Great warrior, scholar, & devotion: Six remarkable qualities you can learn from Ravana

Vijaya Dashami 2023: Dussehra, a significant Hindu festival celebrated throughout the country, honors the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. This year, Dussehra will be observed on October 24, 2023. People celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm, adhering to various traditions and rituals. It is customary to burn effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumkaran, symbolizing their defeat at the hands of Lord Rama. While Ravana is known as the demon king who abducted Lord Rama's wife, Sita, during his exile, his true nature and abilities remain relatively unknown.

Ravana, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, is also known as Dashanan, meaning "ten-headed." He possessed profound knowledge of the four Vedas and the six Shastras, and his ultimate aspiration was to dominate the gods and gain control over the entire Universe. However, Ravana also displayed remarkable qualities:

1. Fearless Warrior: Ravana fearlessly confronted Lord Rama in battle, fully aware that he was facing a divine being. Despite knowing the consequences, he stood his ground and fought for what he believed in.


2. Devotion to Lord Shiva: Ravana's devotion to Lord Shiva was unparalleled. He demonstrated his dedication by offering each of his ten heads to the deity, renouncing all worldly desires. Lord Shiva, impressed by his unwavering devotion, granted him the name Ravana.

3. Creator of Shiv Tandav Stotram: When Ravana attempted to take Mount Kailash to his kingdom against Lord Shiva's warning, he got his hands trapped under the mountain. Seeking forgiveness, he sang the Shiv Tandav Stotram in a rhythmic manner. Lord Shiva, moved by his plea, released him from his predicament.

4. Control Over Planets: Ravana possessed the extraordinary power to control all nine planets. During the birth of his son Meghnad, he commanded the planets to align favorably, eliminating any negative influences. Although most planets complied, Saturn (Shani) refused, resulting in Ravana's anger and subsequent imprisonment of Lord Shani.

5. Accomplished Veena Player: Ravana was not only a formidable warrior but also a skilled musician. Many depictions show him holding a Veena, indicating his profound interest and expertise in music. He is believed to have composed numerous ragas.

6. Great Scholar: Ravana's intellectual prowess extended beyond warfare and music. He was a brilliant scholar well-versed in the Vedas and Shastras. Recognizing his knowledge, Lord Rama instructed his brother Laxman to sit beside Ravana and learn about statecraft and diplomacy from him in his final moments.