Beneath the Surface: Ravan's Unspoken Legacy on his curses, Ravana in other civilizations and Different versions of Ramayana

Follow me, Reet Hande, as we go on an amazing trip through the Mythic Chronicles epic. Our journey begins with a thorough dive into Ravan's captivating narrative, including his curses, the less-known stories of war, and Ravan in other civilizations. Prepare to get new perspectives on this timeless narrative as legendary insights reveal the riddle of Ravan's mythology. This is the third instalment of a trilogy featuring secret stories from his life.

Ravana is the famous adversary from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Ravana, known for his intelligence, power, and final collapse, has an intriguing story full of curses, predictions, and echoes of a fate he could not avoid.

Ravana was predestined to die at the hands of a celestial avatar from the minute he was born. Ravana was cursed by many sages and heavenly beings throughout his life, and his path was littered with obstacles and predictions that prophesied his final destruction.

But what about Lanka, the majestic island empire governed by Ravana with an iron fist? Following his demise, the once-glorious metropolis suffered the wounds of battle and change, its once-proud towers now cloaked in shadows of doubt. However, even in the wake of  Ravana's reign, Lanka's legacy was, shaped by the echoes of its tumultuous past and the resilience of its people. 

Ravana's influence extends beyond Hindu mythology to different civilizations and cultures. From Sri Lanka, where he is revered as a complex character embodying both valour and villainy, to Southeast Asia, where his tale is intertwined with local folklore and customs, Ravana's effect is timeless and geographical.

Join us on a trip through the labyrinthine tales of curses, prophesies, and Ravana's eternal legacy, a man whose enthralling story has enthralled and intrigued tribes and civilizations throughout history.

The Curse of Ravana: A Tale of Divine Retribution

In the chronicles of Leg Ravana, the formidable king of the Asuras, found himself ensnared in a web of curses as intricate as the threads of fate itself. These curses, woven by the aggrieved souls he wronged, proved to be the harbingers of his downfall, sealing the fate of his entire race.

• The Insulted Lover's Curse: When Ravana dared to insult Rambha, the beloved of Nalakubara, he invoked wrath that prophesied his demise with his tenfold visage shattered.
• The Violated Sage's Retribution: Vedavati, pure of heart and soul, cursed Ravana for defiling her chastity, foretelling his ruin at the hands of Lord Narayana.
• The Brahmin's Wrath: Imprisoning a Vedic sage earned Ravana a curse of prolonged captivity, foretelling his confinement by the hands of a mere mortal.
• The Monkey's Vengeance: Mocking Nandikesvara as a 'monkey' incurred a curse sealing Ravana's doom by the very creatures he derided.
• The Solar Dynasty's Judgment: Vasistha's refusal to bow to Ravana's will led to a curse promising his downfall by the descendants of the solar lineage.
• The Sage's Scorn: Astavakra's curse, born of Ravana's arrogance, promised him a fate of being mocked and tormented by the very monkeys he disdained.
• The Guru's Rejection: Dattatreya's curse tainted Ravana's head with the touch of monkeys, symbolizing his ultimate degradation.
• The Sister's Sorrow: Ravana's cruelty towards Dvaipayana's sister invoked a curse, foretelling the mutilation of his own kin at the hands of men.

• The Rishi's Revenge: Mandavya's mistreatment foreshadowed Ravana's own rough handling by a vengeful primate.
• The Wrath of Atri: Ravana's heinous act against Atri's wife invoked a curse, dooming him to witness the humiliation of his own spouse.
• The Seer's Retribution: Narada's curse, borne of Ravana's arrogance, prophesied his decapitation at the hands of a valiant warrior.
• The Husband's Fury: Rtuvarman's curse, born of Ravana's savagery, predicted his demise at the hands of a righteous man.
• The Sage's Suffering: Maudgalya's curse rendered Ravana's once-potent weapon impotent, signalling his vulnerability in the face of adversity.
• The Brahmin Maidens' Curse: Humiliating innocent maidens invoked a curse, foretelling the disgrace of Ravana's own consort at the hands of monkeys.
• The God's Indignation: Agni's curse, kindled by Ravana's insolence, prophesied the humiliation of his own wife in his presence.
• The King's Wrath: Anaranya's curse, born of Ravana's betrayal, sealed his fate at the hands of a princely archer.
• The Father's Fury: Brhaspati's curse, invoked to protect his daughter, ordained Ravana's demise by the arrows of destiny.
• The Divine Decree: Punjikadevi's curse, born of Ravana's hubris, foretold his end should he dare to violate the sanctity of unwilling women.

