time-spirit and death at dissolution and being a hero, how did you die in the hands of Raghava?"

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Kumbhakarṇa
• Vānara-senā (monkey army)
• Kāla (Time/Death)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores human (and heroic) limitation before Kāla: power used for destruction does not exempt one from consequence; Dharma-oriented living recognizes impermanence and accountability.

What is the narrative situation?

News is delivered to Rāvaṇa that Kumbhakarṇa, despite devastating the vānaras, has been slain—shifting the war’s momentum.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a virtue but a warning-theme is emphasized: even the mightiest are subject to Kāla; reliance on brute force is unstable.