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Ravana in Hindu Mytho

Facts and Information about Ravana - the Ten-Headed Demon King from Hindu Mythology

By NATARAJANPublished 3 years ago 3 min read

Ravana is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and is known as the antagonist in the epic Ramayana. He is depicted as a ten-headed demon king who ruled over the island of Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka) and was known for his immense strength and knowledge.

According to the Ramayana, Ravana abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, and took her to Lanka. This led to a war between Lord Rama and Ravana, which ultimately resulted in Ravana's defeat and death.

Despite being portrayed as a villain in the Ramayana, Ravana is also remembered as a learned scholar, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and a skilled musician. He is also believed to have written several hymns and texts dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Ravana's story serves as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance, greed, and lust, as well as the power of devotion and righteousness.

Ravana was born to the demon king Vishrava and his wife, the demoness Kaikesi. He had several siblings, including Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana.

Ravana was known for his intelligence and was a master of the Vedas, the Hindu scriptures. He was also an accomplished musician and played several instruments, including the veena.

Ravana was a devotee of Lord Shiva and had performed severe penance to please him. Lord Shiva was pleased with Ravana's devotion and granted him several boons, including the power to be invincible against all creatures, except humans and monkeys.

Ravana's ten heads symbolize his mastery over the ten directions or the four Vedas and six shastras.

Ravana was depicted as having a complex personality. On one hand, he was a powerful king and a brave warrior. On the other hand, he was arrogant and ruthless. He was also known for his ability to change his form and disguise himself.

Ravana's abduction of Sita led to a war between Lord Rama and Ravana's army. The war lasted for several days, and in the end, Lord Rama emerged victorious. Ravana was killed by Lord Rama with the help of the monkey god Hanuman.

Despite being a demon king, Ravana is respected in Sri Lanka, where he is considered a symbol of the country's ancient civilization and culture. Several temples dedicated to Ravana can be found in Sri Lanka, where he is worshipped as a deity.

Ravana is believed to have been a powerful ruler who had conquered several kingdoms, including those of the gods and demons. He was known for his wealth, intellect, and military prowess.

Ravana had a curse on him that made him vulnerable to any woman he forcefully touched. This curse played a significant role in his defeat, as it prevented him from defeating Sita, who was under Lord Rama's protection.

Ravana had several wives and concubines, but his favorite wife was Mandodari. She was a devoted wife who tried to dissuade Ravana from abducting Sita and warned him of the consequences of his actions.

Ravana's character has been the subject of several adaptations in literature and pop culture. He has been portrayed as a complex villain, a tragic hero, and even as a sympathetic character.

Ravana's defeat is celebrated during the festival of Dussehra in India, which marks the victory of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana are burnt on this day as a symbol of his defeat.

In Sri Lanka, Ravana is believed to have built several impressive structures, including the fortress of Sigiriya and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Some Sri Lankans believe that Ravana was a skilled engineer and architect who built advanced structures using ancient technology.

Overall, Ravana's story is an important part of Hindu mythology and has inspired several moral lessons and cultural traditions.

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NATARAJAN

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