CharacterRakshasa
Ravana: FAQ & Sources
रावणRakshasa king of Lanka. Also called Dashanana, Dashagriva, Lankesh, Lankeshvara, Ravanasura.
Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, is the antagonist of the Ramayana. A great scholar and devotee of Shiva, he won near-invulnerability from Brahma, carried off Sita and was killed by Rama in the war of Lanka. His defeat is celebrated on Dussehra.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ravana?
The ten-headed rakshasa king of Lanka who carried off Sita and was killed by Rama; also a great scholar and devotee of Shiva.
Why did Ravana have ten heads?
He offered nine of his heads into the fire during his penance to Brahma; the ten heads are also read as the ten senses or his vast learning.
Who were Ravana's parents?
The sage Vishrava and the rakshasi Kaikesi.
Why did Ravana not touch Sita?
Because of Nalakuvara's curse that his heads would split if he forced himself on any woman.
Who killed Ravana?
Rama, with a Brahmastra to the chest, in the war of Lanka.
Who was Ravana's wife?
Mandodari, daughter of the asura architect Maya.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya, Sundara, Yuddha and Uttara Kandas
- Bhagavata Purana, Book 7, ch. 1
- Vimalasuri, Paumachariya (Jain)
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Continue exploring
Open the explorerConnected to Ravana
Appears inRamayanaरामायण
SiblingsKumbhakarnaकुंभकर्ण
Stories & mythsThe Golden Deer and the Abduction of Sitaस्वर्ण मृग और सीता हरण
Stories & mythsThe Fall of Ravanaरावण वध
Stories & mythsLanka Dahan: Hanuman Burns Lankaलंका दहन: हनुमान ने लंका जलाई
SiblingsVibhishanaविभीषण
Related figuresMandodariमंदोदरी
Related figuresIndrajitइंद्रजीत (मेघनाद)
Related figuresShurpanakhaशूर्पणखा