This post will summarize the key points about Ravana, Kumbhkarana, and Vibhisana. It will focus on their unique traits. It will explore their roles in the Ramayana and their relationships. It is based on the book Ravana The Great: King of Lanka by M.S.Purnalingam Pillai, which examines their history, and beliefs. By exploring these figures, we will learn the lessons from their stories and their importance in Indian culture and literature. .
Before we learn more, let us see a chart which tells us about the difference between Rakshas and humans.
Ravana: Raja of Lanka
| Title | Raja of Lanka |
| Predecessor | Kubera |
| Successor | Vibhishana |
| Spouse | Vidyadhara Maya, Mandodari, Dhanyamalini, Chitrangada |
| Children | |
| – From Mandodari | Indrajit, Akshayakumara |
| – From Dhanyamalini | Narantaka, Devantaka, Atikaya, Trishira |
| – From Chitrangada | Veerbahu |
| – Spiritual Sons | Mahiravana |
| – According to Some Legends | Sita (by Vidyadhara Maya) In thirteen out of the seventeen versions under review, Sita is said to be the daughter of Ravana or his consort, and on the advice of the astrologers predicting evil consequences of her birth, Sita is abandoned, and she becomes the adoptive daughter of a king or hermit. |
| Father | Vishrava |
| Mother | Kaikesi |
| Religion | Hinduism, Jainism |
| Author | Ravana Samhita (Hindu astrology), Arka Prakasham (Siddha medicine) |
| Expertise | Siddha medicine, Political science, Music (Sama Veda) |
| Immortality Boon | Had nectar of immortality in his belly, granted by Brahma (in some versions) |
| Death | Killed by Lord Rama using Brahma’s weapon, gifted by Sage Agastya |
How was Lanka?
Lanka, the golden city, was a wealthy and powerful kingdom ruled by Ravana. Built by Vishwakarma or Maya Danava, it was heavily fortified but ultimately destroyed in the war with Lord Rama.
Who is Rakshas?
Rakshasas were shape-shifting demons with magical powers, known for their strength and mastery of illusion. While most were fearsome and destructive, some, like Vibhishana, followed righteousness. They were ultimately defeated by Rama for their misuse of power.
Past Life of Ravana: Reincarnations of Jaya and Vijaya & The Purpose of Lord Vishnu’s Avatars
1. Arrival of the Four Kumaras at Vaikuntha
1.1 The Four Kumaras, sons of Lord Brahma, entered Vaikuntha.
1.2 They experienced a unique transcendental ecstasy never encountered before.
2. Passing Through the Gates of Vaikuntha
3.1 They passed through six gates without taking much notice, unaffected by their grandeur.
3.2 At the seventh gate, they encountered two doorkeepers of Vaikuntha.
3.3 The gatekeepers were agitated, with red eyes and restless breathing.
3. The Mistake of the Gatekeepers (Jaya and Vijaya)
3.1 The gatekeepers blocked the Kumaras’ way with their staffs.
3.2 This was a mistake, as the Kumaras were revered sages.
4. The Kumaras’ Anger
4.1 The usually serene Kumaras became angry at being stopped.
4.2 Their eyes turned red in frustration.
5. Reincarnations of Jaya and Vijaya
Due to a curse, Jaya and Vijaya were born as powerful demons in three different yugas:
- Satya Yuga: Born as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, slain by Lord Varaha and Lord Narasimha.
- Treta Yuga: Born as Ravana and Kumbhakarna, slain by Lord Rama.
- Dvapara Yuga: Born as Shishupala and Dantavakra, slain by Lord Krishna.
6. The Decline of Jaya and Vijaya’s Strength Over the Yugas
6.1 In their first birth (Satya Yuga), they were mighty asuras, ruling vast territories.
6.2 In their second birth (Treta Yuga), they became rakshasas, ruling only a region.
6.3 In their third birth (Dvapara Yuga), they reduced further in power, born as humans in Krishna’s lineage.
7. The Purpose of Lord Vishnu’s Incarnations
7.1 In Satya Yuga, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha and Narasimha to defeat Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu.
