Ravan The Warrior and Priest

Brothers and sisters, listen with faith. The Ramayan is not just a tale of battles, it is a stream of dharma, where even enemies respected knowledge and devotion.

When Shri Ram reached Lanka, he sought to perform a puja to Lord Shiva before battle. For victory must always follow dharma, never mere power. He called his ministers and asked, “Who shall guide this worship? Who knows both Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions?”

At once Jambuvan, the wise bear-elder, bowed and said, “Prabhu, there is one. None equals him in knowledge of Vedas and Shastras. He is a great devotee of Mahadeva. That one is Ravan himself.”

At Rama’s command, Jambuvan set out. When Ravan heard that his grandfather’s friend had come, he instructed his subjects: “Do not stop him. Do not question him. Only fold your hands and show him the way.” Such was the respect for elders.

Jambuvan entered the palace, and Ravan welcomed him with folded hands. Jambuvan spoke plainly: “I come on behalf of a righteous prince. He wishes to perform a sacred puja. Who better than you to lead it?”

Ravan asked calmly, “Is this prince of Lanka or from outside?” “From outside,” replied Jambuvan. “Is he married?” “Yes, but his wife cannot join him, for she has been taken away…”

Ravan closed his eyes and said, “If the yajman is new to this land, it is my duty as a priest to arrange his worship.”

And so, the next day, Ravan himself, with his son Meghnad, brought Sita Mata veiled, so that neither she nor Ram could see each other. The puja began. Ravan, though the ruler of Lanka, stood not as king but as priest, chanting with full devotion to Lord Shiva. With all sincerity, he showed Ram the auspicious hour to begin battle.

When the ritual was done, Ram folded his hands and said, “Maharaj, I am but a vanvasi. I have nothing to offer you as dakshina.”

Ravan smiled and replied, “Yajman, this is no matter. To serve dharma, to perform worship, that itself is enough.”

Thus we see, children of dharma, that true vidya shines even in the heart of an enemy. Ravan, though bound by pride, was also bound by devotion. And Ram, though at war, never forgot maryada and respect.