RAVANA Meaning and
Definition
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Ravana is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and is widely known as the primary antagonist in the epic Ramayana. According to Hindu scriptures, Ravana was a powerful demon king who ruled over the kingdom of Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka). He is depicted with ten heads and twenty arms, symbolizing his immense strength and intelligence.
Ravana is often portrayed as a complex character, known for his strategic prowess, deep knowledge of scripture, and mastery of various mystical arts. He was believed to have undergone extensive penance and gained immense powers from the gods, making him nearly invincible. However, Ravana's arrogance, selfishness, and immoral actions eventually led to his downfall.
The Ramayana narrates the story of Ravana's quest to obtain the beautiful Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Ravana's actions, driven by his desire and lust, result in an epic battle between him and Lord Rama, ultimately leading to Ravana's defeat and death.
In Hindu culture, Ravana is often regarded as a symbol of evil, arrogance, and the consequences of one's misdeeds. However, some interpretations see him as a multifaceted character, highlighting his intelligence, artistic abilities, and dedication to his people.
Overall, Ravana is a significant character in Hindu mythology, embodying both negative and positive traits, and his story serves as a moral lesson about the consequences of one's actions and the triumph of good over evil.
Etymology of RAVANA
The word "Ravana" is derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language of India. It is the name of a significant character in the Hindu epic of Ramayana. Ravana was a powerful demon king who is depicted as ten-headed. The etymology of the word "Ravana" itself is uncertain, but there are a few theories. One theory suggests that it might be derived from the Sanskrit word "ravaṇa", which means "howling" or "roaring". Another theory proposes that it could be derived from the word "Ra-vana", where "Ra" refers to the Hindu deity "Lord Rama", the protagonist of the Ramayana, and "vana" means "descendant" or "offspring". Hence, "Ravana" could mean "descendant of Lord Rama" or "offspring of Ra".
