In this article, we delve into the captivating tale of Ravan, a prominent character from Hindu mythology. Known for his complex nature, Ravana has captured the imagination of countless individuals over the centuries. Join us as we explore the rich history, intriguing legends, and symbolic significance associated with this enigmatic figure.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Sculpture | Ravana from the 18th century CE |
| Devanagari | रावण |
| Sanskrit | Rāvaṇa |
| Affiliation | The King of Lanka, Rakshasa |
| Predecessor | Kubera (King of Lanka) |
| Successor | Vibhishana (King of Lanka) |
| Abode | Lanka |
| Mount | Pushpaka chariot |
| Texts | Ramayana and its versions |
| Parents | Vishrava (father), Kaikashi (mother) |
| Siblings | Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana, Khara, Dushana, Ahiravana, Shurpanakha |
| Spouse | Mandodari, Dhanyamalini |
| Children | Indrajit, Atikaya, Akshayakumara, Narantaka, Devantaka, Trishira |
Introduction
King Ravana, often portrayed as the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, is a figure of immense complexity and depth. Revered in some traditions and reviled in others, Ravana’s life story is a rich tapestry of ambition, devotion, scholarship, and tragedy. This biography aims to provide a detailed account of his life, his achievements, and his ultimate downfall, while also exploring the nuances that make Ravana a multifaceted character in Indian mythology.
Early Life and Lineage
Ravana was born into a family of great significance. His father, Vishrava, was a sage of immense knowledge and power, a descendant of the sage Pulastya, one of the ten Prajapatis created by Brahma. Ravana’s mother, Kaikesi, was a rakshasi princess. This unique parentage endowed Ravana with a blend of Brahminic wisdom and rakshasic strength.
Ravana was not an only child; he had several siblings, including his brothers Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana, and Khara, and his sister Shurpanakha. Among them, Vibhishana was known for his righteousness and later defected to Rama’s side during the battle of Lanka. Ravana’s childhood was marked by rigorous education and training, both in the arts of warfare and in the sacred texts of Hinduism.
Quest for Power and Knowledge
From a young age, Ravana exhibited an insatiable thirst for power and knowledge. He undertook severe penances to please Lord Brahma, the creator god, seeking invincibility and supreme authority. His penance was so intense that he offered his ten heads one by one as a sacrifice to Brahma. Impressed by his devotion and determination, Brahma granted Ravana several boons, including the protection from gods, demons, and other celestial beings, making him nearly invincible.
Ravana’s quest for knowledge was equally fervent. He was a polymath, well-versed in various sciences, arts, and scriptures. He was a master of the Vedas and the Shastras, and his scholarship was acknowledged even by his adversaries. His proficiency in music was exceptional, and he was credited with creating the Rudra Veena, a stringed instrument. Ravana’s deep understanding of astrology and medicine also added to his formidable reputation.
Reign Over Lanka
With his newfound powers and knowledge, Ravana established his rule over Lanka, a kingdom of great splendor and prosperity. Under his reign, Lanka became a hub of culture and affluence. The golden city, as it was known, was an architectural marvel, with grand palaces, gardens, and infrastructure that reflected Ravana’s vision and ambition.
Ravana’s administrative skills were commendable. He ensured that his kingdom thrived, with advancements in agriculture, trade, and the arts. The people of Lanka, especially the rakshasas, held him in high regard, viewing him as a just and powerful ruler who protected and prospered his kingdom.
Personal Life
Ravana’s personal life was as intricate as his public persona. He was married to Mandodari, a pious and wise woman, and their union was one of mutual respect and admiration. Mandodari stood by Ravana through thick and thin, offering counsel and support. Ravana had several other wives and children, the most notable of whom was his son Indrajit (also known as Meghanada). Indrajit was a warrior of unmatched valor, who played a crucial role in the battles against Rama’s forces.
Despite his many accomplishments, Ravana’s life was also marked by personal flaws and moral ambiguities. His arrogance and insatiable desire for power often led him to make decisions that were morally questionable. His abduction of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, was the pivotal act that ultimately led to his downfall.
The Abduction of Sita
The event that set the stage for Ravana’s eventual demise was his abduction of Sita. According to the Ramayana, Ravana’s sister Shurpanakha, infatuated with Rama, was humiliated by Rama and Lakshmana. Seeking revenge, she persuaded Ravana to abduct Sita. Driven by desire and vengeance, Ravana devised a plan to kidnap Sita.
Disguised as a mendicant, Ravana approached Sita while she was alone in the forest. Taking advantage of her hospitality, he revealed his true identity and forcibly took her to Lanka. Despite Sita’s pleas and her steadfast refusal to accept his advances, Ravana kept her in captivity, hoping to win her over.
