Ravan’s 10 Heads: Are You also Battling With Them?

A story can tell a lot of things – culture, history, mythology, and more importantly varied meanings to the one reading or interpreting it. The Ramayan, one of India’s most epic tales, is filled with iconic characters, both virtuous and villainous. While the protagonist, Lord Ram, is often celebrated for his righteousness, there’s another figure who has captured the imagination of many: Ravan, the ten-headed demon king. To one person, the plight of Devi Sita appeals in Ramayan, to the other, it is the devotion to Sri Ram that is of the major fascination. 

Today, I am going to write about my favorite villain, Ravan. Why my favorite? There are about 300 versions of Ramayan, in most of them, Ravan had 10 heads or a 10 pearl necklace that reflected 10 heads. 

Ravan’s 10 Heads

Ravan’s story fascinates me because there is a lot to learn from his errors in judgment. He went through hardships at an early age, practiced intense self-restraint and meditation, and was blessed with boons by Lord Brahma and Lord Shiv. His life teaches us many lessons, as represented by the symbolism of the 10 heads. 

Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Sri Ram (considered to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu in most Ramayanas) killed Ravan. The day signifies the victory of good over evil. The question, my dear lovely reader, that I pose to you is this – What is the battle that you are fighting today? Is it one of the 10 heads of Ravan?

I am noting below the symbolic representations of Ravan’s 10 heads:

1. Kaam (Lust): A strong emotion of desire can lead to reckless decisions and downfall. History is full of such examples. Of course, desire has changed with time and can vary with individuals. For one person, looking at another person can be lust. For someone else, it can be the act of infidelity. When in doubt, stop and ask your conscience if your action feels right. 
2. Krodh (Anger): This head represents the burden most of us carry as humans. We are easily excited when provoked and take rash actions or hurt people.
3. Moh (Delusion): Love deeply, but do not fall prey to moh (an affection, delusion, fascination). It clouds the judgment and makes us do things we would normally not do. For example, the attachment we have to our possessions. This costed Ravan dearly. 
4. Lobh (Greed): This head of Ravan represents something we battle daily. We want to have things like new gadgets, jewelry etc. even if we have enough. This overconsumption costs the planet immensely. Lobh has also led to a huge gap between the rich and the poor. 
5. Maan (Pride): Pride causes a person to be ignorant and self-absorbed. Being blinded by one’s own flaws can do no good. 
6. Maatsarya (Envy): It is easiest to be jealous in the present world. Many times, social media causes us pain instead of happiness. We see the best version of others and hope to be in their places, forgetting the good we already have. 
7. Buddhi (Intellect): A feat we want to learn from Ravan. He excelled in many fields and led mostly a disciplined life as can be gauged from the austerities and deep meditations he did. However, it is also important to be wise at all times. 
8. Maanas (Mind): It is up to us to let the mind be ruled by positive or by negative thoughts. 
9. Chitt (Will): Having great willpower is the strength of a strong mind. In today’s distraction-filled life, it is important to keep a check on willpower.  
10. Ahamkar (Ego): Ego leads to wars and riots. It also breaks homes. It is important to acknowledge wrongdoings and seek forgiveness.  

Personal Reflection

While writing this blog, I observed my lifestyle, trying to introspect how many Ravan’s heads I have. 

I had a nasty fight with my loving partner. I had a profound desire to be loved but I could not communicate it. Ego! O Ego! It clearly stood tall. If I can be egoistic to the person closest to me, where all is this emotion hiding within me? Needless to say, anger was victorious too in this conflict. 

I am no saint. Chaos keeps its presence in the life I enjoy living. I feel that the mind can either be one’s best friend or worst enemy. It is important to control it. There are times when I am a procrastinator, resulting in delayed posts and half-written material. 

I am no one to judge on greed, I have enjoyed fast fashion in the past. I am trying to be responsible, and it is difficult. 

A relative’s wedding made me envious. Most of the people I loved were there. I had married during COVID-19 and could not invite even the closest people to me. For an instant, I forgot the health factors and monetary savings we made because of this decision. 

I hope to learn from my mistakes and Ravan’s. What about you?

Conclusion

Dearest reader, which head of Ravan resonates most with you? Are you struggling with lust, anger, or perhaps a touch of greed? We have the power to choose. We can identify these internal battles and choose to use our intellect, will, and awareness to overcome them. Just like Ram conquered Ravan, we too can find the strength to conquer the darkness within. 

Remember, you are not just a story; you are the author! 

Note: I have not ended Indic names with ‘a’ as is done traditionally. I have used the names as pronounced in my family.