Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture
The Great King of Sri Lanka
In the folklore of Sri Lanka, Ravana is pronounced a great and respected king who brought about the golden era of prosperity, innovation, and advancement for the people. Ravana was born to Sage Vishrava and the Rakshasa princess Kaikesi, depicted as not a mere warrior but a sage of wisdom and strength. His ten heads symbolize his vast knowledge of different subjects such as the six Shastras and four Vedas and other skills like music, astrology, and medicine. Ravana is an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, and his spiritual depth and devotion equalled that of his prescience in his kingship, where Sri Lanka has flourished. He is credited to have many grand achievements attributed to him, such as building the Pushpaka Vimana, which was the early version of a flying machine, he is the author of seven books on Ayurveda, such as the "Ravana Samhita," a very popular text in Hindu astrology, and there is also "Arka Prakasham," Siddha medicine. Ravana's association with diverse places in Sri Lanka, from the pharmaceutical rich mountains of Rumassala to reported remains of his flying chariots at Wariyapola and Horton Plains, seals the statement about Ravana as a ruler who never only provided muscular leadership but ensured scientific, medical, and architectural progress which reflected on his ingenuity and true interest in his people.
Spiritual Power and Mystical Legacy
Also related to Ravana's legacy is his spiritual power and strong connection with the universe. A serious devotee of Lord Shiva, he sat in extreme penitence, which gave birth to the "Shiva Tandava Stotram," an epic hymn of religion and magical strength. It is said that because of his spiritual powers, Ravana was able to control the elements of nature and could even change the planetary positions according to his will. Some say that the spiritual heritage of Ravana can still be reflected in a few places in Sri Lanka, such as Sigiriya and Kaludiya Pokuna.
Sigiriya, the monastic fortress, is usually related to the rule of Ravana and reflects the genius of his architectural skill and mystical vision. Kaludiya Pokuna is considered by some as a place where Ravana meditated and strengthened his spiritual and mystic powers in its tranquil monastic complex amidst nature. In addition, he is said to have constructed a series of tunnels throughout Lanka that tended to connect strategic locations on the island where the king could speedily and secretly move around his island.
Cosmic Connection and Tunnels
His relation with the cosmos did not stop at spiritual practices, Ravana was said to understand the forces and energies of the cosmos and had used such knowledge to his advantage in harnessing powers and running his kingdom. Being able to communicate with beings from above and manipulate cosmic energies made him a formidable figure both on the mortal and divine realms. It is further said that the network of tunnels ascribed to him connected his palaces and fortresses, besides important sites such as Sigiriya. Such tunnel systems near Dambulla and Rumassala demonstrate his strategic brilliance and the depth of his knowledge in concern with earthly and cosmic landscapes. The tunnels were believed to have been used for stealthy movements, military planning, and even spiritual journeys, as if Ravana had thought about every angle necessary for running his kingdom.
Beyond Good and Evil
Ravana's character is not put within the binary constructs of good and evil, as it is common in the mythology of many traditions. While the Ramayana describes him as an antagonist for having kidnapped Sita, other traditions portray him as balancing the cosmic scales of good and evil. His erudition and prowess in multiple disciplines, from spirituality to warfare, accord him an aura of awe in ancient lore. In parts of India and everywhere else, Ravana is revered as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and devotion, underlining the complexity and multifaceted nature of his legend. His portrayal has varied widely, reflecting the interpretations of his life and actions across cultures and demonstrating his importance as a figure who resists such simple categorizations of morality. His spiritual strength, architectural brilliance, and cosmic wisdom go on to inspire wonder and curiosity in the legacy of Ravana and allow every shade of his character to be realized as a great king and mystic with intimate connections with the universe.
