निकुम्भवधः — The Slaying of Nikumbha
Hanuman’s Duel
राक्षसावानराश्चापि न शेकुस्स्पन्दितुंभयात् ।।।।हनूमांस्तुविवृत्योरस्तस्थौतस्याग्रतोबली ।
rākṣasā vānarāś cāpi na śekuḥ spandituṃ bhayāt |
hanūmāṃs tu vivṛtyoras tasthau tasyāgrato balī ||
Os Rākṣasas —e até os Vānaras— não conseguiram sequer se mover de medo; mas o valente Hanumān, abrindo o peito, permaneceu firme diante dele.
The Rakshasas and even Vanaras were not able to move out of fear. Only mighty Hanuman stood there showing his chest.
Dharma is fearlessness in service: when others freeze, the dharmic servant stands forward—placing duty above self-preservation.
A moment of collective fear grips both sides, while Hanumān alone holds position, openly challenging the threat.
Hanumān’s courage and steadfast devotion (bhakti-driven vīrya), expressed as unwavering readiness to protect the righteous cause.