In the Bengali version of the Ramayana known as the Krittibasi Ramayana, there is a unique and intriguing story about Kumbhakarna, the giant brother of Ravana and Vibhishana. This version elaborates on the consequences of waking Kumbhakarna untimely and its dire results.
The Boon and the Fear of the Gods
The story begins with the three brothers—Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibhishana—embarking on a pilgrimage to Gokarna to perform intense penance and seek boons from Brahma, the creator god. They prayed fervently, and their devotion pleased Brahma, who appeared before them to grant their wishes.
Ravana's Boon: Ravana, the eldest and most ambitious, asked for invincibility against gods and demons. Brahma, knowing the ramifications of such a boon, limited it to exclude humans and vanaras (monkey-like beings). Thus, Ravana was granted near invincibility.
Vibhishana's Boon: Vibhishana, the righteous and pious brother, asked for immortality and unwavering devotion to righteousness. Brahma granted him this boon, ensuring his immortality and moral integrity.
When it was Kumbhakarna's turn, the gods grew anxious. Kumbhakarna was already a formidable warrior with immense strength and ferocity. They feared that any boon granted to him could lead to the end of the world.
The Intervention of Saraswati
To prevent potential disaster, the gods sought the help of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and speech. They asked her to intervene and prevent Kumbhakarna from making a destructive wish. Saraswati agreed and cleverly seated herself on Kumbhakarna's tongue.
When Brahma asked Kumbhakarna what boon he desired, Saraswati influenced his speech. Instead of asking for power or dominion, Kumbhakarna surprisingly requested the boon of sleep. Brahma, adhering to his promise, granted this wish, dooming Kumbhakarna to eternal slumber.
Ravana's Plea and the Modified Boon
Ravana was stunned and dismayed by his brother's unexpected boon. He realized the loss of such a powerful ally would be a significant disadvantage. Desperate, Ravana approached Brahma, pleading for a modification of the boon.
Brahma, moved by Ravana's appeal but unable to completely revoke the boon, offered a compromise: Kumbhakarna would sleep for six months at a stretch and awaken for only one day before returning to his slumber. However, there was a crucial caveat—if Kumbhakarna were to be woken prematurely, it would spell his doom.
The Consequences of Untimely Awakening
This condition added an element of strategic vulnerability to Kumbhakarna's power. While his immense strength and ferocity made him a formidable opponent during his single day of wakefulness, the risk of untimely awakening meant that his brothers had to be cautious. Kumbhakarna's role in the battle against Rama and his allies was significant but came with this inherent risk.
The Climax of the Story
In the epic battle described in the Ramayana, Ravana, desperate to turn the tide in his favor, ordered Kumbhakarna to be awakened before his time. The rakshasas struggled to rouse the giant from his deep slumber, using trumpets, elephants, and other loud noises. When Kumbhakarna finally awoke, he was disoriented and extremely hungry. Despite his initial confusion, he unleashed his wrath upon Rama's army.
However, as foretold, waking Kumbhakarna before his appointed time eventually led to his downfall. He fought valiantly but was ultimately slain by Rama, fulfilling the prophecy that his untimely awakening would lead to his death.
The story of Kumbhakarna in the Krittibasi Ramayana illustrates the complexity of boons and curses in Hindu mythology. It also highlights the themes of destiny, divine intervention, and the inevitable consequences of actions, even those influenced by the gods themselves. Kumbhakarna's tale serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power and the fateful repercussions of attempting to alter one's destined path.