Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:April 21, 2025, 17:10 IST
Ram defeated Ravana with a Brahmastra, leading to Ravana’s death. Vibhishan refused to cremate Ravana, but Ram convinced him. Mandodari married Vibhishan after Ravana’s death
Knowing his many sins, Ravana took Ram’s name three times while dying, seeking to free himself from his sins.(AI Generated)
Why did Ravana utter Lord Ram’s name three times moments before dying? Why did the demon king’s brother Vibhishan refuse to perform his last rites? Some stories from the Ramayana have fascinating context behind them. This is one such story. On the tenth day of their epic battle, Lord Ram struck Ravana’s navel with the Brahmastra, causing Ravana to fall. It took some time for him to die, and as he breathed his last, he uttered Ram’s name three times.
Ravana’s End And Vibhishan’s Refusal
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When Ram reached Lanka with his massive monkey army, a fierce battle ensued with Ravana’s forces, and all of Ravana’s brave warriors were slain one by one. Finally, Ravana joined the battle, and although it was difficult to kill him, Lord Ram’s Brahmastra, aimed at his navel filled with Amrit, proved fatal.
Ravana fell to the ground, realising his end was near, and slowly breathed his last. The question arose about who would cremate Ravana, a necessary ritual. Vibhishan, the only surviving brother who had sided with Ram, initially refused, arguing that Ravana was a sinner. Ram had to explain that death absolves the sins of a mortal body, convincing Vibhishan to perform the last rites. Ravana was then cremated with respect.
Mandodari’s Choice
Following Ravana’s death, his chief wife Mandodari married Vibhishan instead of living as a widow. Mandodari and Vibhishan ruled Lanka on Ram’s advice. However, some believe that Mandodari adopted a spiritual life.
Another belief suggests that Vibhishan did not perform the cremation. Instead, the Nagakul people preserved Ravana’s body by mummifying it. It is said that Ravana’s body is kept in an 18-foot-long coffin in a cave in the Raggala forest of Sri Lanka, along with his treasure.
Ravana’s Last Words
Ravana, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, offered his head many times to please Shiva but did not achieve salvation due to improper worship. Knowing his many sins, Ravana took Ram’s name three times while dying, seeking to free himself from his sins. Remembering Ram’s name is believed to lead to salvation as it destroys sins and liberates the soul.
Ravana also imparted three significant teachings to Laxman while dying:
- Complete good work as soon as possible, as life is uncertain and delays can cause missed opportunities.
- Even the smallest ailment can be fatal, and a seemingly weak enemy can be dangerous. Ravana underestimated Ram and his army, leading to his defeat.
- Do not share life’s secrets with anyone, no matter how dear they are. Vibhishan knew the secret of the Amrit Kund in Ravana’s navel, which led to Ravana’s downfall.
SOURCE : NEWS 18
