Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 77, Shloka 6
निकुम्भवधः — The Slaying of Nikumbha
Hanuman’s Duel
उरोगतेननिष्केणभुजस्थैरङ्गदैरपि ।कुण्डलाभ्यां च चित्राभ्यांमालया च विचित्रया ।।6.77.5।।निकुम्भोभूषणैर्भातितेनस्मपरिघेण च ।यथेन्द्रधनुषामेघस्सविद्युत्स्तनयित्नुमान् ।।6.77.6।।
urogateṇa niṣkeṇa bhujasthair aṅgadair api | kuṇḍalābhyāṃ ca citrābhyāṃ mālayā ca vicitrayā ||
nikumbho bhūṣaṇair bhāti tena sma parigheṇa ca | yathendradhanuṣā meghaḥ sa-vidyut-stanayitnumān ||
Si Nikumbha ay nagningning sa mga palamuti—gintong baluti sa dibdib, mga armlet sa bisig, mariringal na hikaw, at makulay na kuwintas—at tangan ang kanyang bakal na pamalo; wari’y ulap na may kidlat at kulog, na sinasapinan ng bahaghari ni Indra.
Nikumbha was shining with ornaments on his chest, golden armlets on arms, wonderful earrings and wonderful garland s holding clubs in hand, with bow like Indra's and roaring like lightning and thunder in the clouds.
FAQs
The epic distinguishes appearance from truth: dazzling might and beauty do not establish satya or dharma; ethical worth rests on righteous intent and action.
Before the decisive fight, the poet paints Nikumbha’s imposing, ornamented form through vivid natural similes.
For the protagonists, it underscores composure—remaining undeceived by spectacle and committed to the righteous objective.