Nikumbha () is the name of multiple beings in

Hindu mythology Hindu mythology refers to the collection of myths associated with Hinduism, derived from various Hindu texts and traditions. These myths are found in sacred texts such as the Vedas, the Itihasas (the ''Mahabharata'' and the ''Ramayan ...

, a

rakshasa Rākshasa (, , ; ; "preservers") are a race of usually malevolent beings prominently featured in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Folk Islam. They reside on Earth but possess supernatural powers, which they usually use for evil acts such as ...

and a danava.

Legend

Hanuman vanquishes Nikumbha by wrenching off his head

Rakshasa Nikumbha

Nikumbha, the rakshasa, is the son of

Kumbhakarna Kumbhakarna (Sanskrit: कुम्भकर्ण, lit. ''pot-eared'') is a powerful rakshasa and younger brother of Ravana from the Hinduism, Hindu epic ''Ramayana''. Despite his gigantic size and appetite, he is described as a virtuous c ...

and Vajramala. He is instructed by

Kubera Kubera (, ) also known as Kuvera, Kuber and Kuberan, is the god of wealth, and the god-king of the semi-divine yakshas in Hinduism. He is regarded as Guardians of the directions, the regent of the north (''Dikpala''), and a protector of the ...

to watch over the Pisacas (a type of evil spirit). The

Nilamata Purana The Nilamata Purana (), also known as the ''Kasmira Mahatmya'', is an ancient text (4th to 8th century CE) from Kashmir which contains information on its history, geography, religion, and folklore. It was used by Kalhana as one of sources of h ...

refers to him as "the noble and strong lord of the Pisacas." Seeing Kumbha, his brother killed in battle, the enraged ran with an iron club towards the battle.

Hanuman Hanuman (; , ), also known as Maruti, Bajrangabali, and Anjaneya, is a deity in Hinduism, revered as a divine ''vanara'', and a devoted companion of the deity Rama. Central to the ''Ramayana'', Hanuman is celebrated for his unwavering devotio ...

directly attacks Nikumbha, by striking his fist forcibly on Nikumbha's chest. Unmoved by that blow, Nikumbha lifts Hanuman off the ground. Hanuman in retaliation frees himself and throws down Nikumbha on the ground. Hanuman descends on Nikumbha, pounds his chest with his fist, catches his head and tears it off. Thus, Nikumbha dies at the hands of Hanuman. Krishna and pradyumna

Danava Nikumbha

Nikumbha, the danava, appears in a story of

Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...

, where the deity, his brother

Balarama Balarama (, ) is a Hindu god, and the elder brother of Krishna. He is particularly significant in the Jagannath tradition, as one of the triad deities. He is also known as Haladhara, Halayudha, Baladeva, Balabhadra, and Sankarshana. The fir ...

, along with the rest of the

Yadava The Yadava (), not to be confused with Yadav, were an ancient Indian people who believed to have descended from Yadu (legendary king), Yadu, a legendary king of Chandravamsha lineage. The community was formed of various clans, being the #T ...

clan undertake a pilgrimage to attend a festival. While the Yadavas engage in revelries, Nikumbha abducts a maiden among them named Bhanumati. While Krishna's son, Pradyumna, rescues Bhanumati, the deity himself slays the danava.

References

{{Ramayana Rakshasa in the Ramayana Rakshasa Danavas Characters in the Ramayana