Kumbhakarna's Awakening

The reader may recall that the gigantic demon Kumbhakarna once received a boon from Lord Brahma to sleep continuously for six months, waking only for a day to devour enough food to satisfy his enormous appetite before returning to slumber. This time, he had fallen asleep just nine days ago. Ravana ordered his servants to place various types of food near the sleeping Kumbhakarna, confident that the aroma would awaken the glutton. He also commanded his court musicians to play loud music to disturb Kumbhakarna's slumber.

Ravana's servants obeyed, waking Kumbhakarna, who was furious at being disturbed. However, upon seeing the delicious food prepared for him, his anger subsided, and he began to gorge himself. After finishing all the food in minutes, he went to see his older brother, Ravana. "Brother," Kumbhakarna said to Ravana, "please tell me who wants to die by my hands. Why have you aroused me?"

Ravana explained, "Kumbhakarna, while you were asleep, Rama attacked Lanka and caused significant harm. You now have an excellent opportunity to display your bravery. Lanka needs you today." He brought Kumbhakarna up to speed on everything that had transpired: Shurpanakha's mutilation by Lakshmana, Sita's abduction, and the ongoing war against the monkey army.

"You succumbed to lust and kidnapped Sita," said Kumbhakarna. "You are responsible for Lanka's destruction by the monkeys. No matter. I will go and kill Rama and Lakshmana this instant."

Thirsting for blood and flesh, Kumbhakarna set out for war. He descended upon the monkey army like a whirlwind, trampling and killing dozens of monkeys. Frightened, some monkeys jumped into the sea while others began to fly. Several monkeys hid in the newly constructed bridge. Some brave monkeys tried to attack Kumbhakarna with boulders and tree trunks but to no avail. Kumbhakarna lifted hundreds of monkeys at once and threw them away, breaking their bones.