Did You Know All About Ravana?

Let’s begin the story of Ravana. Before we start talking about Ravana, let's understand some facts and stories which you have never read before. Ravana was born to the sage Vishrava and the Asuras clan princess Kaikasi.. Villagers from Bisrakh in Uttar Pradesh claim that Bisrakh was named after Vishrava, and that Ravana was born there.

Ravana's paternal grandfather, the sage Pulasya, one of the son of Brahma, and one of the Saptarishi (seven great sages)..

His maternal grandfather was Sumali (or Sumalaya), the king of Lanka and the son of great warrior Sukesha. Sumali had ten sons and four daughters. Sumali wished for Kaikasi to marry the most knowledgeable person, so that his lineage can also be knowledgeable., so as to produce an exceptional heir. He rejected the kings of the world, and married his daughter to the sage vishrava.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VPdqcsum4s

Ravana performed penance on Mount Gokarna and won boons from Brahma. Ravana was blessed with a boon that would make him invincible to all the creations of Brahma, except for humans.

One of the most popular images of Shiva is called "Ravananugraha", which was popular in the Gupta era. It depicts Ravana beneath Mount Kailash playing a veena made out of his head and hands, and strings made out of his tendons, while Shiva and Parvati sit on top of the mountain.

According to scriptures, Ravana once tried to lift Mount Kailash, but Shiva pushed the mountain into place and trapped Ravana beneath it. For a thousand years, the imprisoned Ravana sang Shiva Tandava Stotra, a hymn in praise of Shiva, who finally blessed him and granted him an invincible sword called chandrahas and a powerful linga (Shiva's iconic symbol, Atmalinga) to worship.

Ravan has many qualities, he was known as ruler of the whole word at his time. He also had mastery over every veda and many scriptures. He was not only an ayurvedacharya, he was also a musician and dancer. He had expertise in many weapons and astra. Many bramhins believe that it was he who invented bhavishya shatra.

In some accounts, Ravana is said to have had Shukracharya, the priest of the Asuras, as his minister, and in other accounts, Brihaspati, the priest of the Devas.

One account narrates how Ravana ordered Brihaspati to recite the Chandi stava (mantras of Chandi), more specifically the Devi Mahatmya, in order to stave off defeat. According to the Krttivasa text, Ravana arranged for a peaceful yajna, and invited Brihaspati to start the recitation of Chandi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggy-lbCc-v8

Worship

Ravana is worshiped as one of Shiva's most revered followers, and he is even worshiped in some Shiva temples.

Ravana is worshiped by the Kanyakubja Brahmins of the Vidisha region, who see him as a savior and a sign of prosperity, claiming Ravana was also a Kanyakubja Brahmin. Thousands of Kanyakubja Brahmins of the village Ravangram of Netaran, in the Vidisha District of Madhya Pradesh, perform daily puja in the Ravana temple and offer naivedyam or bhog (a ritual of sacrifice to the gods).

King Shiv Shankar built a Ravana temple in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The Ravana temple is open once a year, on the day of Dashera, to perform puja for the welfare of Ravana.

Ravana is also worshiped by Hindus of Bisrakh, who claim their town to be his birthplace.

The following temples in India are for Ravana as a Shiva Bhakta.

Dashanan Temple, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Ravana Temple, Bisrakh, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Kakinada Ravana Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Ravangram Ravana Temple, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh

Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh

Mandore Ravana Temple, Jodhpur

Baijanath Temple, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh

Conclusion

In simple terms, Ravana was a powerful character from ancient stories. He had special abilities and a strong connection to the gods. Despite his strengths, he had to make some choices against his will. However, some people still admire him for his devotion to the god Shiva. They even built temples in his honor. Ravana's story teaches us that even great powers can be flawed, and it's important to make good choices in life.

Anirvan will show us a different side of Ravana. We'll see his struggles, his strengths, and even his moments of goodness. Through the series, we'll learn more about Ravana's character and why he makes the choices he does.

By watching "Anirvan," we'll dive into Ravana's world and discover what makes him special. It's not just about good versus evil—it's about understanding the complexities of our history and culture. So, get ready to explore Ravana's story like never before in "Anirvan" and see the Ramayana in a whole new light.