Truth about Ravana's Character
Since I have been an ardent reader of the Indian epics for a while, so I thought I should present some facts about the Ravan's Character from the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa and clear some misconceptions about it.
Myth- "Ravan was said to be great Dharmik in Valmiki Ramayan"
क्षेप्तारम् पर्वत अग्राणाम् सुराणाम् च प्रमर्दनम् |
उच्छेत्तारम् च धर्माणाम् पर दार अभिमर्शनम् || ३-३२-१२
At him who is a volleyer of mountain peaks, a represser of gods, an extirpator of ethical values, and a molester of others wives, Shuurpanakha saw. [3-32-12]
सर्व दिव्य अस्त्र योक्तारम् यज्ञ विघ्न करम् सदा |
पुरीम् भोगवतीम् गत्वा पराजित्य च वासुकिम् ||३-३२-१३
तक्षकस्य प्रियाम् भार्याम् पराजित्य जहार यः |
He who is a marksman of every divine missile, and an ever interdictor of Vedic-rituals, and who on going to the city named Bhogavati, the capital of Naga-s, and on defeating Vaasuki, the King of Serpents, has abducted the dear wife of Taksha on molesting her, and Shuurpanakha saw such a molester of others wives.[3-32-13]
Reality- He was womanizer, molest other wives and kidnapped the wife of Taksha.
मन्त्रैः अभितुष्टम् पुण्यम् अध्वरेषु द्विजातिभिः || ३-३२-१९
हविर्धानेषु यः सोमम् उपहन्ति महाबलः |
He who is an extreme-ultraist that expropriates the Soma-juice-oblation form the vessels of oblation in Vedic-rituals, which Soma juice-oblation is blest with Vedic-hymns and kept separately by Vedic Brahmans, since it is intended and shall belong to Indra and other divinities, and she saw such a plunderer. [3-32-19b, 20a]
प्राप्त यज्ञ हरम् दुष्टम् ब्रह्म घ्नम् क्रूर कारिणम् || ३-३२-२०
कर्कशम् निरनुक्रोशम् प्रजानाम् अहिते रतम् |
He who is such an embezzler of the Vedic-rituals at the time of their culmination, a malicious one, and one with cruel acts, a hinderer of Vedic-rituals, or, the slayer of those Brahmans that conduct Vedic-rituals contrary to his wishes, and one who is heartless and a rampant demon, who is a delighter in the iniquity to the people, at him Shuurpanakha saw. [3-32-20b, 21a]
Reality- He siezed the Soma juice ,destroyed Yagyas of Brahmins and killed many Brahmins.
The problem with Ravana is that nobody shall surpass him or his boons, by conducting various Vedic-rituals, appeasing various gods to get better boons, or say 'a boon to kill Ravana' itself. That being his preconceived fear he lets none to conduct any Vedic sacrifice. Secondly, he has became one with Indra with the boon of Brahma. So, any ritual should be centred on Ravana, not Indra. He is not a routine Brahman slayer as he has Brahmanic origin, and his teachers are Brahmans, and the like. But he goes against those Brahmans who dare to conduct rituals for Indra and other divinities.
Myth - "He didn't touched Mata Sita while kidnapping her."