This act of abduction was not just a personal vendetta but also a significant moral transgression. It set off a chain of events that culminated in the epic battle between Ravana and Rama, symbolizing the eternal conflict between good and evil.
The Battle of Lanka
Rama, aided by his brother Lakshmana and an army of Vanaras (monkey warriors) led by Hanuman, launched an assault on Lanka to rescue Sita. The battle of Lanka is one of the most dramatic and intense episodes in the Ramayana. It showcased not only the martial prowess of both sides but also the strategic brilliance and personal valor of the warriors involved.
Ravana’s defense of Lanka was fierce and unyielding. His warriors, including his son Indrajit and brother Kumbhakarna, fought valiantly. Indrajit, in particular, was a formidable opponent, using his mastery of illusions and celestial weapons to inflict heavy casualties on Rama’s forces.
Despite their efforts, the tide of battle gradually turned in favor of Rama. One by one, Ravana’s allies fell. Vibhishana’s defection to Rama’s side provided critical intelligence that further weakened Ravana’s position. In the final confrontation, Ravana and Rama engaged in a fierce duel. Despite his tenacity and formidable abilities, Ravana was ultimately defeated and slain by Rama.
Each and every sculpture made by our ancestors has a meaning.
The sculpture shown here tells us about
Ravana Anugraha – Ravana lifting Kailasa.
No.1: Ravana Trying to lift Kailasa hill.
No.2: World of snakes.
No.3: World of Forests.
No.4: World of Humans.
No.5: Abode of Gods.
No 6: Lord Brahma.
No 7: Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvathi.
No.8: Ravana’s eyes bulging out due to pressure of weight of Kailasa Hill.
No.9: Ravana’s Sword.
No.10: Ravana resting his leg on ground to lift the Kailasa Hill.
This Sculpture is present in Chennakeshava Temple, Belur. And a same sculpture is also present in Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu, Karnataka, BHARAT (India)
By this point, Ravana’s skills were extremely impressive, and he confidently embarked on a number of campaigns to subjugate both heavenly and human individuals. He made the necessary sacrifices and was crowned ruler after destroying several human kingdoms. In response to Kubera’s criticism of Ravana’s cruelty and greed, Ravana invaded the skies, defeated the devas, and singled out his half-brother Kubera for specific humiliation. Several hundred years later, at the time of the Ramayana, Ravana is depicted as ruling over all human and divine races to the point where he can decide when the sun rises and sets.
Additionally, Ravana was well-known for his violent “conquests” of women. The first of his many wives was Mandodari, who was frequently compared to Sita because of her sage advice, grace, beauty, and purity. Seven sons—Indrajit, Prahasta, Atikaya, Akshaya Kumara, Devantaka, Narantaka, and Trishira—were born to Ravana by his wives. Along with his wives, Ravana kept a huge harem full of women that he had taken during the course of his many victories. Many of these ladies are said to have lived happily under Ravana’s captivity due to his virility and wisdom. However, whenever a woman turned down Ravana’s overtures, he would often force himself onto her.
Ravana got into a lot of uncomfortable situations because of his wild sexuality. The first incident included the sagewoman Vedavati being molested. Vedavati had been engaging in penance in an effort to secure Lord Vishnu as her husband. She was sitting in her hermitage when Ravana first noticed her, her beauty heightened by the penance she had made. Vedavati declined his advances, so Ravana took her against her will. During this time, Vedavati made a prophecy that she would return to the mortal realm and be the reason for his demise. Then she built a pyre and jumped onto it. She was reborn as Sita, becoming Vishnu’s wife when he took the form of Rama, which led to Ravana being vanquished.
Ravana got into a lot of uncomfortable situations because of his wild sexuality. The first incident included the sagewoman Vedavati being molested. Vedavati had been engaging in penance in an effort to secure Lord Vishnu as her husband. She was sitting in her hermitage when Ravana first noticed her, her beauty heightened by the penance she had made. Vedavati declined his advances, so Ravana took her against her will. During this time, Vedavati made a prophecy that she would return to the mortal realm and be the reason for his demise. Then she built a pyre and jumped onto it. She was reborn as Sita, becoming Vishnu’s wife when he took the form of Rama, which led to Ravana being vanquished.
The culmination of these inappropriate sexual behaviour was Ravana’s choice to abduct Sita, an act that much exceeds all of his other inappropriate behaviour. This tragic series of events started earlier in the lives of Rama and Ravana, both of whom were present at the ceremony where Sita was to make her marriage. Sita’s father, King Janaka, issued a challenge for any deserving young men to successfully handle the enormous bow of Shiva in order to win his daughter’s hand. Rama easily accomplished the task, but Ravana nearly fell as the bow teetered on top of him.
