Ravana: From Childhood to Demise Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, stands as one of the most complex figures in Indian mythology. Remembered as the antagonist of the Ramayana, his character goes far beyond being a mere villain. He was a learned scholar, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, a capable ruler, and at the same time a man consumed by arrogance and desire. His story, stretching from a divine birth to a dramatic demise, reflects the fine line between greatness and downfall. Parentage and Birth Ravana was born into a unique lineage that blended wisdom with might. His father was Sage Vishrava, a respected Brahmin sage and son of Pulastya, one of the ten mind-born sons of Brahma. His mother was Kaikesi (Kaikasi), daughter of Sumali, a powerful Rakshasa king. Thus, Ravana inherited the spiritual brilliance of the Brahmins and the fearsome strength of the Rakshasas. This combination made him both extraordinary and dangerous. At birth, Ravana was named Dashanana, meaning “ten-headed one....
Ravana: From Childhood to Demise Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, stands as one of the most complex figures in Indian mythology. Remembered as the antagonist of the Ramayana, his character goes far beyond being a mere villain. He was a learned scholar, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, a capable ruler, and at the same time a man consumed by arrogance and desire. His story, stretching from a divine birth to a dramatic demise, reflects the fine line between greatness and downfall. Parentage and Birth Ravana was born into a unique lineage that blended wisdom with might. His father was Sage Vishrava, a respected Brahmin sage and son of Pulastya, one of the ten mind-born sons of Brahma. His mother was Kaikesi (Kaikasi), daughter of Sumali, a powerful Rakshasa king. Thus, Ravana inherited the spiritual brilliance of the Brahmins and the fearsome strength of the Rakshasas. This combination made him both extraordinary and dangerous. At birth, Ravana was named Dashanana, meaning “ten-headed one....