RAVAN SHARED: Unraveling the Links of His Unknown Stories and the story of Ahirāvaṇa & Mahīrāvaṇa PART -2

Follow me, Reet Hande, as we go on the exciting journey of the Mythic Chronicles epic. Our voyage begins with a deep dive into Ravan's enthralling story, diving into the people who fought him, Ravan's several conflicts, and the story of Ahirāvaṇa & Mahīrāvaṇa. Prepare to discover new perspectives on this timeless story, as mythic insights unravel the mystery of Ravan's mythology. This is the 2nd episode of a trilogy of hidden stories from his life.

In the vast expanse of time, amid celestial ballets and whispers of wind, lies a tale veiled in ancient mystique - the saga of those who defied Ravan, lord of Lanka. Theirs is a story woven with threads of valour, woven into the very fabric of history, as they stood firm against the tide of darkness that swept across the ancient lands. From the hallowed halls of heaven to the rugged terrains of earth, Ravan's name echoed with both fear and reverence. His conflicts were legend, each battle a testament to his indomitable spirit and insatiable thirst for power. With his ten heads crowned in arrogance and his ten arms wielding death's embrace, he strode across the battlefield with a fury unmatched, leaving behind a trail of devastation in his wake.

Yet amid chaos emerges hope, heroes untamed by fear. They defy Ravan, hearts aflame with righteousness. With each clash, they etch their names into legend, immortalizing their bravery. Thus unfolds the epic of the Ravana War, the conquest of Lanka, echoing through eternity, a testament to the timeless struggle between light and shadow, good and evil.

Myths and Tales of Ravan in Valmiki's Epic: The Abduction of Sita Devi, Untold Stories, and Triumphs

Unveiling the Untold Motive behind Ravana's Abduction of Sita Devi

In the depths of ancient lore lies a tale far more intricate than the surface reveals, unveiling the true motives behind Ravana's audacious act of kidnapping Sita Mata. It's not merely about vengeance for a slight against his sister Surpanaka by Lakshmana; the saga delves deeper into the realms of desire, jealousy, and deceit.

In the grand tapestry of Valmiki's Ramayana, Rama emerges as "Pumsam mohana rupaya," captivating hearts with his unparalleled allure. Surpanaka, ensnared by his magnetic charm, sought to claim him for herself. Yet, thwarted by Rama's devotion to Sita, her covetous desires took a sinister turn. In a frenzied moment, she aimed to eliminate the obstacle to her desires—Sita mata. Lakshmana's swift intervention spared Sita's life but ignited a chain of events that would shape destiny.

Surpanaka, nursing her wounded pride, instigated a confrontation, unleashing an army of 14,000 rakshasas upon Rama and Lakshmana. In a breathtaking display of doughtiness Rama, urged by duty, stood alone against the tide of darkness while directing Lakshmana to safeguard Sita within a sanctuary of stone. The battlefield became a stage where time itself seemed to bend to Rama's will, as he dispatched foes with unparalleled speed and precision.

Surpanaka, her mind clouded by a concoction of envy and deceit, spun a web of lies to ensnare her brother Ravana. Painting Sita as a prize worthy of Ravana's desire, she obscured the truth with her poisoned words. Yet, Ravana, consumed not by familial loyalty but by a lustful obsession, saw in Sita an object of desire, not just a pawn in a familial feud.

Thus, driven by a hunger that transcended familial bonds, Ravana crafted a plan veiled in deception and cowardice. No noble quest for justice fueled his actions; it was the insatiable thirst for Sita's beauty that propelled him forward. With guile and manipulation, he coerced Mareecha, drawing him into a scheme that would echo through the annals of time.

In the intricate dance of fate, Ravana's desires clashed with Rama's righteousness, setting the stage for an epic confrontation that would define an era. Surpanaka and Ravana, architects of their own downfall, faced the consequences of their deceit, while Rama, an embodiment of virtue, stood unwavering against the storm of chaos unleashed by their ambitions.

This is detailed in depth in the Valmiki Ramayana Aranyakanda beginning with Sarga/Chapter 17.

Narrative of Ahirāvaṇa & Mahīrāvaṇa taken from Bhāvārtha Rāmāyaṇa:

Ahirāvaṇa and Mahīrāvaṇa have been identified in Ānanda Rāmāyaṇa and Kṛttivāsī Rāmāyaṇa, as described in earlier responses on this thread. They are also mentioned in the 'śrī Bhāvārtha Rāmāyaṇa' of Eknath, which is in the Marāṭhī language.

