Dussehra 2025: 10 Fascinating Facts About Ravana You Must Know

Dussehra, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Lord Rama defeating the ten-headed demon king Ravana. While Ravana is often portrayed as a villain in the epic Ramayana, his life was filled with remarkable knowledge, devotion, and extraordinary skills. The festival also represents the removal of ten human weaknesses, making it a time for reflection and celebration. Here are ten amazing facts about Ravana that reveal his complexity beyond his demon persona.

1. Ravana’s Name Was Given by Shiva

Ravana received his name from Lord Shiva after attempting to lift Mount Kailash. Shiva pressed down Ravana’s finger with his toe, but impressed by his devotion and music, named him “Ravana,” meaning the one who roars. He also invented the Rudra-Veena, creatively using his own body as the instrument.

2. Devotee Who Blessed Rama

Despite being a demon king, Ravana was a devout follower of Shiva. He performed a Yagya for Rama’s army when they built the bridge to Lanka. Even on his deathbed, Ravana imparted valuable lessons of statecraft and diplomacy to Lakshmana, showcasing his scholarly wisdom.

3. Master of Pushpak Vimana

Ravana mastered the Pushpak Vimana, an advanced flying aircraft, which only a few could operate. He maintained several landing sites across Sri Lanka, including Weragantota and Thotupola Kanda. Alongside his aviation skills, he was an accomplished Veena player with a deep interest in music.

4. Extraordinary Speed and Power

Ravana possessed immense speed and strength, enabling him to evade capture. He could even manipulate planetary alignments, such as when he imprisoned Shani Dev for disobeying his instructions during the birth of his son Meghnad. His intelligence and magical abilities made him a formidable figure.

5. Avatar of Vishnu’s Gatekeepers

Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna were incarnations of Jaya and Vijaya, the gatekeepers of Lord Vishnu. Cursed by the four Kumaras, they chose to be enemies of Vishnu in three lifetimes, which led to their births as powerful demons opposing Lord Rama.

6. Jain Version of Ramayana

According to Jain texts, Ravana was Sita’s father and opposed caste discrimination. He was a Vidyadhara king with magical powers and was eventually killed by Lakshmana, not Rama. This account presents an alternative perspective, portraying him as morally complex and powerful.

7. Tantrik Knowledge for Wealth

Ravana was a master of Tantrik practices. Legends state that performing specific rituals, chanting mantras for 21 days, and using Rudraksha beads could invoke sudden prosperity. His knowledge in esoteric practices highlights his scholarly and mystical side.

8. Curse Leading to His Death

Ravana’s death was foretold by King Anarnay, whom he had killed. Anarnay cursed that a descendant from his lineage would defeat him. This prophecy came true when Lord Rama, born in that lineage, ultimately ended Ravana’s reign and restored dharma.

9. Awareness of His Fate

Ravana was aware that he would die at the hands of Lord Rama, the avatar of Vishnu. He accepted his fate, understanding that his death was necessary for the victory of good over evil, demonstrating a deep philosophical acceptance despite his demonic deeds.

10. The Mystery Behind Ten Heads

Ravana’s ten heads symbolized more than physical form. Some accounts suggest an optical illusion caused by a pearl necklace from his mother, while others say he created the heads to please Shiva. Each head represented qualities like lust, anger, delusion, greed, pride, envy, mind, intellect, will, and ego.

Conclusion

Ravana’s life was a blend of power, knowledge, devotion, and complexity. Dussehra not only celebrates his defeat but also reminds us of the importance of overcoming human weaknesses. Learning about Ravana’s lesser-known qualities provides a deeper understanding of this legendary figure beyond the traditional narrative of evil.