Thus, amidst the echoes of curses, Ravana's destiny was sealed, his downfall inevitable, as the universe exacted its toll for his transgressions. 

Myths and Fables Surrounding the lesser-known Legends of the Ram-Ravana War

1. THE ENIGMA OF THE SHORELINE

As dawn cast its gentle light upon the ocean's edge, a peculiar sight greeted the eyes of the onlookers—a woman's form, adrift amidst the waves, ensnared in a labyrinth of seaweed.

Lakshmana's cry pierced the stillness of the morning. "It's Sita!" he lamented, his voice thick with anguish.

He hastening to the scene, Rama joined his brother, their hearts heavy with sorrow.

Yet amidst the sorrow, Hanuman's intuition sparked. Swiftly, he erected a pyre, gently placing the figure upon it before igniting the flames.

"Stay your hand, Hanuman!" Rama's voice rang out, laced with confusion. "What madness drives you?"

Before Hanuman could respond, the supposed lifeless form sprang to life with a chilling shriek.

"Not Sita," Hanuman declared resolutely. "This is Benjakai, the elusive shape-shifter of Ravana's realm."

With a defeated howl, Benjakai vanished into the depths from whence she came.

2. THE MYSTERY OF THE DEMOLISHED BRIDGE

The bridge, a testament to the might of determination, stretched its sinuous path towards the distant shores of Lanka.

Yet under the veil of night, a sinister force wrought havoc upon its structure, reducing it to ruin. As dawn broke, the sea monsters revelled amidst the scattered remnants, their sinister laughter echoing across the waves.

"I shall uncover the perpetrator!" Hanuman vowed, plunging into the depths below. There, within the hidden depths, lay a palace, and within the palace dwelled the mermaid Suvannamaccha.

"It was Ravana's bidding," she confessed, her gaze softened by Hanuman's presence. "But your noble spirit has touched me. Let my kin aid in the reconstruction. Pray, forgive."

Hanuman's smile bridged the gap between worlds.

Little did he know, from this union would spring forth Macchanu, a testament to love's enduring power.

3. THE DESCENT OF GARUDA

Upon the blood-soaked battleground, amidst the lamentations of allies, Vibhishana's words pierced through the despair. "They are not lost to us, merely ensnared by the serpent's venom."

Then, like a harbinger of divine retribution, Garuda, the celestial eagle, descended from the heavens with unmatched swiftness. The serpent arrows, trembling in terror, fled from his righteous fury.

With gentle reverence, Garuda caressed the fallen princes, infusing them with newfound strength and vitality. Beneath his touch, wounds faded, replaced by the radiance of his benevolence.

All bowed reverently to the avian deity, their hearts filled with gratitude.

4. RAMA'S SACRED OFFERING

In preparation for the impending conflict, Rama sought the favour of Durga, the warrior goddess. "108 lotuses," he pledged, each a testament to her myriad names.

Yet as the final chant fell from his lips, realization dawned—short by one lotus. Without hesitation, Rama poised his arrow, prepared to sacrifice his sight.

In that moment of poised sacrifice, the goddess manifested. "Cease," she commanded. "Your devotion is absolute, Lotus-Eyed Rama."

With her blessing, victory became inevitable.

6. THE SAGA OF SULOCHANA

Lakshmana's arrow cleaved through the chaos, felling Indrajit, whose severed head found its resting place at Ravana's feet.

"Father, forgive," the severed head murmured, its voice fading into oblivion.

Undeterred by grief, Sulochana, Indrajit's steadfast consort, embarked on a poignant quest to reunite head and body. With solemn grace, she appealed to Rama's compassion.

"Grant him dignity in death," she implored, her words a hymn to loyalty.

Moved by her plea, Rama granted her wish, allowing her to depart with her beloved, her sorrow a silent elegy.

