Kumbhakarn was the younger brother of Ravan, who was known for his gigantic size, ferocious strength and immense energy with which he defeated many a celestial and played a significant role in the victories of Ravan. But, in the deeper sense, what made him different were not his gigantic size or strength, but his wisdom and his fervent love towards his brother and motherland. Such was his love for his brother that he goes ahead and meets his opponent Shri Ram, knowing that it would be the last day of his life, yet does his Dharma.
However, Kumbhakarn as his first duty tries to warn Ravan the consequences of his deeds, which are important reflections for all while making choices in life. The wise words of Kumbhakarn indeed help one to make the right choices in life while meeting different kind of people in different modes of life. It is the choice which makes us different and best in the crowd and each of Kumbhakarn’s advises reflect the same.
While mentioning the qualities of a true leader, Kumbhakarn feels sad for the state of affairs in Lanka. He Kumbhakarn further tells Ravan that it is the foremost duty of the king to act in the welfare of the people and his counsellors should engage him to take the right action at the right time. This is so important when one chooses friends or counsel in life, and it is only the true ones which help us walk in the correct way, and guide us against the pitfalls of life. The haughty ones are always engaged in praising and indulge in selfish acts favourable to them without knowing the consequences of their advice.
Kumbhakarn feels that such counsel who supported him in his wrong deeds should be removed from Ravan’s court as they are Ravan’s true enemies pretending to be friends. Kumbhakarn feels bad that Ravan had disregarded the advice of Vibhishan, his only wise and true well-wisher and instead fell prey to the words of indifferent counsel and friends whose only motive was to be in the good looks of the king. Kumbhakarn says that a king who listens to false advises of his ministers and a king disregards his enemy and does not protect himself nor his people would finally face defeat. Finally Kumbhakarn says that although Ravan did not perform his duty as a king, he would perform his duty towards the king and mentions that he would and face the enemy and kill them all and bring Lanka’s splendour back again.
The wise words of Kumbhakarn are indeed thought provoking and to be given attention in many of the situations of our daily life. In the deeper sense, Kumbhakarn mentions all those qualities which are to be practised to be a virtuous person. An egoistic person is always surrounded by people who only pretend false care and give suggestions suitable to their comfort rather than guiding in the right direction. Kumbhakarn proves that his gigantic and terrifying size were not the ones to be remembered, but his words of conviction through which he proves that even a demon can think of Dharma, when he has the thought anf respect for it.