7.2 In Treta Yuga, He incarnated as Rama to slay Ravana and Kumbhakarna.
7.3 In Dvapara Yuga, He incarnated as Krishna to eliminate Shishupala and Dantavakra.
The Commitment and Devotion of the Lankans under Ravana
1. Ravana’s Background & Boons
1.1 Ravana was a Rakshasa with Brahmin lineage, well-versed in all the Vedas.
1.2 His flawless recitation of the Sama Veda pleased Lord Shiva.
1.3 In return, Shiva granted him immense boons and saved him from Mount Kailash’s crushing weight.
1.4 Through extreme penance and austerities, Ravana attained numerous siddhis (spiritual powers).
2. Lanka’s Prosperity under Ravana
2.1 More prosperous than Kubera’s Alakaapuri, signifying Lanka’s wealth and splendor.
2.2 Lanka was a utopian kingdom, ensuring absolute happiness for its citizens.
2.3 Ravana as a benevolent despot: He ensured the well-being of his people.
2.4 Kambar’s Ramayana describes Lanka’s manifold grandeur and opulence.
3. Cultural & Social Flourishing
3.1 Citizens lived in marmoreal mansions, symbolizing architectural excellence.
3.2 Lanka was filled with cool, serene, and melliferous (sweet-smelling) groves.
3.3 The people sang, danced, and celebrated life joyfully.
3.4 Kambar’s verse states that none in Lanka knew misery, highlighting complete social welfare.
4. Governance and Public Satisfaction
4.1 Lanka’s government was considered the best the world had ever seen.
4.2 Macaulay’s philosophy aligns with this: “The best government desires to make people happy and knows how to do it.”
4.3 Ravana’s administration ensured law, order, and prosperity for all citizens.
4.4 The citizens’ devotion and loyalty to Lanka reflected their deep satisfaction.
5. Legacy of Ravana’s Rule
5.1 Despite his moral flaws, Ravana’s governance remains a model of prosperity and happiness.
5.2 The Lankan citizens’ loyalty and commitment demonstrated the effectiveness of his rule.
5.3 His cultural, economic, and social policies made Lanka a legendary kingdom.
5.4 The historical and mythological admiration of Lanka reflects its grandeur in Hindu epics.
Rape of Rambha
- Ravana saw Rambha, an apsara, and was filled with lust.
- Rambha resisted, stating she was his daughter-in-law.
- Ravana raped her despite her protests.
- Nalakuvara cursed him: If Ravana forced himself on a woman, his head would split into pieces.
- Curse’s effect: This prevented Ravana from assaulting Sita after abducting her.
Worship
- Shiva Devotee: Ravana is worshipped as one of Lord Shiva’s most devoted followers.
- Vidisha Worship: Kanyakubja Brahmins in Vidisha worship Ravana, considering him a savior and prosperous figure.
- Ravana Temple in Madhya Pradesh: Daily puja is performed in Ravangram, Vidisha District.
- Kanpur Temple: Built by King Shiv Shankar, it opens once a year on Dussehra for puja.
- Bisrakh Worship: Hindus of Bisrakh claim their town as Ravana’s birthplace and worship him.
- Gujarat Lineage: Sachora Brahmins claim descent from Ravana and some use “Ravan” as a surname.
- Mathura Saraswat Brahmins: Recognize Ravana as a Saraswat Brahmin by lineage.
- Ravani Lineage: Historical mention of a lineage connected to Ravana (Upadhyaya Yasastrata II).
- Gondi Tribe Connection: The Gondi people worship Ravana as an ancient king, their 10th dharmaguru and 18th lingo (divine teacher).
- Gondi Dussehra Ritual: Gondis in Paraswadi carry Ravana’s image on an elephant in a grand procession.
Temples
The following temples in India are for Ravana as a Shiva Bhakta.
- Ravangram Ravana Temple, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
- Dashanan Temple, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Ravana Temple, Bisrakh, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Kakinada Ravana Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh
- Mandore Ravan Temple, Jodhpur
- Baijanath Temple, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh
- Ravaleshwara temple- Malavalli, mandya district of Karnataka
Influence
Ravana-Dahan (burning effigy of Ravana)
Effigies of Ravana are burned on Vijayadashami in many places throughout India to symbolize Rama’s triumph over evil.
Ravanahatha
According to mythology, the ravanahatha, an ancient bowed string instrument, was created by Ravana and is still used as a Rajasthani folk instrument.