7. RAVANA ARRIVED TO DO THE YAGNA FOR LORD RAMA

Written in the Ravana Gita: "...Lord Rama desired to be victorious in the war against Ravana, so He built a Shivalinga and worshipped it. To perform this, a priest was required, but Rameshwaram did not have any priests at the time. Lord Rama was in desperate need of a good priest to complete the rites.

Ravana was a devout follower of Lord Shiva and was also a Brahmin by birth. So Ravana's brother Vibhishana (who was on Lord Rama's side) informed Lord Rama that Ravana was well-versed in rituals. So Lord Rama invited Ravana to come and serve as the priest for the pooja at Rameshwaram. Ravana accepted the offer and arrived. But then he told Lord Rama that the pooja would be completed unless his wife was there. Pooja and yagna cannot be conducted without the wife's presence. So he informed Lord Rama, "Since you are a married man, both you and your wife must sit together for the pooja; otherwise, you cannot perform the pooja."

Then Lord Rama stated to him, "It is the priest's responsibility to provide an alternative for anything that is missing." Since my wife is not with me (having been held captive by Ravana at the time), please tell me what the solution is to this situation. Can we have a doll in her place as a substitute? Then Ravana answered, "I do not believe in alternatives." I would want to have everything present for Lord Shiva's devotion. So I'll invite your wife here for the puja. After the puja, please return her to Lanka'.

So Ravana takes Sita to the pooja. After the pooja, when Lord Rama and Sita bend down to accept blessings from the priest, Ravana, Ravana blesses Lord Rama with the words 'Vijayi bhavaha' (May victory be yours!). He had no option but to do this.

When someone touches the priest's feet, he has no option but to bless them. So Ravana had to offer that blessing to Lord Rama that he had He had organized the pooja. He also blessed Sita by saying ‘Sumangali bhavaha’ (May you receive all that is best and auspicious always!) Such was Ravana’s magnanimity. After blessing both of them, Ravana took Sita back to Lanka with him.

Contemplating Ravana's Reality: Beyond Myth or History?

Deep within the folds of Javanese lore lies a peculiar rendition of the infamous Ravana, the demon king with nine heads. But why nine, you ask? Legend whispers of Ravana's annual tribute to Lord Shiva, a sacrifice of desire. Each year, he severs one head, a symbolic surrender of his worldly cravings, until only one remains—the essence of his being. Shiva, moved by this unparalleled devotion, bestows his divine grace upon the demon king, elevating him to the echelons of devotion.

Venture into the Thai realm of Ramakien, and Ravana transforms into a Yaksa, a specter of formidable might. Known by many names—Rapanasur, Totsapak, Totsakan—his presence echoes through the annals of myth and legend.

But the saga doesn't end there. In the tapestry of Myanmar's Yama Zatdaw, Ravana dons the mantle of Yawana, weaving his tale into the fabric of their national epic.

Jainism, too, adds its unique brushstroke to the canvas of Ravana's tale. Within their belief, Rama and Ravana tread the path of Jain devotion, entwined in a narrative where Lakshmana wields the fatal blow. Here, Ravana, the Vidyadhara King, commands magic beyond mortal comprehension, his fate intertwined with the cosmic dance of Jain cosmology.

According to local lore, Ravana's reign said to span from 2554 to 2517 BC in Sri Lanka, marked an era of remarkable progress. His kingdom, nestled in the Eastern and Southern reaches of the island, witnessed unprecedented socio-economic and scientific advancements, leaving an indelible imprint on the landscape.

But was Ravana merely a figment of imagination? Some speculate he was a Buddhist monarch, credited with the establishment of enduring monastic sites like Kuragala and Rahalgala. Echoes of his legacy resonate throughout Sri Lanka, with landmarks such as SitaElisa and NumaraElisa purportedly bearing witness to his exploits.

The enigmatic Rumassala, a verdant peak in Southern Sri Lanka, presents another enigma. Revered for its medicinal flora, legend suggests it was transplanted by the mythical Hanuman from the Himalayas to heal Lakshmana's wounds, sustained in the cosmic clash between Rama and Ravana.

Meanwhile, Adam's Bridge, a natural formation bridging Rameshwaram Island to Mannar Island, evokes speculation of ancient engineering marvels. Linked to the mythical Vanarasena, Rama's monkey army, its origins intertwine with the epic saga of Rama's conquest of Lanka.

