The Origins and Transformation of Ravana: From Dasaghriva to Ravana

The story of Ravana is one of the most compelling narratives in ancient Indian epics, where a powerful and multifaceted character transforms from Dasaghriva to Ravana. This transformation was not just physical but also spiritual, influenced by the divine intervention of Lord Shiva. Let's delve into the origins and the tale of his transformation as narrated in the Valmiki Ramayana.

The Birth of Dasaghriva

In the Sanskrit epic Valmiki Ramayana, the story of Dasaghriva's birth is detailed in the Uttara Kāna Canto IX. After the defeat of Malyavan and Sumali, Viravan Kuber visited his father Virava. He encountered Sumali, the father of Kaikesi, who would later be the mother of Dasaghriva. Sumali, seeing an opportunity for good, approached his daughter Kaikesi and proposed a union with sage Viravana the son of Pulastya.

Sumali said to Kaikesi: 'O daughter, the sons who will be born to you will be equal to the lord of riches, whose lustre is like that of the sun: about this there is no doubt.' Despite being distraught at the inauspicious time of their union, Kaikesi accepted Viravana's boon, leading to the birth of Dasaghriva.

Dasaghriva was not just a single son but was part of a line of ten sons named Dasaghriva, each more powerful than the last. He was described as having ten heads, fierce teeth, and fiery hair. Moreover, at his birth, there were signs of impending doom, such as rain gods showering blood, thunder storms, and the presence of vixens and carnivorous animals. His father named him Dasaghriva, meaning 'with ten heads', to reflect his physical characteristic.

From Dasaghriva to Ravana

The tale of Dasaghriva becoming Ravana comes from Canto XVI of the Uttara Kāna Valmiki Ramayana. After Dasaghriva defeated Kuber and moved towards Kailash, he faced another challenge. Nandi, the guardian of the holy hill Kailash, stopped him, reminding him of Lord Shiva who resided there and was inaccessible to even the gods and demons.

Dasaghriva, disregarding this warning, tried to pull up the roots of the hill, causing turmoil. This act of defiance angered Lord Shiva, who pressed Dasaghriva under a toe of his foot. This action crushed Dasaghriva's arms, and in his cry of anguish, the entire universe shook. The gods, humans, and creatures fell into fear and crying.

Seeing the dire consequences of his actions, Dasaghriva's ministers advised him to seek refuge by praising Shiva. Following their advice, Dasaghriva began to glorify Lord Shiva, singing hymns from the Samaveda, which continued for a thousand years. Pleased with Dasaghriva's devotion, Lord Shiva released him from his pressure and granted him a name.

Shiva spoke to Dasaghriva, saying: 'O Dasaghriva, I am pleased with your manliness and your encomium. Since the denizens of all the three worlds were set a crying, seized as they were with fear by the piece cry which was let forth by you when you were crushed by the hill, therefore O king, you will go by the name of Ravana. The gods, humans, Yakshas, and whatever other beings exist on the earth's surface will henceforth call you by the name of Rāvana because you thus set the world a crying.' And so, the powerful Dasaghriva was renamed Ravana.

Conclusion

The transition from Dasaghriva to Ravana is a story of shifting destinies, where divine intervention changes not only a name but also the perception of a character. Ravana, with his ten heads and fierce demeanor, remains a significant figure in the narrative of the Ramayana, a testament to the unfathomable depths of transformation and the impact it can have on one's legacy.