Facts about Ravana
Shiva, annoyed by Ravana's arrogance, pressed his smallest toe on Kailash, pinning Ravana firmly underneath.
Ravana's arrogance towards the gods, and improper behavior towards Sita, sets in motion a chain of events that culminates in an epic battle between Ravana and Rama, which is chronicled in the Ramayana.
Ravana was also known for his aggressive "conquests" of women.
Unknowingly, Ravana attempted to uproot and move the mountain on a whim.
Due to this injury, Rama allowed Ravana to live and return to fight another day.
Angered at this, Kubera's son cursed Ravana, stating that his ten heads would fall off if he forced himself upon any woman from that point on.
One of the most famous depictions is a 45-foot idol of Ravana located in Khonpura in Madhya Pradesh.
Pleased with his bravery and devotion, Shiva granted Ravana further strength, awarding him the Chandrahas (or "Moon-blade"), an immensely powerful sword.
Ravana's malevolent spirit was not exhausted with his death at the climax of Ramayana; rather, his legacy of evil was reiterated and revisited mythologically and theologically in many later Hindu texts.
Contemptuous of mortal beings, Ravana did not ask for protection from humans.
Under Vishrava's tutelage, Ravana mastered the Vedas and the holy books and also the arts.
Ravana (Sanskrit: meaning "of terrifying roar") is one of the principal demons in Hindu mythology who battled against the popular avatar, Rama.
After winning these boons, Ravana sought out his grandfather Sumali and assumed leadership over his army.
Ravana was also a great devotee of Shiva, and is supposed to have composed the dance known as the Shiva Tandava Stotra, according to legend.
Rama offered Ravana a final chance to make peace, suggesting that he immediately return Sita and apologize to both him and his wife.
After overcoming numerous arduous challenges, Rama entered into Lanka in order to confront Ravana and rescue his wife.
Ravana, however, demanded Lanka in it's entirety from him, threatening to take it by force.
Ravana's abilities were by now truly awe-inspiring, and so he set out confidently on a series of campaigns to conquer human and celestial beings alike.
Vishrava advised Kubera to give up the island to Ravana, who was now virtually invincible.
Ravana came back into contact with Sita years later after she and Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana, had been banished to the forest.
Ravana then asked for absolute invulnerability and supremacy before the gods and heavenly spirits, as well as the demons, serpents, and wild beasts.
After a drawn-out battle, Rama successfully decapitated Ravana's central head, but another promptly arose in its place.
Ravana first eyed her while she sat in her hermitage, her beauty enhanced by the austerities she had performed.
Ravana's sister Surpanakha attempted to seduce Rama and Lakshmana while they were stationed here.
Vedavati rejected his advances, so Ravana proceeded to forcibly take her, during which time she prophesied that she would return to the mortal world as the cause of his death.
Ravana's wives bore him seven sons: Indrajit, Prahasta, Atikaya, Akshayakumara, Devantaka, Narantaka, and Trishira.
Rama then invoked the brahmastra, a weapon of mass destruction, and fired the great arrow into Ravana's midsection, destroying the cache of amrit.
Ravana was born to the Brahmin sage known as Vishrava, and his wife Kaikesi, the Daitya princess.
Sita remained under the captivity of Ravana for one year, all the while protecting her chastity at all costs, completely unwavering in her resolve despite Ravana's courting, cajoling, and assorted threats.
Ravana is also pictured with up to 20 hands, signifying his greed and never-ending want.
At this point, Vibhishana informed Rama of why Ravana's heads were regenerating.