Ahirāvaṇa and Mahīrāvaṇa are true blood brothers in this narrative.

The narrative may be found in Bhāvārtha Rāmāyaṇa's Yuddha Kānḍa, Chapters 51–54.

Chapter 51: Rāvaṇa sends a help cry for Ahirāvaṇa and Mahīrāvaṇa.

After Kumbhkarana's death, Rāvaṇa summons his two brothers, Ahirāvaṇa and Mahīrāvaṇa, who dwell in Mahikāvati (महिकावति), in Pātāla (पाताल), to plan a kidnap-murder of Śrī Rāma & Lakṣma.

After hearing Rāvaṇa's suffering from the messenger, both Ahirāvaṇa and Mahīrāvaṇa, after praying to goddess Ambikā for good luck, ponder on strategies to overcome the Daśarath's sons (Rāma & Lakṣmaṇa).

Chapter 52: Hanumāna encounters his son, Makardhvaja.

The demon brothers attempt to capture Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa at the combat arena in Lankā but are unable to do so due to Hanumān's security patrol with his tail. They worship the goddess Kāmākṣī to obtain an advantage. Hanumāna withdraws his patrol, and at nightfall, the demon brother kidnaps the Daśarath nandanas and transports them to Pātāla-loka.

Hanumāna discovers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are absent, and via a spur of 'divine inspiration', he propitiates Goddess Ādi-Śakti and realizes the whereabouts of his Lord.

Hanumāna disguises himself as a sage to enter the demon city and confronts his son Makardhvaja. When the father and son realize each other's true identities, they break off the fight.

Chapter 53 covers Mahīrāvaṇa's death.

Hanumāna sings the glories of his Lord to his son. When he finds his son in the dharma dilemma (should he betray his demon master at the price of rescuing his father?), Hanumāna becomes invisible and departs to locate his Lord. As midnight approaches, Śrī Rāma is carried to the sacrificial altar and slaughtered by rākṣasas under Mahīrāvaṇa's direction.

At the penultimate moment of sacrifice, Śrī Rāma recalls Hanumāna. As a result, Hanumāna removes his invisibility illusion and kills Mahīrāvaṇa, along with hordes of demons.

Chapter 54: The Vanishing Act of Ahirāvaṇa

Amid the chaotic clash between good and evil, with Mahīrāvaṇa meeting his end at the hands of Hanumāna, the battlefield pulsates with tension as Śrī Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and the formidable monkey warrior Hanumāna decimate the demonic hordes with breathtaking speed and precision.

But amidst the fray, a shadow looms larger than the rest. Ahirāvaṇa, fueled by a boon akin to the infamous Raktabīja, emerges as a formidable foe. Each drop of his blood spilt births a new clone, multiplying the menace faced by the divine trio.

In a desperate bid to break this cycle, Hanumāna turns to an unexpected source: Ahirāvaṇa’s own wife, Chandrasenā, who has fallen under the spell of Śrī Rāma's valour. Promising her a union with Rāma himself, Hanumāna persuades her to reveal the secrets of Ahirāvaṇa’s invincibility.

Chandrasenā unveils the tale of her husband’s penance, a gruelling ordeal that earned him a boon from the mighty god Śiva. Through a macabre ritual involving the piercing of his toe, Ahirāvaṇa gained the power to multiply like the demon Raktabīja, his blood spawning endless clones thanks to the divine intervention of Śiva’s bees.

With this revelation, Hanumāna springs into action, targeting the source of Ahirāvaṇa’s immortality: a pot of elixir guarded by the bees. As the vessel is shattered and the bees dispersed, a celestial voice echoes, signalling Ahirāvaṇa's vulnerability.

Without hesitation, Śrī Rāma channels the might of sacred mantras into his Agni-Bāṇa arrow, unleashing it upon Ahirāvaṇa. The demon meets his fiery demise, every drop of his blood evaporating in the inferno.

In the aftermath, as gratitude for her assistance, Rāma promises Chandrasenā a future union in his next incarnation as Śrī Kṛṣṇa, where she will be reborn as Satyabhāmā, daughter of King Satrājit.

With Ahirāvaṇa's reign of terror extinguished, Śrī Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Hanumāna depart for Lankā, carried upon the mighty shoulders of the faithful monkey warrior, leaving behind a battlefield transformed by the triumph of righteousness.

Mahīrāvaṇa is mentioned in the Śiva Purāṇa (3.7.20.34): Chapter 20: The Incarnation of Hanūmat and His Story, Section 3: Śatarudra-saṃhitā.

