As Ravana sat in deep distress, overwhelmed by the mounting troubles that weighed upon his heart, Kumbhakarna addressed him with resolute words. He reminded Ravana that if his task was truly held as the highest duty, then a true friend is one who stands by another in times of affliction and despair. A kinsman, he said, is one who comes to aid when others have been taken away. Thus, as Kumbhakarna spoke these harsh yet determined words, he perceived his brother’s anger and agitation. Understanding the depth of Ravana’s turmoil, Kumbhakarna softened his tone and spoke gently, offering consolation. “Listen attentively, O king, subduer of foes,” Kumbhakarna urged. “Enough of giving in to grief. Abandon your anger and compose yourself. While I live, O king, do not let this trouble weigh on your mind—I will destroy the one who causes you such distress. Yet, out of brotherly affection, I must always speak what is beneficial to you. What is fitting for a kinsman to do with affection at such a time, that I shall do. Behold, the slaughter of our enemies will be wrought by me in battle.” He continued, his words full of assurance and ferocity. “Today, mighty-armed one, you shall see Rama and his brother slain by me on the battlefield, and the monkey army fleeing in terror. Today, rejoice as I bring you Rama’s head from the battle, and let Sita be plunged in sorrow. Today, let all the Rakshasas in Lanka, whose kin have fallen, witness the great and dear death of Rama. By destroying the enemy in battle, I will wipe away the tears of those overwhelmed by grief. Today, see Sugriva, lord of the monkeys, towering like a mountain, scattered like a raincloud before the sun. How is it, O faultless one, that you are distressed, surrounded by these Rakshasas and myself, all eager to slay the son of Dasharatha? Surely, after killing me, Raghava will kill you; but, O lord of the Rakshasas, I would not feel any sorrow for myself. If you wish, even now, command me, O subduer of foes. No one else is fit to be seen by you for battle, O one of incomparable valor. I will destroy your mighty enemies, whether they be Indra, Yama, or the Wind and Fire gods. I will fight even Kubera and Varuna, bearing my sharp spear and a body as massive as a mountain. Even Indra would be afraid of me, roaring with sharp fangs; or else, I will swiftly crush enemies, having cast aside my weapons. No one who wishes to live can stand before me face to face—not with a spear, nor with a mace, nor with a sword, nor with sharp arrows. With my own hands, attacking fiercely, I will slay even the wielder of the thunderbolt, if Raghava can withstand the force of my fists today. Then the torrents of my arrows will drink the blood of Raghava. O king, why do you grieve in your thoughts while I am here? Thus, I am prepared to go forth for the destruction of your enemy. Cast off your dreadful fear of Rama—I will slay him in battle. Raghava, Lakshmana, the mighty Sugriva, and Hanuman the slayer of Rakshasas, who set Lanka ablaze, and all the monkeys—I will devour them when the battle is joined. I wish to grant you unparalleled glory. If you fear Indra, O king, or even the Self-born, I will destroy them as the sun dispels the night’s darkness. Even the gods would lie fallen on the earth if I am enraged; I will subdue Yama and devour Fire. I will hurl the sun along with the stars down to earth; I will slay Shatakratu and drink up the abode of Varuna. I will crush the mountains and tear the earth asunder—such is the might of Kumbhakarna, long dormant. Let all beings witness today as I devour them entirely; yet even all of heaven cannot satisfy my hunger. By killing you, son of Dasharatha, I shall attain great happiness. After slaying Rama along with Lakshmana, I will consume all the foremost monkey chiefs. Enjoy yourself, O king, and drink wine today; set aside your sorrow. For when I send Rama to the abode of Yama today, Sita will long remain under your control.” At this point, the narration turns to the next sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Yuddha Kāṇḍa. Hearing Kumbhakarna’s bold words, the mighty and strong-armed Atikāya spoke, and Mahodara replied to Kumbhakarna. He said, “Born in Kumbhakarna’s lineage, you are bold but of ordinary understanding. Being arrogant, you are unable to comprehend what must be done in every situation. It is not that the king does not know right and wrong, Kumbhakarna; but you, emboldened since youth, only wish to speak out. A foremost among rakshasas knows the place, growth, decline, and the proper arrangement of time and place, both for himself and for others. Who, possessing wisdom, would act as you do—speaking rashly with a common mind and without having served the elders? The dharma, artha, and kama you speak of as separate pursuits—by nature, you lack the capacity to truly understand their marks. For all causes, action is the purpose; and here, the fruit of actions is better or worse depending on their nature.” Thus, the exchange between the Rakshasa brothers unfolded, each expressing his own wisdom, strength, and counsel amid the turmoil of war and impending battle.