In the epic tale of the Ramayana, the battle between the Vanara (monkey) army and the forces of the demon king Ravana was fierce and unending. Despite the Vanaras' bravery and the numerous demons, they had already slain, new and powerful adversaries continuously emerged from Ravana's ranks. Among these formidable demons was Kumbha, a warrior of immense strength and prowess.
The encounter between Kumbha and the Vanara leaders began
with a series of intense confrontations. Mahendra, Devendra, and Angada, three
of the most valiant Vanara warriors, took it upon themselves to challenge
Kumbha. In the ensuing battle, Kumbha demonstrated his formidable combat
skills. He struck Mahendra with his arrows, wounding him severely. In response,
Devendra, determined to overpower Kumbha, hurled a massive mountain at him.
However, Kumbha effortlessly cleaved the mountain with his weapon, and Devendra
fell, injured and defeated.
Undeterred by the fall of his comrades, Angada launched an
attack, wielding another mountain as his weapon. Yet again, Kumbha showcased
his extraordinary prowess by cutting through the mountain and wounding Angada
with his arrows. The relentless demon then faced a trio of Vanaras – Rishabh,
Kumud, and Sushena – who joined the fray. Despite their combined efforts,
Kumbha proved too powerful, wounding all three.
At this critical juncture, Sugriva, the king of the Vanaras
and a formidable warrior in his own right, entered the battlefield. Sugriva's
presence reinvigorated the Vanara army. Kumbha, however, was unimpressed and
taunted Sugriva, asserting that a Vanara's place was in the forests, not on the
battlefield against mighty rakshasas (demons).
Ignoring the taunt, Sugriva leaped onto Kumbha's chariot,
attempting to seize his bow. Kumbha, however, challenged Sugriva to abandon the
bow and fight hand-to-hand. Accepting the challenge, Sugriva engaged Kumbha in
a fierce wrestling match. Kumbha's initial blow sent Sugriva flying into the
sea. Miraculously, the ocean, recognizing Sugriva as an ally of Rama, the
divine prince, withdrew its waters to create dry land, preventing Sugriva from
drowning.
Undeterred, Sugriva returned to the fight. Kumbha struck him
again, but Sugriva, resilient and determined, quickly recovered. With great
agility and strength, Sugriva kicked Kumbha and then picked up an elephant tusk
lying on the battlefield. He used the tusk as a weapon, inflicting severe
wounds on Kumbha. Sensing an opportunity, Sugriva lifted the injured demon and,
with all his might, dashed Kumbha against the ground, ultimately killing him.
Sugriva's victory over Kumbha was not just a testament to
his strength and valor but also a significant morale booster for the Vanara
army. It demonstrated that despite the seemingly endless tide of powerful
demons, the forces of good, led by Rama and his allies, would ultimately
triumph.