Ravan was one of the most learned individual of all times. He performed intense penance or tapasya and was awarded several boons for his dedication and sacrifice. His 10 heads were also a result of one of the tapasya’s he carried out for Lord Brahma.
Ravana performed a penance for Lord Brahma, that lasted several years. He chopped his head off 10 times as a sacrifice to please Lord Brahma. Every time he chopped his head off, a new one grew back, continuing the penance. After the 10th sacrifice, Lord Brahma was pleased by his commitment and devotion. When Lord Brahma asked Ravan what he wanted for a boon, Ravan asked for immortality. Lord Brahma couldn’t grant a human immortality. So Ravan wished that he was blessed, so no animal, god, gandharv, rakshas or magical creature could ever kill him.
“What about a human?” Lord Brahma asked.
Ravan said he wasn’t afraid of a normal human being, and that he was sure a human could never defeat him, as he was the most powerful.
The wish was granted.
PP: That was why Lord Vishnu had to be bormn as a normal human being to bring an end to Ravan’s regime.
Ravan was scohlar and knew all about the universe including the 4 vedas. His 10 heads symbolise each one of them:
1. Sankhyashastra (Mathematics)
2. Yog Shastra (Yoga as a way of life, meditation)
3. Nyayashastra (Law and administration)
4. Vaisheshik Shastra (Physics, astronomy, mechanics)
5. Purvamimansa (Philosophy, Justification)
6. Uttar Mimansa Shastra
7. Rigveda
8. Yajurveda
9. Samveda
10. Atharvaveda.
Another perspective about his 10heads, suggest they signify 10 significant negative traits of the man, which need to be balanced with positive emotions to lead a happy and content life.
1. Ahamkara – Ego
2. Moha – Attachment
3. Krodha – Anger
4. Ghrina – Hatred
5. Paschataap – regret
6. Irshya – jealousy
7. Lobha – Greed
8. Kama – Lust
9. Jaddata – Insensitivity
10. Bhaya – Fear
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