निकुम्भवधः — The Slaying of Nikumbha
Hanuman’s Duel
स्थिरेतस्योरसिव्यूढेपरिघश्शतधाकृतः ।।।।विकीर्यमाणस्सहसाउल्काशतमिवाम्बरे ।
sthire tasyorasi vyūḍhe parighaḥ śatadhā kṛtaḥ |
vikīryamāṇaḥ sahasā ulkā-śatam ivāmbare ||
Tatkala parigha itu menyentuh dada yang luas dan teguh miliknya, ia pun pecah menjadi seratus serpihan, berhamburan seketika bagaikan seratus meteor di angkasa.
The great Vanara did not move and remained steady like a mountain in an earthquake with the iron club touching him.
Dharma is portrayed as an inner strength that cannot be broken by external force; when one stands for a righteous cause, aggression may recoil upon itself.
Nikumbha’s weapon fails dramatically: the club breaks apart upon contact with Hanumān’s chest.
Hanumān’s invincibility in service (sevā-niṣṭhā): his steadfast dedication to Rāma manifests as unshakable strength.