Shloka 4
निकुम्भवधः — The Slaying of Nikumbha
Hanuman’s Duel
तमाविध्यमहातेजाश्शक्रध्वजसमंतदा ।निननादविवृत्तास्योनिकुम्भोभीमविक्रमः ।।।।
tam āvidhya mahātejāḥ śakradhvajasamaṃ tadā | ninanāda vivṛttāsyo nikumbho bhīmavikramaḥ ||
Lalu Nikumbha yang berdaya gentar, dengan mulut menganga mengaum, mengayunkan senjata yang cemerlang itu—laksana panji Śakra (Indra)—dan menghantamkan serangan dengan segenap tenaga.
The club was highly splendorous and of terrific strength with the banner of Indra and Nikumbha took that club roared opening his mouth wide and pierced it with force.
FAQs
Outer grandeur can mimic divine symbols (Indra’s banner), yet dharma is measured by conduct and purpose, not by intimidating display.
Nikumbha enters the fray with a terrifying roar and weapon-display, heightening tension before his defeat.
From the dharmic lens, the emphasis is on the need for courage in the face of intimidation rather than on Nikumbha’s qualities.