Lanka Kaanda
179 - Kumbhakarna joins the beale and attains final beatitude
Chaupais
Description
Uma, (continues Lord Siva,) the Lord of the Raghus played the part of a human being in the same way as Garuda (the mount of Bhagavan Visnu) would sport in the company of snakes. Otherwise how could He who devours Death himself with the mere knitting of His brows engage with any grace in such a conflict as this? He will thereby spread His fame, which will not only sanctify the whole world but will undoubtedly take across the ocean of mundane existence the people who sing it. Now Hanuman's unconsciousness ceased and he woke and presently began to look about for Sugriva. Meanwhile Sugriva too recovered from his swoon and slipped out of Kumbhakarna's grips, who had taken him for dead (and consequently loosened his grip). Kumbhakarna discovered his escape only when Sugriva bit off the monster's nose and ears and ascended into the air roaring. The demon caught Sugriva by the foot and, having thus secured him, dashed him against the ground. Sugriva, however, rose with remarkable agility and hit his adversary back. The mighty hero then returned into the Lord's presence, shouting "Glory, glory, all glory to the merciful Lord!" Kumbhakarna felt sick at heart when he realized that he had been deprived of his nose and ears, and turned back in a fury. The monkey host was horror-stricken when they saw the monster, who was frightful by nature and looked more so in the absence of his nose and ears.