महीरावणसंज्ञं स हत्वा रामं सलक्ष्मणम् ।

तत्स्थानादानयामास स्वस्थानम्परिपाल्य च ॥ ३४ ॥

Maharāvaṇasaṃjñaṃ sa hatvā rāmaṃ salakṣmaṇam 

| Tatsthānādānayāmāsa svasthānamparipālya ca || 34 ||

Hanumāna slew the demon Mahīrāvaṇa and safely transported Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa to their new home.

The Enthrallment of Ravana: A Saga of Betrayal and Vengeance

In the mystical realms of the Ramayana's Uttara Kanda, amidst towering peaks and whispered secrets, Ravana, the formidable sovereign of Lanka, found himself ensnared by the ethereal allure of Rambha. Perched upon a mountain's crest, Ravana's gaze fell upon the bewitching beauty of Rambha, an apsara of incomparable grace.

Driven by desire, Ravana approached Rambha, claiming her as his own despite her protests of kinship. Ignoring her pleas, he ruthlessly seized her, defying all notions of decency and honor. Rambha's anguished cries echoed through the night as she sought refuge in the arms of her husband, recounting the harrowing ordeal that had befallen her.

Infuriated by Ravana's heinous act, Nalakuvara invoked a curse, foretelling dire consequences should Ravana ever again force himself upon a woman against her will. Little did Ravana know that this curse would later shape his tragic destiny, sealing his fate in the annals of time.

And so, the seeds of vengeance were sown, setting in motion the cataclysmic events that would ultimately lead to Ravana's downfall at the hands of the valiant Rama, husband of the virtuous Sita.

Ravana's Fateful Encounter: The Curse of Vedavati

Amidst the tranquil solitude of her forest abode, Vedavati, a maiden of unparalleled beauty and unwavering devotion, devoted herself to the divine Vishnu. Clad in the humble attire of a sage, her ascetic form belied her celestial radiance, captivating all who beheld her.

In a twist of fate, the paths of Vedavati and Ravana, the mighty ruler of Lanka, intersected amidst the verdant wilderness. Enthralled by her transcendent beauty, Ravana sought to claim Vedavati as his own, oblivious to her steadfast devotion to Vishnu.

Undeterred by Ravana's advances, Vedavati resolutely refused his proposal, invoking the wrath of the arrogant king. In a desperate attempt to assert his dominance, Ravana seized Vedavati by her locks, only to be thwarted by her mystical powers.

In her final act of defiance, Vedavati invoked a curse upon Ravana, prophesying her reincarnation as the noble Sita, destined to be the instrument of his downfall.

Thus, the stage was set for an epic saga of love, betrayal, and divine retribution, as the enigmatic threads of fate wove together the destinies of gods and mortals alike in the timeless tapestry of the Ramayana.

Divine Disguises: A Tale of Evasion

In the realm of King Marutta, amidst the grandeur of a sacrificial ceremony, an unexpected guest arrived - none other than the formidable Ravana. Panic swept through the assembly as the mighty gods, including Indra, Yama, Kubera, and Varuna, found themselves faced with imminent danger.

In a stroke of desperation, the gods transformed themselves into creatures of the earth: Indra adorned the vibrant feathers of a peacock, Yama took the guise of a clever crow, Kubera slithered into the form of a stealthy lizard, and Varuna glided gracefully as a serene swan.

Undeterred by their subterfuge, Ravana brazenly challenged King Marutta to combat, his arrogance resounding through the air. However, wise counsel prevailed as the priests urged the monarch to yield, preserving peace over futile confrontation.

With a boastful proclamation of victory, Ravana devoured the priests, quenching his thirst with their blood before soaring into the night sky, leaving a trail of fear in his wake.

Yet, amidst the chaos, the disguised gods found solace in their clever concealment. Grateful for their miraculous escape, they bestowed blessings upon the creatures whose forms had shielded them from Ravana's relentless pursuit, a testament to the resilience of cunning and divine intervention.