Yet, dissenting voices emerge from Sri Lankan historians who propose a radical reinterpretation. They posit that Adam's Bridge was Ravana's creation, a floating conduit connecting Lanka to India, facilitating his dominion and later serving as Rama's gateway to conquest. 

8 Fascinating Tales from Across Continents

Did you know that there exist around 300 enchanting renditions of the illustrious Indian epic, Ramayana? Whether through reading or witnessing its timeless saga, most of us have encountered the enthralling narrative of Ramayana at some point. It delves into the eternal clash of virtues and vices, depicting the valour of a dutiful son, the unwavering devotion of a self-sacrificing wife, and the unwavering loyalty of a brother. Initially scripted in Sanskrit by the venerable Sage Valmiki, the Ramayana also finds its home in every Indian household through the verses of Saint Tulsidas' Ram Charitramanas. But what's truly captivating is its global presence, extending beyond the Indian Subcontinent into diverse cultures of South Asian realms like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, each crafting its own unique interpretation.

Sita Unleashed: The Adbhut Ramayan unveils a striking portrayal of Sita, transforming from a gentle consort to the formidable Kali, wreaking havoc on earth when her beloved Rama falls in battle, only to be appeased by the gods upon his revival.

Hanuman's Reign: In the Kakawin Ramayana, Hanuman ascends beyond his traditional role as a loyal ally, emerging as the revered King of Monkeys, ruling with wisdom and valour alongside Prince Rama in the vibrant realm of Indonesia.

Sibling Bonds: The Dasaratha Jataka, an ancient Buddhist rendition, reimagines Rama and Sita as siblings, navigating familial trials and tribulations against the backdrop of the Himalayas, in a poignant tale of love and resilience.

Lakshman's Legacy: Witness Lakshman's valorous journey in the Paumachariya, a Jain adaptation that shuns violence yet exalts heroism, as he assumes the mantle of Ravana's slayer in a testament to Jain principles.

Mystic Encounters: Delve into the Reamker, the Cambodian rendition, where Hanuman's quest intertwines with mystical beings like Sovanna Maccha, a captivating mermaid, amidst the timeless struggle for righteousness.

Trials of Virtue: Experience the Gond Ramayani's folklore, where Lakshman faces the fiery Agni Pareeksha, defending his purity against celestial temptations, in a riveting tale of honour and integrity.

Hanuman's Odyssey: Explore Hanuman's whimsical adventures in the Thai adaptations of Ramakirti and Ramakien, where his amorous escapades and Ravana's romantic pursuits take centre stage, adding a delightful twist to the narrative.

Squirrel's Blessing: Lastly, in the Ranganatha Ramayana, witness the endearing tale of a humble squirrel's blessing by Rama during the construction of the bridge to Lanka, symbolizing the profound impact of even the smallest of creatures in the grand tapestry of destiny.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the saga of Ravana, the formidable antagonist of the Hindu epic Ramayana, is a tapestry woven with curses, prophecies, and the echoes of a fate he could not evade. From his predestined demise at the hands of a celestial avatar to the myriad curses that sealed his fate, Ravana's story is one of divine retribution and inevitable downfall. Yet, amidst the ruins of his once-glorious empire, Lanka, and its people endured, shaped by the echoes of their tumultuous past and the resilience of their spirit.

Ravana's influence transcends the boundaries of Hindu mythology, leaving an indelible mark on various civilizations and cultures. From Sri Lanka, where he is revered as a complex figure embodying both valor and villainy, to Southeast Asia, where his tale intertwines with local folklore, Ravana's legacy remains timeless and geographical.

As we journey through the labyrinthine tales of curses and prophecies, Ravana's story continues to enthral and intrigue tribes and civilizations throughout history. Whether portrayed as a devout follower of Lord Shiva, a formidable Yaksa, or a Jain king, Ravana's character evolves across cultures, adding layers of complexity to his enigmatic persona.

Indeed, the legend of Ravana serves as a profound exploration of morality, destiny, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, resonating across time and space, inspiring contemplation and interpretation for generations to come. With this, we come to an end of the Ravana trilogy and will be back with another series of untold stories from the depths of Hindu mythology.