Sita was (forcibly) taken away by Dahsira (Ravana). (Shalok Varan Te Vadhik, M. l, p. 1412) The word Dahsira means \’of ten heads\’ and it is an epithet used for Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka. In Ramayana he is described as having ten heads, twenty arms and copper-coloured eyes. See : Ravana.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Ravana (Dahsira) in Hindu Mythology
Ravana, often referred to as Dahsira (meaning “the ten-headed one”), is a central antagonist in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. He is a complex figure, symbolizing both immense power and unchecked ego. Here are key aspects of Ravana in Hindu mythology:
Ten Heads of Ravana:
- The ten heads symbolize Ravana’s vast knowledge—covering the Vedas, arts, and sciences—but also his overwhelming desires, pride, and ego. His ten heads are often seen as representing the ten negative emotions or vices: lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, envy, attachment, selfishness, injustice, and cruelty.
Role in the Ramayana:
- Ravana, the king of Lanka, abducts Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, leading to the epic battle where Rama, aided by Hanuman and his allies, defeats him. The battle symbolizes the triumph of good (dharma) over evil (adharma).
Complex Personality:
- While Ravana is primarily portrayed as a villain, he is also depicted as a devout follower of Lord Shiva and a scholar of unparalleled intelligence. This duality makes him one of the most intriguing characters in Hindu mythology.
Dussehra Connection:
- The festival of Dussehra celebrates Rama’s victory over Ravana, marking the destruction of evil. Effigies of Ravana are burned to symbolize the defeat of arrogance and vice. Ravana (Dahsira) in the Guru Granth Sahib
In the Guru Granth Sahib, Ravana or Dahsira is mentioned metaphorically to illustrate spiritual lessons. The Sikh scripture uses his story to highlight the consequences of ego, pride, and attachment to worldly desires:
Key References:
- Shalok Varan Te Vadhik, M. 1, p. 1412: “Sita was (forcibly) taken away by Dahsira (Ravana).”
- Here, Ravana’s actions are used as a cautionary tale against letting ego and desires lead one astray. The story conveys the importance of humility and righteousness.
Symbolism in Sikhism:
- Ravana is not treated as a literal figure but as a representation of excessive pride and attachment, which are obstacles on the spiritual path.
- Sikh philosophy emphasizes that liberation (Mukti) comes by conquering one’s inner vices—symbolized by Ravana’s defeat.
Comparison with Sikh Teachings:
- Unlike the Ramayana’s narrative focus on external battles, Sikh teachings focus on internal struggles. The “Dussehra” in Sikhism is the triumph over one’s inner Ravana—pride, ego, and worldly illusions.
- Confluence of Traditions
In Hinduism, Ravana (Dahsira) is a mythological figure representing both power and vice, while in Sikhism, his story is a metaphor for spiritual growth. Both traditions underscore the need to overcome pride, attachment, and ego to achieve a higher state of being.
