Ravan: Some Interesting facts about Ravan

Who Is Ravan

Ravan is the mythical multiheaded demon king of Lanka in Hindi mythology. Representing the very essence of evil, he fought and ultimately lost a series of epic battles against the hero Ram, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Thus most northern and western states of India celebrate Dussehra as Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan. On the other hand, the Goddess festival is also a celebration of female divinity as it marks the killing of Demon king Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated after the nine-day long festival of Navratri and is also known as Vijaydashmi.

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Myths about Ravana

Ravan was not originally named, his original name was Dasgriva meaning the one with ten heads. Ravan, ten-headed demon’s king of Lanka. He was one of the central characters of Ramayana. While some people are aware of the known facts about Ravana but some are unaware of the unknown facts about Ravana. Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He had been granted many boons from Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma.

A Demon For Us But Hero For Sri Lankans

Ramayan is not just the story of Lord Rama winning over Ravan and rescuing Sita. It is about good winning over evil despite the many obstacles. It is this story that gives hope and motivation to Indians. Ravan was larger than life. He had 20 arms and ten heads. He was blessed with the supernatural powers that enabled him to vanish, throwing rain and fire, or launch thousands of arrows during the war.

But we all know that story has two sides:

For Sri Lankan Hindus, who only comprise 12.6 % of the total population, the story has a very different perception of Ravana. As per Ramayan, Ravan was the chief villain but it is not well known he was endowed with several positive qualities.

Ravan was the grandson of the universe, Brahma, son of the sage Vishrava and younger brother of Kubera, the deity of wealth. Ravan belongs to an august lineage. Ravan was a devout follower of Lord Shiva.

Knowledge about administration

• Under his father’s tutelage, he mastered the Vedas, the holy books, and also the ways of Kshatriyas (warrior). We all know that Ravan had ten heads and people often say that these heads gave him a special gift of knowledge. Ravan was a great king who has knowledge of administration. Ravan also wrote a book for Ayurvedic remedies for infants at the request of his wife.
• Sanskrit Scholar, Satkari Mukhopadhyay, Ramayan expert, and consultant said One can’t blame Ravan for all the wrongdoing he is accused of. Ravan performed the Vedic rituals for Rama, a Kshatriya, before the war between himself and Rama.

Ravan’s abduction of Sita was not unprovoked

Ravan’s sister Surpnakha was humiliated and her nose was cut by Lakshman so Ravan had abducted Sita to teach Rama and Lakshman lessons. However, Ravan never touched Sita and this shows respect for Sita.

From Science to Medicine

Pushpak Viman which Ravan used for abducting Sita, was the flying object. Ravan was invented this unique flying object. This shows that Ravan did not have only medicinal knowledge but also scientific knowledge.

Ravan was so powerful, he could interfere with planetary alignments

During the birth of his son Meghnath, Ravan instructed Shan to stay 11th house in his son which would grant him immortality, Saturn and Shani refused to stay and stood in the 12th house of the child. Hence Ravan was so irked and attacked Shani Dev and imprisoned him.

Ravan was well known impending doom

Ravan was well known he was sent to earth for some special work role. He knew that he was fate to die by the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu, something that would help him attain moksha and give up his demon form.

Ravan got his name later in life by Lord Shiva

Ravan wanted to relocate from Kailash to Lanka. He tried to raise mountains to make it possible. Shiv put his foot in the mountain and crushed Ravan’s finger with his one toe. Ravan let out the huge roar of pain. Ravan was impressed with the Shiva’s power and he started to perform Shiv Tandav Stotra. It is believed that Ravan plucked out his nerves from his own hand to provide music to Shiv Tandav Strotra, thus Shiv impressed and gave him the name of Ravan ( the one who roars loud).

Frequently Asked Question

Question- Who was Ravan?
Answer- Ravan was a demon king of the island of Lanka and the chief antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayan and its adaptation.

Question- What is the original name of Ravan?
Answer- Dasgriva is the original name of Ravan.

Question- What is the meaning of Dussehra?
Answer- The meaning of Dussehra is ” Defeat of Sun”.

Question- Why is Vijay Dashmi celebrated?
Answer- Vijaydashmi is celebrated because Goddess Durga killed the demon king Mahishasura.

Question- Why is Dussehra or Vijaydashmi celebrated after Navratri?
Answer- A battle between Mahishasura and Maa Durga began and lasted for nine days, and it ended with the elimination of demons on the 10th day. This is the reason why Dussehra or Vijaydashmi is celebrated after Navratri.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka regards him as a great king for all that he is famed to do. Ravan was the king who was blessed with great knowledge that his ten heads contained. For Shri Lankans, he was the tragic hero who was betrayed by his own brothers when he was tried to take revenge for his sister’s honor.

Disclaimer

All the content of this article is for knowledge purposes only.

References

www.sccopwhoop.com

www.hindustantime.com

www.amarchitrakatha.com