LANKA A strong fort like Lanka and the moat of sea around it-as such an abode of Ravana is no more traceable. (Asa Kabir, p. 481) The Fort of Lanka was made of gold; What did foolish Ravana take away with him ? (Bhairo Kabir, p. 1158) The island of Lanka as described in Ramayana was very vast and a plade of great magnificence. It had seven wide moats and seven walls of stone and metal. It was made of gold by Vishwakarma. According to Bhagavata Purana, this island was originally the summit of Mount Meru, which was broken off by the wind-god and thrown into the sea. See : Ravana
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Ravana: The King of Lanka
Ravana, the king of Lanka, is a complex character in Hindu mythology. While he is often portrayed as the antagonist, his personality is multifaceted:
- Scholar and Devotee: Ravana was a brilliant scholar and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He is credited with composing hymns like the Shiva Tandava Stotram, showcasing his profound devotion.
- Powerful Ruler: Under his rule, Lanka thrived as a land of immense prosperity, wealth, and grandeur. However, his arrogance and hubris led to his downfall.
- Downfall: Ravana’s obsession with Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, drove him to abduct her, triggering the chain of events that led to his demise. The Liberation of Lanka
The narrative unfolds as Rama, aided by his loyal companion Hanuman, his brother Lakshmana, and an army of Vanaras (monkey warriors), embarks on a mission to rescue Sita. Key events include:
Hanuman’s Journey to Lanka:
- Hanuman leaps across the ocean to reach Lanka in search of Sita. In Lanka, he finds her imprisoned in Ravana’s Ashoka Vatika (a garden).
- Hanuman attempts to console Sita and assures her of Rama’s arrival.
- Hanuman’s heroic acts, including setting Lanka ablaze with his burning tail, become legendary and signify the beginning of Ravana’s downfall.
The Great Battle:
- Rama’s army constructs a bridge, known as the Rama Setu, across the ocean to reach Lanka.
- A fierce battle ensues between Rama’s forces and Ravana’s army. The conflict is marked by valor, strategy, and divine interventions.
- Key figures like Ravana’s brothers (Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana) and sons (Indrajit) play significant roles in this battle.
Ravana’s Defeat:
- In the climactic battle, Ravana confronts Rama. Despite his immense power, Ravana is ultimately defeated and slain by Rama, fulfilling the prophecy of his downfall. Symbolism of Lanka’s Liberation
Lanka’s liberation signifies the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), and of good over evil. It also underscores themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the eventual triumph of divine will.
This story is a cornerstone of Hindu mythology, offering rich lessons on the consequences of arrogance, the power of devotion, and the eternal struggle between righteousness and chaos.