Kumbhkarna and Curses
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parentage | Son of Sage Vishrava and Rakshasi Kaikesi. Younger brother of Ravana and elder brother of Vibhishana and Shurpanakha. |
| Birth & Lineage | Born into the Rakshasa race but had great physical and intellectual prowess. Grandson of Sage Pulastya (one of the Saptarishis). |
| Physical Traits | A giant Rakshasa with immense strength, known for his massive appetite and fearsome presence in battle. |
| Boons & Curse | Performed severe penance to Lord Brahma, but due to Goddess Saraswati’s intervention (manipulated by Indra), mistakenly asked for “Nidrasana” (eternal sleep) instead of “Indrasana” (Indra’s throne). |
| Modified Boon | Ravana pleaded with Brahma, who modified the boon so Kumbhakarna would sleep for six months and remain awake for only one day. |
| Personality | Wise, intelligent, and righteous, despite his allegiance to Ravana. He often advised Ravana to return Sita and avoid war. |
| Role in the Ramayana | Initially opposed the war with Rama and advised Ravana to seek peace, but when ignored, fought loyally for Lanka. |
| Battle in Lanka War | After waking from his deep sleep, he was given enormous amounts of food before entering battle. He wreaked havoc in Rama’s army, killing many Vanaras. |
| Death | Ultimately, Kumbhakarna was slain by Lord Rama with powerful arrows, including the Brahmastra, after a fierce battle. |
| Symbolism | Represents duty and loyalty to family, even when the cause is unjust. His character highlights the moral dilemmas of Dharma vs. family loyalty. |
| Comparison with Vibhishana | Unlike Vibhishana, who chose Dharma over kinship, Kumbhakarna upheld loyalty to his brother, even when he knew Ravana’s actions were wrong. |
| Rebirth | According to Hindu belief, he was one of the cursed forms of Jaya, the gatekeeper of Vaikuntha. In a later birth, he was reborn as Dantavakra, slain by Lord Krishna. |
- Kumbhakarna was the second son of Vishrava and Kaikasi.
- According to Srimad Bhagavad Purana, he was the manifestation of Vijaya, the doorkeeper of Vaikunta.
- He was cursed to be born as a demon by the Sanakadi Rishis.
- Kumbhakarna performed intense austerities along with Ravana at Gokarna.
- The tapasya went on for several years, causing concern among the Devas.
- Devas feared that Kumbhakarna would become too powerful and threaten both earth and heaven.
- The Devas sought help from Goddess Saraswati, who promised to intervene.
- Brahma eventually appeared before Kumbhakarna to grant a boon.
- Kumbhakarna intended to ask for the extinction of the Devas (nirdevata).
- Goddess Saraswati influenced his speech, and he mistakenly asked for sleepiness (nidravata).
- Brahma granted the boon, and Kumbhakarna slept for six months and woke up for just one day.
Vibhishana
Life of Vibhishana – A Detailed Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parentage | Son of Sage Vishrava and Rakshasi Kaikesi. Younger brother of Ravana and Kumbhakarna, elder brother of Shurpanakha. |
| Birth & Lineage | Born as a Rakshasa, but due to his father’s Brahmin lineage, he followed a righteous path. Grandson of Sage Pulastya (one of the Saptarishis). |
| Personality | Pious, intelligent, devoted to Dharma. Unlike his brothers, he followed righteousness and opposed evil. |
| Boons & Immortality | Performed penance to Lord Brahma, asking for the boon of always being righteous. As a reward, he was granted Chiranjivi (immortality). |
| Conflict with Ravana | Strongly opposed Ravana’s abduction of Sita and advised him to return her to avoid war. |
| Defection to Rama | When Ravana refused his advice, Vibhishana left Lanka and joined Lord Rama. He revealed key secrets of Ravana’s army, ensuring Rama’s victory. |
| Role in Lanka War | Provided intelligence on Ravana’s weak points, including the nectar of immortality stored in Ravana’s belly, which helped Rama kill him. |
| Aftermath of War | After Ravana’s death, Rama crowned Vibhishana as the King of Lanka, ensuring a just and righteous rule. |
| Marriage to Mandodari (Disputed) | Some versions mention that he married Mandodari, Ravana’s widow, while others state he only sought her blessings. |
| Chiranjivi Status | One of the eight immortals (Chiranjivis), ordered by Rama (Vishnu) to remain on Earth and guide people in Dharma. |
| Spiritual Duty | Entrusted with the worship of Ranganatha (Vishnu), the deity of the Solar Dynasty. This led to the legend of Srirangam Temple in Tamil Nadu. |
| Regional Worship | Once worshipped as a guardian deity in Sri Lanka, particularly in Kelaniya, but later replaced by Goddess Pattini. |
| Symbolism | Represents Dharma over family loyalty, a contrast to Kumbhakarna, who chose kinship over righteousness. |
| Comparison with Yuyutsu (Mahabharata) | Like Yuyutsu, who defected from the Kauravas to the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, Vibhishana chose the side of righteousness over his own family. |
