Shloka 3

कुम्भकर्णविबोधनम्

The Awakening of Kumbhakarna

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मदण्डप्रतीकानांविद्युत्सदृशवर्चसाम् ।स्मरन्राघवबाणानांविव्यथेराक्षसेश्वरः ।।।।

Transliteration

brahmadaṇḍa-pratīkānāṁ vidyut-sadṛśa-varcasām |

smaran rāghava-bāṇānāṁ vivyathe rākṣaseśvaraḥ ||6.60.3||

Translation

Mengingati anak panah Rāghava—laksana komet, bagaikan Brahma-daṇḍa yang menghukum, berkilau seterang kilat—raja para Rākṣasa pun gementar dan resah di dalam hati.

Word by Word

brahmadaṇḍa-pratīkānāmof those resembling Brahma's rod

vidyut-sadṛśa-varcasāmof those with lightning-like brilliance

smaranremembering

rāghava-bāṇānāmof Rama's arrows

vivyathewas greatly distressed

rākṣaseśvaraḥthe lord of Rakshasas

Context

The Lord of Rakshasas remained disquieted recalling the arrows of Rama which emitted light like lightning, resembling Brahmadanda.

Characters & Entities

Rāvaṇa

Rāghava (Rāma)

FAQs

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

Adharma ultimately generates fear and inner instability. When one opposes satya and dharma, even great power (like Rāvaṇa’s) becomes anxious before righteous force.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, under pressure in the war, recalls the terrifying efficacy of Rāma’s arrows and becomes unsettled—setting the stage for desperate measures like awakening Kumbhakarṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s dharmic prowess is implied: disciplined, righteous strength that inspires awe even in enemies.