Numerous Battles and Disputes

Kartavirya's Confrontation with Ravana: A Tale of Power and Humility

In the annals of epic sagas, where myths intertwine with history, lies a tale often overlooked but brimming with the clash of titanic forces: the encounter between Kartavirya and Ravana. While the Ramayana, Uttara Kanda is not frequently regarded as a part of the original Valmiki Ramayana and its component 6 adhyayas (अध्याय), as the original Ramayana talks of the number of verses and shlokas in Ramayana - Verse 2 of Chapter IV of Baala Kaanda of Srimad Valmiki Ramayana reads as:

चतुर्विंशत्सहस्त्राणि श्लोकानामुक्तवानृषिः |

तथा सर्गशतान् पञ्च षट्काण्डानि तथोत्तरम् ||

Picture this: Kartavirya, the mighty sovereign, surrounded by the murmurs of the river Narmada, stands with his thousand arms, halting its flow as if commanding nature itself. Yet, amid this grandeur, enters the youthful Dasagriva, known later as Ravana, chanting hymns to Shiva. His presence disrupts the emperor's tranquillity, leading to a fateful confrontation.

Legends whisper of a duel, where Ravana, the audacious challenger, faces the wrath of Kartavirya's might. Despite his intrepidity, Ravana meets defeat, his pride humbled before the emperor's prowess. Yet, amidst the clash of swords and pride, familial bonds intervene, as Pulastya, Kartavirya's grandfather, beseeches mercy for the fallen foe.

But the tale doesn't end there. Another version weaves a web of conquest and capture, where Ravana, in his relentless pursuit of dominion, finds himself ensnared within Kartavirya's stronghold, a captive in his own quest for power.

The Vayu Purana whispers of an invasion, where Kartavirya's ambitions stretch to the shores of Lanka, and Ravana, once a prisoner, finds himself entangled in the machinations of fate. Yet, even as Kartavirya's reign faces its twilight, it is the hand of Parashurama that seals his destiny, setting Ravana free from the chains of captivity.

The Unforeseen Encounter: Vāli's Triumph Over Rāvaṇa

Hidden within the ancient texts lies an extraordinary tale that transcends the boundaries of typical battles. While the Uttara Kānda of the Rāmāyaṇa recounts tales of valour, another intriguing saga unfolds in Chapter 7 of the Upodghāta pāda Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa, where Vāli, the formidable vanara, crosses paths with the mighty Rāvaṇa in an unexpected showdown.

raṇe nigūṅya vāmena bhujena sa mahābalaḥ || BndP_2,7.247 ||

viṣṭabhya pārśvesaṃsthāpya rāvaṇandhyānamasthitaḥ ||

The Vānara king Vāli once defeated Rāvaṇa. He caught hold of him with his left hand. Placing him at his side, he pressed him hard and he went on meditating.

mauhūrtikīṃ gatiṃ gatvā catuḥ paraśarvānupaspṛśan || BndP_2,7.248 ||

samudraṃ dakṣaṇaṃ pūrvapaścimaṃ ca tathottaram |

manovāyugatirbhūtvā vālī vyapagatakramaḥ ||

In the course of a muhūrta, he went to the four oceans, the southern, the eastern, the western, and the northern, meanwhile touching all the four sides. He had the speed of wind but he was not exhausted (He did not feel the strain of the long travel.).

Picture this: Vāli, with a grip akin to the roots of the mightiest trees, effortlessly subdues Rāvaṇa, rendering him unconscious with a mere touch. As Rāvaṇa awakens under the watchful gaze of Vāli, a curious display of humility masks the vanara's true strength, while Rāvaṇa, though humbled, cannot help but feel a surge of pride in his adversary's prowess.

nirvikāro jayaprepsuḥ smayamāno balādbalī |
durbalena mayā krānto vānareṇa viśeṣataḥ || BndP_2,7.260 ||
kimarthamīdṛśaṃ śapto balavānapi durjayaḥ |
prabrūhi hetunā kena brahmanrākṣasapuṅgava || BndP_2,7.261 ||

You are a Mahāratha(a great warrior who can withstand an attack of thousands of archers). You are free from excitement and eager to gain the victory. Despite that, a powerful warrior has been overwhelmed by me, a weak one and a monkey in particular. ||2,7.260||

How is it that you, despite being an unconquerable hero, have been condemned to such a plight as this? Tell me, O leading rākṣasa of Brāhmaṇa caste, what is the reason hereof? ||2,7.261||

abhayaṃ te mayā dattaṃ viśvasto bhava te na bhīḥ |
vayanaṃ vālinaḥ śrutvā daśagrīvaḥ pratāpavān || BndP_2,7.262 ||

Freedom from fear has been given unto you by me. Rest assured. You have nothing to fear.

No weapons clash in this encounter, no grandiose displays of power—just the raw, unyielding force of Vāli's physical might. In a moment both perplexing and intriguing, Vāli, with an air of astonishment, questions Rāvaṇa's defeat, prompting the demon king to acknowledge the vanara's unmatched strength.