Detailed Explanation
1. Devotion to Rama & Lanka War
1.1 Opposed Ravana’s kidnapping of Sita, leading to conflict with his brother.
1.2 Fled Lanka after his mother Kaikesi advised him to serve Rama.
1.3 Revealed secrets of Ravana’s army, ensuring Rama’s victory.
1.4 Provided key intelligence, including the secret of Ravana’s invulnerability (nectar in his belly).
1.5 After Ravana’s defeat, Rama crowned him King of Lanka.
1.6 Some versions say he married Ravana’s queen Mandodari, while others state he only sought her blessings.
1.7 Had a daughter named Trijata.
2. Chiranjivi (Immortal)
2.1 When Rama left Ayodhya, Vibhishana was ordered to remain on Earth to guide people in Dharma.
2.2 Considered one of the Chiranjivis (immortals).
2.3 Tasked with worshipping Ranganatha, the family deity of the Solar dynasty.
3. Personal Attributes
3.1 Meaning of Name: Vibhishana (Sanskrit: विभीषण) means formidable.
3.2 Chiranjivi Status: One of the eight immortals (Chiranjivis) in Hindu mythology.
3.3 Ravana’s Younger Brother: Born to Kaikesi (a Rakshasi) and Vishrava (a sage).
3.4 Devoted to Dharma: Chose righteousness over family loyalty.
3.5 Boon from Brahma: Granted immortality and the ability to always follow the path of righteousness.
3.6 Defected to Rama: Opposed Ravana’s actions and joined Lord Rama’s side.
3.7 Helped Defeat Ravana: Provided crucial intelligence on Ravana’s army.
3.8 Crowned King of Lanka: After Ravana’s death, Rama made him the ruler.
3.9 Pious Nature: Though born a Rakshasa, he considered himself a Brahmin due to his lineage.
4. Symbolism & Comparisons
4.1 Younger brother of Ravana, born as an Asura but devoted to Dharma.
4.2 Selfless and righteous, aligned with Lord Rama despite family ties.
4.3 Opposed Ravana’s actions, especially the abduction of Sita.
4.4 Defected to Rama, revealing Lanka’s secrets and aiding in Ravana’s defeat.
4.5 Crowned King of Lanka, tasked with ruling justly.
4.6 Compared to Yuyutsu (Mahabharata) for choosing righteousness over loyalty.
4.7 Symbol of moral dilemmas, showcasing the complexity of Dharma.
Characterization & Regional Legends of Vibhishana
5. Characterization in the Ramayana
5.1 Symbol of Dharma’s Practicality: Demonstrates different ways to uphold righteousness.
5.2 Contrast with Kumbhakarna: While Kumbhakarna chose loyalty to kin, Vibhishana upheld loyalty to Dharma.
5.3 No Single Moral Path: Ramayana highlights multiple ways of handling moral dilemmas.
6. Regional Legends
6.1 Srirangam (India)
6.1.1 During Rama’s coronation, Vibhishana received the sacred Sri Ranga Vimana.
6.1.2 On his way to Lanka, he placed it near the Kaveri River, but it became immovable.
6.1.3 Vishnu appeared, stating he wished to stay there as Ranganatha, leading to the establishment of Srirangam temple.
6.1.4 Srirangam’s festivals are linked to this legend.
6.2 Sri Lanka
6.2.1 Once worshipped as a guardian deity (Sathara Waram Deviyo) by the Sinhalese.
6.2.2 Yaksha capital moved: After Ravana’s defeat, Vibhishana shifted the capital from Alaka Mandawa to Kelaniya.
6.2.3 Kelaniya Temple: 15th-century Sri Lankan poetry references a temple dedicated to Vibhishana in Kelaniya.
6.2.4 Decline in Worship: After the 16th century, Goddess Pattini replaced him as a major deity.
aśvatthāmā balirvyāsō hanumāṁśca vibhīṣaṇaḥ।
kṛpaḥ paraśurāmaśca saptaitai cirañjīvinaḥ॥
saptaitān saṁsmarēnnityaṁ mārkaṇḍēyamathāṣṭamam।
jīvēdvarṣaśataṁ sopi sarvavyādhivivarjitaḥ॥— Sapta Chiranjivi Stotram
The mantra states that the remembrance of the eight immortals (Ashwatthama, Mahabali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripa, Parashurama, and Markandeya) offers one freedom from ailments and longevity.
Sources:
Puranas – Ancient Indian Texts of Knowledge and Wisdom
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