Why did Ravana have ten heads?

When one reads or listens to the story of the Ramayana, one wonders why Ravana have ten heads? In order to understand this incredible fact, one has to go to the origin of Ravana. Ravana’s grandfather was a Rakshas. His name was Sumilah was the leader of the Rakshasas, who considered themselves guardian of the forest way of life. This way of life was one of extreme cunning and one had to be strong. They had no code of conduct. The rakshasas did not perform Tapasya or Yagnas. They lived in the present. Continue reading

Be blessed for all your life

The Shree Shiva Tandava Strotram is a hymn written and sung by the demon king Ravana to praise Lord Shiva. It is about the cosmic dance of Shiva that destroys all negative energies, which exist in one. The content describes the beauty and powers of Shiva in the minutest detail. He is addressed as the destroyer of death. And it ends with his refrain, “When will I be happy?” The result was that Ravana received blessings and a celestial sword called Chandrahaas, because of the intensity of his prayers and rigid meditations. Continue reading

750 – Shiv Tandava Strotram

By Ravana

Salutations to Lord Shiva, whose hair is like a dense forest, whose throat is wet by the pure flowing water of the Ganga. The snakes resting around the neck of Shiva are like long garlands. They are iridescent in the sunlight. The sound of the drums is echoing the passionate dance of Shiva. Continue reading

487 – The Goddess is infinite and all-knowing – Part 2

And now the continuation from yesterday. Here you can find part 1.

Now we come to the battle between Rama and Ravana. When the battle started, a boon from Brahma revived Ravana and he worshipped Devi Ambika, who sat in the chariot with him. Rama was dismayed when he saw the Devi sitting with him. How would he rescue Sita? All the Gods assembled and approached Vishnu for a solution. Vishnu suggested that Rama should pray to Goddess Durga or Goddess Chandika. Rama started praying to Chandika, but she was not satisfied with his prayers. Continue reading

417 – Understanding Rama

Is it possible for us to emulate Rama? What is Ram Rajya? Can we make this earth, Ram Rajya, so we have love and peace prevailing? No wars and food for all.

Ram Raj is the kingdom of God. Equal rights to rich and poor. We have to look within ourselves. We have to address our faults and shut our eyes to the faults of our neighbors. Practice Atmabhava. Love for our fellow beings. Continue reading