Who Was Ravan And What Do The Ten Heads Of Ravana Signify?

Ravana's ten heads symbolize ten weaknesses of ten sins that a person should get rid of. The head commands our destiny and the ten 10 heads of Ravana commanded his actions which ultimately led to his downfall.

As per belief, Ravana's 10 heads represent his 10 qualities which are, Kaam (lust), Krodha (anger), Moha (attraction), Lobha (greed), Mada (pride), Matsarya (jealousy), Swartha (selfishness), Anyaya (injustice), Amanavata (cruelty), and Ahankara (ego).

About Ravana

Ravan was half-brahmin and half-demon. He was born to a great sage Vishrava (son of Pulastya) and demon princess Kaikesi (daughter of Sumali and Thataka). Ravana means “DASHANAN” indicating a person proficient in thinking capability equal to ten people. He was a great King and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Ravana was so powerful, that all the planets surrendered to Him and worked according to his commands.

Ravana was not only a great fighter but also an expert of the Vedas and an expert in astrology. It is said that when his son Meghanada was to be born from his wife Mandodari's womb, Ravana "commanded," all the planets and the Sun to be in their proper place for the auspicious "lagna" so that his son would become immortal. But Saturn suddenly shifted its position. Noticing this, a furious Ravana attacked Saturn with his mace and broke off one of its legs, disabling him for life.

Ravana kidnaps Lord Rama's wife and brought her to his kingdom, where he asks her to marry him. Sita rejects it as she is devoted to Lord Rama, which led him to his destruction. A huge battle happens between the soldiers of Lord Rama and the demon Ravana. Lord Ram kills most of the Ravan army and confronts the ten-headed Ravana. After a tough battle between the two, Lord Rama defeated the demon Ravana and met with Goddess Sita. Click here for a detailed story.

Writer - Sahil Madaan

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