After Goddess Nidra, the Hindu Goddess of sleep, left Kumbhakarna following his demise at the hands of Bhagavan Sri Rama, she received a boon from Bhagavan Sri Rama himself. According to one of the puranas, this boon allowed her to reside in the hearts of individuals who sought to misuse the power of Ramanama for evil purposes. Additionally, she was advised to settle within those who sought to exploit the teachings of puranas and other scriptures for selfish gains. Moreover, Goddess Nidra was granted the ability to inhabit the bodies of lazy individuals who lacked interest in acquiring true knowledge.
In essence, Goddess Nidra's fate after departing from
Kumbhakarna was intertwined with her newfound roles as a guardian against
misuse of sacred teachings and a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant
against sloth and ignorance.
In Hindu tradition, Kumbhakarna is a character known for his
immense size and appetite. According to the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic,
Kumbhakarna was the younger brother of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
Kumbhakarna was renowned for his strength and valor, but he was also infamous
for his excessive sleep.
Legend has it that Kumbhakarna was granted a boon by the
gods, which made him invincible in battle. However, due to a misunderstanding,
instead of asking for invincibility, he asked for "nidra" (sleep) for
most of his life. The gods granted his wish, but with a twist - Kumbhakarna
would sleep for six months at a stretch and remain awake for the other six.
It's believed that Goddess Nidra, the deity personifying
sleep, resided within Kumbhakarna, causing him to sleep for such prolonged
periods. This association between Kumbhakarna and Goddess Nidra underscores the
mythical explanation for his extraordinary sleep patterns.
Kumbhakarna's prolonged periods of sleep play a significant
role in various retellings of the Ramayana, often serving as a plot device or
obstacle for the protagonists, including Rama and his allies, as they confront
the forces of Ravana.
Overall, the tale of Kumbhakarna and his association with Goddess Nidra adds depth to the rich tapestry of Hindu tradition, illustrating themes of fate, desire, and the consequences of seeking power without understanding its true implications.