Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

KUMBHAKARNA
Kumbhakarna is a rakshasa and brother of Ravana in the Indian
Ramayana epic. Despite of his monstrous size and great hunger,
he was somewhat described of having a good character, though
he killed and ate many Hindu monks just to show his power.
He was considered so pious, intelligent and brave that Indra was
jealous of him. Along with his brothers, Ravana and Vibhishana,
he performed a major yajna and penance for Lord Brahma.
When the time came for asking a boon (blessing) from Brahma,
his tongue was tied by goddess Saraswati (acting on Indra's
request). So instead of asking "Indraasana" (seat of Indra), he
asked for "Nidraasana" (bed for sleeping). It is also said he
intended to ask for Nirdevatvam (annihilation of the Devas), and
instead asked for Nidravatvam (sleep). His request was granted.
But his brother Ravana asked Brahma to undo this boon as it
was in reality a curse. So Kumbhakarna slept, and was awake
for six months, when he ate everything in the vicinity, including
humans.
During the war, Ravana went into battle and was humiliated by
Rama and his army. He decided he needed the help of his
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