Ravana
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Ravana (ˈrɑːʋəɳə, Sanskrit रावण, Rāvaṇa, Tamil இராவணன், Sinhalese රාවණා) is the mythical demon king in the Indian epic Ramayana, the king of the Rakshasas of "Lanka" (Sri Lanka) and the antagonist of the divine Rama.
Ravana is the son of Vishravas and Kaikasi and the husband of Mandodari. He had asked the grace of Brahma that he could not be hurt or killed by either gods or demons. In his arrogance, he had forgotten to ask Brahma to extend this protection to humans also. In the beginning he is the guardian of the first water sources, but later loses them. Mythology reports that he can assume any form he wishes, like any Rakshasa, though he prefers that of a tiger. He is often depicted with ten heads and 20 hands.
In the Ramayana, the famous Indian epic, he steals Sita, Rama's wife. However, with the help of Hanuman, he manages to win her back. After a long struggle, Rama succeeds in killing Ravana.
Ravana's history and lineage, his battles against the gods, and the reason why he can be killed only by a human being but cannot be defeated by gods and celestial beings, are described in detail in the 7th and last book of the Ramayana, the text-historically more recent Uttarakanda (chs. 1-34 of the critical edition).
Ravana is not considered unilaterally evil in all respects and only an enemy of the gods. He is also credited with his erudition and musical talent. With the ravanahattha or Ravana vina he invented the oldest Indian string instrument.
In the Thai version Ramakian of the Ramayana, Ravana appears under the name Thotsakan (also Thosakanth). Episodes of the Ramakian are enacted primarily in the Thai mask drama Khon and the shadow play Nang Yai.
Ravana, mythical "demon king" of Lanka (Sri Lanka)
Questions and Answers
Q: Who was Ravana according to Hindu epic?
A: Ravana was a demon king of the island of Lanka according to Hindu epic.
Q: What is Ravana's portrayal in Ramayana?
A: In Ramayana, Ravana is described as a symbol of evil and the primary antagonist.
Q: Was Ravana a scholar?
A: Yes, Ravana was a learned scholar well versed in the Vedas.
Q: Which deity was Ravana the most revered devotee of?
A: Ravana was the most revered devotee of Shiva.
Q: Is Ravana's image associated with Shiva at some places?
A: Yes, Ravana's image is associated with Shiva at some places.
Q: In which other religious texts does Ravana appear?
A: Ravana appears in several Buddhist and Jain texts.
Q: What is the IAST representation of Ravana?
A: The IAST representation of Ravana is Rāvaṇa.
