Reason behind calling him as “Dashmukh”

Ravana’s 10 heads – Episode – 5

Obtaining an education Ravana performed a massive tapasya (penance) on the banks of the Narmada to satisfy Lord Shiva. Ravana, eager to please the Lord, annexed his head, and each time he did, the head grew back ten times, allowing him to continue his penance. Lord Shiva therefore gave Ravana ten heads that he had sacrificed. Because of these ten heads, he is also known as “Dashmukh”.

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The ten heads of Ravana represent the six Shastras (Hinduism’s ancient books divided into four categories: sruti, smriti, purana, and tantra) and four Vedas, which Ravana mastered, making him a brilliant scholar and one of the most intelligent people of his time. He mastered 64 different forms of information as well as all weaponry arts. He is known to have compiled Veda with the appropriate musical svara (notes), and his Shiva Tandava stotra remains the most popular hymn ever performed in worship of Lord Shiva.

Ravana’s ten heads might also be interpreted as ten emotions. The emotions are: Kaam (lust), Krodh (anger), Moha (delusion), Lobh (greed), Mada (pride), Maatsarya (envy), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chit (will), and Ahamkara (ego).

Ravana’s family ; Episode 4- Kannada Version; ರಾವಣನಿಗೆ ಏಳು ಸಹೋದರರು

Hindu traditions emphasize the significance of regulating one’s senses and projecting only the mind, which is regarded superior to others. Other emotions are thought to be damaging to the development of a soul.

The great monarch Mahabali once advised Ravana to avoid these nine emotions and focus solely on intelligence, arguing that having all of these facets is equally necessary and makes him a complete man. The one head of Buddhi controlled his destiny, while the other heads of Ravana controlled his activities, which eventually led to his demise. He eventually became a slave to his senses, and since he couldn’t control his appetites, he not only ruined himself and his tribe, but also reduced the entire Lanka to ashes.

The Story of Great Ravana -ರಾವಣನ ಹೇಳಲಾಗದ ಕಥೆ

Having all this information yet being unable to use his abilities was one of his greatest regrets as he lay dying on the battlefield. He regretted not using the wisdom he acquired in his life, which finally contributed to his failure.