After Rama and Sita were exiled to the wilderness along with his brother Lakshmana, Ravana reconnected with Sita years later. While Rama and Lakshmana were stationed here, Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, made an attempt to seduce them. Her temptations were rejected by the two brothers, who then dismembered her as retribution. When Ravana heard what Surpanakha had told him, he immediately began to plot his retaliation. He dispatched a rakshasa in the form of a golden deer to the forest.
When Rama and Lakshmana saw the deer, they both led off in its pursuit, leaving Sita vulnerable at the ashram. At this juncture, Sita was in danger, so Ravana sneaked up on her and abducted her. When Sita’s absence was discovered, Rama and Lakshmana embarked on a perilous mission to find her. Sita was held captive by Ravana for a full year, defending her virginity at all costs and remaining unflappable in her resolve despite Ravana’s courtship, prodding, and many threats.
Legacy and Interpretation
Ravana’s death marked the end of an era. It was a victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), yet Ravana’s legacy is far from one-dimensional. In various interpretations and retellings of the Ramayana, Ravana is portrayed with a degree of complexity that transcends the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil.
In some traditions, Ravana is revered as a great scholar and a devotee of Shiva. His erudition, musical talent, and devotion to Lord Shiva are highlighted, painting him as a tragic hero whose flaws led to his downfall. In certain regions of India, notably in parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Ravana is worshipped and his positive attributes are celebrated.
Moreover, Ravana’s story is often seen as a cautionary tale about the perils of hubris and unchecked ambition. His life serves as a reminder that power and knowledge, if not tempered with humility and moral integrity, can lead to one’s ruin.
Cultural Impact
Ravana’s character has left an indelible mark on Indian culture and beyond. He is a prominent figure in various art forms, including literature, dance, drama, and cinema. The Ramayana has been adapted into countless versions across different languages and cultures, each adding unique perspectives to Ravana’s portrayal.
In literature, Ravana is a subject of numerous works, ranging from ancient texts to modern novels. These works explore his character in greater depth, providing insights into his motivations, inner conflicts, and ultimate fate. The portrayal of Ravana in dance and drama, particularly in classical Indian dance forms like Kathakali and Bharatanatyam, emphasizes his multifaceted personality through intricate performances and storytelling.
In contemporary cinema, Ravana’s character has been reinterpreted in various ways, reflecting changing societal attitudes and values. Films like “Raavan” (2010), directed by Mani Ratnam, offer a nuanced depiction of Ravana, highlighting the shades of gray in his personality and challenging the conventional narrative.
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Jaya and Vijaya, the gatekeepers of Vaikuntha (the home of Vishnu), who were cursed to be born on Earth for their impudence, are the reincarnations of Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna.
The Sanatha Kumara monks, who appeared to be young children due to their strength and asceticism, were denied admittance by these gatekeepers. The monks condemned them to be born on Earth and exiled from Vaikuntha as punishment for their impudence.
In agreement that they should be punished, Vishnu presented them with two options. First, they might have seven previous lives as regular mortals and worshippers of Vishnu, or they might be strong and three times as powerful, but opposed to Vishnu. They selected the latter because they wanted to return to the Lord. When Hiranyakashipu and his brother Hiranyaksha were defeated by earlier avatars of Vishnu (Hiranyaksha by Varaha and Hiranyakashipu by Narasimha), they both carried out the curse of the first birth. This happened during the Satya Yuga.
When both Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu were defeated by previous Vishnu avatars (Varaha for Hiranyaksha and Narasimha for Hiranyakashipu). As foes of Vishnu in the Treta Yuga, Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna were intended to carry out the curse in their second births. In the Dvapara Yuga, when they were both killed by Krishna, the eighth avatar, Dantavakra and Shishupala fulfilled the curse of the third birth.
Conclusion
King Ravana remains one of the most compelling and complex figures in Indian mythology. His life, marked by extraordinary achievements and profound flaws, offers a rich tapestry of lessons and reflections. While his abduction of Sita and subsequent actions have cast him as the villain in the Ramayana, his devotion, scholarship, and valor also command a degree of respect and admiration.
Ravana’s story is a timeless reminder of the duality of human nature, the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of our choices. His legacy continues to inspire, provoke, and engage people, making him an enduring figure in the cultural and spiritual landscape of India.
READ MORE ABOUT RAVAN FROM GIVEN LINK BELOW,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravana
Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant and festive Hindu celebration, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the…
This page features the 108 names of Lord Krishna, collectively referred to as the Ashtottara…
"Dive into a world of divine innocence with our collection of stunning HD images of…
Discover the divine beauty of Goddess Saraswati with our exclusive 2024 collection of high-definition wallpapers.…
TITLE:- "108 Names of Goddess Lakshmi: Inspiring Baby Girl Names with Divine Meanings" Goddess Lakshmi,…
Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra As the opposing armies stand poised for…