इति उक्त्वा मैथिलीम् वाक्यम् प्रिय अर्हाम् प्रिय वादिनीम् || ३-४९-१५
अभिगम्य सुदुष्ट आत्मा राक्षसः काम मोहितः |
जग्राह रावणः सीताम् बुधः खे रोहिणीम् इव || ३-४९-१६
On saying that sentence to Maithili, who by herself is a nice talker and who is a proper one for addressing with nice words, that verily evil-minded demon Ravana maddened by lust drew nigh of Seetha and grabbed her, as Budha, the Jupiter grabs the Star Rohini in firmament. [3-49-15b, 16]
वामेन सीताम् पद्माक्षीम् मूर्धजेषु करेण सः |
ऊर्वोः तु दक्षिणेन एव परिजग्राह पाणिना || ३-४९-१७
He that Ravana grabbed the lotus-eyed Seetha on lifting her up with his left hand at her plait of hair at nape, and with his right hand at her thighs. [3-49-17]
ततः ताम् परुषैः वाक्यैः अभितर्ज्य महास्वनः |
अंकेन आदाय वैदेहीम् रथम् आरोपयत् तदा || ३-४९-२०
Then he whose voice is strident that Ravana lifted her up by her waist and got Vaidehi up on the air-chariot intimidating her with bitter words. [3-49-20]
Reality- He absolutely did and grabs Mata Sita's hair and thighs . He lifted m
इति उक्त्वा मैथिलीम् वाक्यम् प्रिय अर्हाम् प्रिय वादिनीम् || ३-४९-१५
अभिगम्य सुदुष्ट आत्मा राक्षसः काम मोहितः |
जग्राह रावणः सीताम् बुधः खे रोहिणीम् इव || ३-४९-१६
On saying that sentence to Maithili, who by herself is a nice talker and who is a proper one for addressing with nice words, that verily evil-minded demon Ravana maddened by lust drew nigh of Seetha and grabbed her, as Budha, the Jupiter grabs the Star Rohini in firmament. [3-49-15b, 16]
वामेन सीताम् पद्माक्षीम् मूर्धजेषु करेण सः |
ऊर्वोः तु दक्षिणेन एव परिजग्राह पाणिना || ३-४९-१७
He that Ravana grabbed the lotus-eyed Seetha on lifting her up with his left hand at her plait of hair at nape, and with his right hand at her thighs. [3-49-17]
ततः ताम् परुषैः वाक्यैः अभितर्ज्य महास्वनः |
अंकेन आदाय वैदेहीम् रथम् आरोपयत् तदा || ३-४९-२०
Then he whose voice is strident that Ravana lifted her up by her waist and got Vaidehi up on the air-chariot intimidating her with bitter words. [3-49-20]
Reality- He absolutely did and grabs Mata Sita's hair and thighs . He lifted m
Mata Sita's waist to put her on his pushpak Vimana.
Myth: "Ravan was unlike other demons and didn't eat humans."
शृणु मैथिलि मत् वाक्यम् मासान् द्वादश भामिनि || ३-५६-२४
कालेन अनेन न अभ्येषि यदि माम् चारु हासिनि |
ततः त्वाम् प्रातः आशा अर्थम् सूदाः छेत्स्यन्ति लेशशः || ३-५६-२५
Oh, angry lady Maithili, listen to my words. A period of twelve months is given to you. And oh, smiley smiler, if you do not come nigh of me within that period, then the cooks will slice you to pieces for the purpose of a morning meal." [3-56-24b, 25]
ऊर्ध्वं द्वाभ्यां तु मासाभ्यां भर्तारम् मामनिच्चतीम् |
मम त्वां प्रातराशार्थमालभन्ते महानसे || ५-२२-९
Above two months you not desiring me as husband will be killed in my kitched for my breakfast."
Reality- Ravan threatened mata Sita and said unless marry to him, he will make her his breakfast
शृणु मैथिलि मत् वाक्यम् मासान् द्वादश भामिनि || ३-५६-२४
कालेन अनेन न अभ्येषि यदि माम् चारु हासिनि |
ततः त्वाम् प्रातः आशा अर्थम् सूदाः छेत्स्यन्ति लेशशः || ३-५६-२५
Oh, angry lady Maithili, listen to my words. A period of twelve months is given to you. And oh, smiley smiler, if you do not come nigh of me within that period, then the cooks will slice you to pieces for the purpose of a morning meal." [3-56-24b, 25]
ऊर्ध्वं द्वाभ्यां तु मासाभ्यां भर्तारम् मामनिच्चतीम् |
मम त्वां प्रातराशार्थमालभन्ते महानसे || ५-२२-९
Above two months you not desiring me as husband will be killed in my kitched for my breakfast."
Reality- Ravan threatened mata Sita and said unless marry to him, he will make her his breakfast
Myth - "Ravana was waiting for Mata Sita consent."
पितामहस्य भवनम् गच्चन्तीम् पुञ्जिकस्थलाम् |
चञ्चूर्यमाणामद्राक्षमाकाशेऽग्निशिखामिव || ६-१३-११
"Once I saw a celestial nymph, Punjikasthala(by name) flashing like a flame, concealing herself in the sky and proceeding towards the abode of Brahma."
सा प्रसह्य मया भुक्ता कृता विवसना ततः |
स्वयम्भूभवनम् प्राप्ता लोलिता नलिनी यथा || ६-१३-१२
She was made unclothed by me and was enjoyed forcibly. Thereafter, appearing like a crumpled lotus, she went to the abode of Brahma."
