Shloka 20
कुन्ती द्वारा ब्राह्मण-सेवा
Kuntī’s Regulated Hospitality to a Brāhmaṇa Guest
इत्येवमुक्त्वा विविधैर्वादित्रै: सुमहास्वनै: । शयानमतिनिद्रालुं कुम्भकर्णमबोधयत्,ऐसा कहकर रावणने अत्यन्त उच्च स्वरसे बजनेवाले भाँति-भाँतिके बाजे बजवाकर अधिक नींद लेनेवाले सोये हुए कुम्भकर्णको जगाया
ity evam uktvā vividhair vāditraiḥ sumahāsvanaiḥ | śayānam atinidrāluṁ kumbhakarṇam abodhayat ||
Thus having spoken, Rāvaṇa had many kinds of loud-sounding instruments played, and by that great din he roused Kumbhakarṇa, who lay asleep, overwhelmed by excessive slumber. The episode underscores how unchecked lethargy and indulgence can be turned into a liability in moments of crisis, and how leaders may resort to forceful means to mobilize even those unfit in discipline.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Excessive sleep and lack of self-control weaken readiness and judgment; in urgent situations, even powerful individuals may need external compulsion to act. The passage implicitly values discipline and timely action over indulgent inertia.
After speaking, Rāvaṇa orders loud, varied instruments to be played to wake Kumbhakarṇa, who is sleeping deeply. The noise is used as a practical means to rouse him for the impending conflict.