With words as sharp as his sword, Rāvaṇa concedes defeat, proposing an alliance born not of coercion but of mutual respect. And so, an unexpected treaty is forged, leaving both parties with newfound respect and a sense of camaraderie. 

Legendary Feathers: The Epic Clash of Ravan and Jatayu

Jatayu, born of Garuda, the divine mount of Vishnu, and his brother Sampati, possessed the extraordinary ability to expand their wings at will, granting them unmatched aerial prowess. With Garuda's departure from the throne of avians, the siblings vied for the title of king of birds.

Their rivalry reached celestial heights when they embarked on a daring race to touch the sun, the victor claiming ultimate supremacy. As they soared skyward, the scorching sun tested their limits. While Jatayu pressed on relentlessly, Sampati, sensing the peril, halted to shield his brother from the searing heat with his own body, sacrificing his ability to fly.

In the aftermath, Jatayu's guilt-ridden heart bore the weight of his brother's sacrifice, leading him to forsake his wings in an act of penance.

Years later, fate intertwined Jatayu's path with that of a distraught woman calling out for Ram, drawing him into a fateful encounter with the formidable Ravan. Though aged and outmatched, Jatayu, driven by honour and duty, confronted Ravan in a desperate bid to save the woman, Sita.

In a dazzling aerial duel, Jatayu's seasoned skills thwarted Ravan's onslaught until the gleam of Chandrahasa, Shiva's divine gift to Ravan, turned the tide. Despite his valiant efforts, Jatayu fell, his right wing severed, but not before pledging to reveal Sita's plight to Ram.

As life ebbed from his battered form, Jatayu's resolute cries reached the ears of Ram, guiding him to the truth. Touched by Jatayu's sacrifice, Ram honoured him in death, ensuring his legacy lived on.

Months later, in a poignant reunion, Sampati learned of Jatayu's heroism, finding solace in his brother's noble sacrifice, a testament to the enduring bond between siblings. 

Ravana's Triumph over Ayodhya

With his unmatchedd might, Ravana swept across the lands, vanquishing kings with ease. His relentless march brought him to the gates of Ayodhya, where King Anaranya stood as the last bastion against the rakshasa's fury.

Defiant, Anaranya led his forces into the fray, but Ravana's fiery wrath decimated their ranks, leaving only Anaranya standing. Despite a valiant effort, Anaranya's arrows proved futile against Ravana's impenetrable armor. With a single blow, Ravana struck him down, but not before Anaranya uttered a chilling prophecy of vengeance from Ayodhya's lineage.

Thus began a legacy of conflict, as each generation bore witness to the repercussions of Anaranya's curse. From Khatvanga to Dilipa, from Raghu to Aja, the lineage of Ayodhya awaited its destined avenger: Dasharatha, whose very birth heralded the culmination of an ancient prophecy.

Other Foes Confronted

Yet Ravana's battles were not limited to Ayodhya alone. He clashed with the Nivatakavachas, seeking to conquer them, only to forge an unexpected alliance in the face of their indomitable strength.

Undeterred, Ravana dared to challenge even the heavens, attempting to invade Vaikuntha itself. However, his audacious endeavour met swift resistance, leaving him humbled and retreating from the celestial realm.

Moreover, Ravana crossed swords with formidable adversaries like Marutta, Gadhi, Dushyanta, Suratha, Gaya, and Paurava, leaving a trail of legends in his wake. 

Conclusion

Ravan, with his ten heads crowned in arrogance and ten arms wielding death's embrace, strides across the ancient lands, leaving behind a trail of devastation. His conflicts become a legend, each battle a testament to his indomitable spirit and insatiable thirst for power. Yet, amid the chaos emerges hope, heroes untamed by fear, who defy Ravan with hearts aflame with righteousness.

From the abduction of Sita Mata to the fateful encounters with Kartavirya, Vāli, and Jatayu, each narrative unveils layers of complexity and intrigue. Motives intertwine with destiny, as gods and mortals alike navigate the intricacies of fate.

Through the trials and triumphs of characters like Hanumāna, Vāli, and the countless others who stood against Ravan, a resounding theme emerges—a belief in the triumph of virtue over vice, of light over darkness. It is a reminder that, no matter how formidable the foe, righteousness will always prevail in the end.

As the epic of the Ravana War unfolds, immortalizing the bravery of those who dared to defy the tyrant, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. For in the timeless struggle between good and evil, it is the courage and conviction of individuals that shape the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of time itself.