तच्च तस्य तदा मन्ये ज्ञातमासीन्महात्मनः |
अथ सम्कुपितो वेधा मामिदम् वाक्यमब्रवी || ६-१३-१३
"I think that the matter was made known to the high soled Brahama and then the enraged Brahma spoke to me the following words:
अद्यप्रभृति यामन्याम् बलान्नारीम् गमिष्यसि |
तदा ते शतधा मुर्धा फलिष्यति न संशयः || ६-१३-१४
From today onwards, if you revel with any other woman forcibly, your head then undoubtedly will break asunder into a hundred pieces."
पितामहस्य भवनम् गच्चन्तीम् पुञ्जिकस्थलाम् |
चञ्चूर्यमाणामद्राक्षमाकाशेऽग्निशिखामिव || ६-१३-११
"Once I saw a celestial nymph, Punjikasthala(by name) flashing like a flame, concealing herself in the sky and proceeding towards the abode of Brahma."
सा प्रसह्य मया भुक्ता कृता विवसना ततः |
स्वयम्भूभवनम् प्राप्ता लोलिता नलिनी यथा || ६-१३-१२
She was made unclothed by me and was enjoyed forcibly. Thereafter, appearing like a crumpled lotus, she went to the abode of Brahma."
तच्च तस्य तदा मन्ये ज्ञातमासीन्महात्मनः |
अथ सम्कुपितो वेधा मामिदम् वाक्यमब्रवी || ६-१३-१३
"I think that the matter was made known to the high soled Brahama and then the enraged Brahma spoke to me the following words:
अद्यप्रभृति यामन्याम् बलान्नारीम् गमिष्यसि |
तदा ते शतधा मुर्धा फलिष्यति न संशयः || ६-१३-१४
From today onwards, if you revel with any other woman forcibly, your head then undoubtedly will break asunder into a hundred pieces."
Reality- Fearing the curse given in this manner by Brahama, he didn't violently make Sita to mount on bed forcibly."
Myth: "Ravan had kidnapped Mata Sita to avenger her sister's insult."
त्वरमणः ततो गत्वा जनस्थानात् अकंपनः |
प्रविश्य लंकाम् वेगेन रावणम् वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् || ३-३१-१
Then on going hurriedly from Janasthaana and on speedily entering Lanka Akampana spoke these words to Ravana. [3-31-1]
जनस्थान स्थिता राजन् रक्षसा बहवो हताः |
खरः च निहतः संख्ये क्थंचित् अहम् आगतः || ३-३१-२
Oh, king, many demons positioned in Janasthaana are killed, Khara is also killed in war, and somehow I have come here. [3-31-2]
न हि रामो दशग्रीव शक्यो जेतुम् रणे त्वया |
रक्षसाम् वा अपि लोकेन स्वर्गः पाप जनैः इव || ३-३१-२७
Oh, Dashagriiva, it is impossible to conquer that Rama in war for your, either singly or along with the hosts of the demon-supporters of yours, as one heaven cannot be won by many sinners. [3-31-27
न तम् वध्यम् अहम् मन्ये सर्वैः देव असुरैः अपि |
अयम् अस्य वध उपाय तत् एकमनाः शृउणु || ३-३१-२८
"I do not think that he is killable even for all god and demons, and this is the idea to kill him, and to this you may listen attentively. [3-31-28]
तस्य अपहर भार्याम् त्वम् तम् प्रमथ्य महावने |
सीताया रहितो रामो न च एव हि भविष्यति || ३-३१-३१
You forcefully abduct his wife when she is in solitude, and indeed Rama will not exist reft of Seetha." Akampana advised Ravana in this way. [3-31-31]
Reality- He got first idea to kidnap Mata Sita from Akampan. Because Shree Rama had killed his army along with Khara and Duushana on Janasthana.
बाढम् कल्यम् गमिष्यामि हि एकः सारथिना सह |
आनेष्यामि च वैदेहीम् इमाम् हृष्टो महा पुरीम् || ३-३१-३३
Agreed! I wish to go alone early in the morning with a charioteer and I delightfully wish to lead Vaidehi into the elegant city Lanka." Ravana declared that way. [3-31-33]
Ravan agreed to Kidnap Mata Sita on advice from Akampan.
