RAVANA - A COMPLEX CHARACTER

Every year an effigy of Ravana is burnt, and relief goes around that an evil figure has been despatched. Was Ravana, the ruler of Lanka evil personified?

Ravana was a benevolent ruler of his kingdom of Lanka. The country was prosperous, and the people were happy. They saw him as a protector, a provider of peace and prosperity. Ravana was a master in many subjects - religion, warfare, and medicine. He was also the guardian of his family's interests. His sister Surpanakha turned to him to avenge her humiliation at the hands of Lakshmana. Surpanakha saw beauty in Rama and was attracted to him. She wished to marry him but was gently dissuaded. She saw the same beauty in Lakshmana and regarded him as an alternative to Rama. Lakshmana’s rejection of her marriage proposal led to a rage and she moved to harm Sita. Lakshmana protected Sita and as punishment cut off her nose and ears. It can be argued that this extreme step by Lakshmana was harsh and too strong. Surpanakha was after all infatuated with Rama and with Lakshmana and her judgment was completely clouded. The act of Lakshmana led to her being disfigured, though it is said that the repair of her nose and ears was done by surgeons with Rama.

The distraught Surpanakha went to her brother, the powerful Ravana, seeking solace, revenge, and retribution, Ravana had to fight Rama as a consequence.

RAMA REJECTS SURPANAKHA

Ravana was a highly learned person. He was a scholar and knew the sacred Vedas; he was a Shiv bakht, and had composed the Shiva Tandava Stotram, which is a hymn in praise of Shiva’s dance. Shiva gave Ravana many boons and the Chandrahasa sword. Ravana was a devotee of Durga but angered her by the abduction of Sita. Durga shifted her loyalties to Rama when he worshipped her during akalbodhan.

Sita’s abduction was a reprehensible act and deserves to be condemned. This is what makes Rama wage a war against him and leads to his death. Ravana was a person with machismo, filled with pride (ahankara) that led to his downfall. The burning of the effigy signifies the destruction of negative tendencies inherent in us.

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