बहु सैन्यम् महावीर्यम् जनस्थाने निवेशितम् |
स दूषण खरम् युद्धे निहतम् राम सायकैः || ३-५४-२२
"Though highly forceful forces are deployed in Janasthaana, Rama's arrows have utterly destroyed them, together with Khara and Duushana. [3-54-22]
ततः क्रोधो मम अपूर्वो धैर्यस्य उपरि वर्धते |
वैरम् च सुमहत् जातम् रामम् प्रति सुदारुणम् || ३-५४-२३
Thereby an unprecedented fury is escalating over and above my courage, and an unhindered and unforgivable animosity towards that Rama is evoked in me. [3-54-23]
तम् तु इदानीम् अहम् हत्वा खर दूषण घातिनम् |
रामम् शर्म उपलप्स्यामि धनम् लब्ध्वा इव निर्धनः || ३-५४-२५
"I for myself will be comfortable only on eliminating him who has eliminated Khara and Duushana as with a pauper acquiring riches. [3-54-25]
Ravana again tells why he had kidnapped Mata Sita . Its was due to killing of Rakshash army.
त्वरमणः ततो गत्वा जनस्थानात् अकंपनः |
प्रविश्य लंकाम् वेगेन रावणम् वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् || ३-३१-१
Then on going hurriedly from Janasthaana and on speedily entering Lanka Akampana spoke these words to Ravana. [3-31-1]
जनस्थान स्थिता राजन् रक्षसा बहवो हताः |
खरः च निहतः संख्ये क्थंचित् अहम् आगतः || ३-३१-२
Oh, king, many demons positioned in Janasthaana are killed, Khara is also killed in war, and somehow I have come here. [3-31-2]
न हि रामो दशग्रीव शक्यो जेतुम् रणे त्वया |
रक्षसाम् वा अपि लोकेन स्वर्गः पाप जनैः इव || ३-३१-२७
Oh, Dashagriiva, it is impossible to conquer that Rama in war for your, either singly or along with the hosts of the demon-supporters of yours, as one heaven cannot be won by many sinners. [3-31-27
न तम् वध्यम् अहम् मन्ये सर्वैः देव असुरैः अपि |
अयम् अस्य वध उपाय तत् एकमनाः शृउणु || ३-३१-२८
"I do not think that he is killable even for all god and demons, and this is the idea to kill him, and to this you may listen attentively. [3-31-28]
तस्य अपहर भार्याम् त्वम् तम् प्रमथ्य महावने |
सीताया रहितो रामो न च एव हि भविष्यति || ३-३१-३१
You forcefully abduct his wife when she is in solitude, and indeed Rama will not exist reft of Seetha." Akampana advised Ravana in this way. [3-31-31]
Reality- He got first idea to kidnap Mata Sita from Akampan. Because Shree Rama had killed his army along with Khara and Duushana on Janasthana.
बाढम् कल्यम् गमिष्यामि हि एकः सारथिना सह |
आनेष्यामि च वैदेहीम् इमाम् हृष्टो महा पुरीम् || ३-३१-३३
Agreed! I wish to go alone early in the morning with a charioteer and I delightfully wish to lead Vaidehi into the elegant city Lanka." Ravana declared that way. [3-31-33]
Ravan agreed to Kidnap Mata Sita on advice from Akampan.
बहु सैन्यम् महावीर्यम् जनस्थाने निवेशितम् |
स दूषण खरम् युद्धे निहतम् राम सायकैः || ३-५४-२२
"Though highly forceful forces are deployed in Janasthaana, Rama's arrows have utterly destroyed them, together with Khara and Duushana. [3-54-22]
ततः क्रोधो मम अपूर्वो धैर्यस्य उपरि वर्धते |
वैरम् च सुमहत् जातम् रामम् प्रति सुदारुणम् || ३-५४-२३
Thereby an unprecedented fury is escalating over and above my courage, and an unhindered and unforgivable animosity towards that Rama is evoked in me. [3-54-23]
तम् तु इदानीम् अहम् हत्वा खर दूषण घातिनम् |
रामम् शर्म उपलप्स्यामि धनम् लब्ध्वा इव निर्धनः || ३-५४-२५
"I for myself will be comfortable only on eliminating him who has eliminated Khara and Duushana as with a pauper acquiring riches. [3-54-25]
Ravana again tells why he had kidnapped Mata Sita . Its was due to killing of Rakshash army.
Conclusion-
1) Ravan molests other wives.
2) Destroys Yagya and kill innocent Brahmin
3) He grabbed Mata Sita's hair and forcefully abducted her.
4) He didn't rape Mata Sita due to famous curse.
5) Ravan kidnapped Mata sita to avenge Rama for killing his army.
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