Ravana and Lucifer – The Indian Connection

What is it about world literature that seems to evoke the same feelings of the sublime, history, and a sense of timeless appeal? In its complexity, plot movements and connection to ancient scriptures, all of world literature transcends great literature not only in its time but in time immemorial. Interestingly, it is the characters in such masterpieces that stick in readers’ minds, especially since they are often a beautiful confluence of the simple, the complex, and even the intricate. Each culture, religion, and civilization has its own nuances that are often reflected in the literature of the time. Some, of course, reflect thoughts and emotions that will remain relevant for generations to come, and are often identified with the precarious proclamation of classics that remain part of our history gloriously embedded in our present. All this and much more, to say that literature from all over the world is often found to be comparable and, in fact, also similar in more ways than one.

Anyone familiar with Hindu mythology and related literature will maintain that the ‘Ramayana’, the story of Rama, is different from the Mahabharata (another Hindu literary piece), probably less a story of complexities and more a piece about Hindu mythology and its various facets. . Ramayana, in fact, documents the beliefs and traditions propagated by the Hindu sages of old and presents them in an allegorical form woven into the delicacy of the narrative. The interpretation of the philosophical and devotional characters of Rama, Lakshman, Bharat, Sita, Hanuman, even though he is the character of and Ravana, who by the way is the villain of the piece, which is often a contradiction in itself. Delicately handled and so well executed, the character of Ravana with his ten heads and his roaring laugh hypnotizes as he fascinates and at some point resonates with another great character in literature as well.

As in Indian Hindu literature, English literature (unlike Indian English writings) has a lot of beauties steeped in Christian mythology. Starting at the beginning with ‘Beowulf’, Milton and his ‘Paradise Lost’ are works that immediately come to mind. The names mentioned above are, of course, as easily identified, mentioned in the special context again of a certain special character so identifiable with Ravana of Hindu mythology. Yes, you guessed it right, we are talking about Lucifer and Ravana! I’ve always wondered how similar the two are… even though the two never meet and all… In their introduction, of course, both characters differ greatly. However, one cannot help but notice the inherent beauty that they both possess.

While Ravana is the angry, rebellious one, willing to outdo everyone (himself including the ten-handed demon), he is also the fiery Shiv Bhakt. A man of tremendous virtues, part Brahmin, part Kshatriya, Ravana is huge with just the potential of him as a The name Ravana (He of the Terrifying Roar) was given to him by Lord Shiva. Similarly, Lucifer, who is considered (according to Christian literature and legends) to be an archangel with powers in heaven, is thrown from heaven when he rebels against God. Milton presented Lucifer as a rebel, albeit a very interesting one. When Lucifer articulates: “All is not lost; the ‘Invincible Will, / and the study of vengeance, undying hate, / and the courage to never submit or yield . . . ” he is tremendous in his indomitable courage as supreme in confidence. . It is perhaps this beauty of character that puts a splendid face on what have emerged as two massive and intriguing characters in world literature.

Legend has it that Ravana along with his brother, Kumbakarna were actually reincarnations of Jaya and Vijaya, who had served as guardians in Vishnu’s abode. But being cursed they were born on Earth, as enemies of the Lord. (which in turn would shorten your 7 rebirth chakra)

Although Ravana is primarily the face of evil and a representation of the triumph of good over evil, he does not stop with that. As is the hallmark of all great literature, the character develops and reaches its zenith to present an intriguing story of a person who, though awakened, is blessed with the best qualities a man can have! Philosopher and expert, Ravana was guided by his father to acquire the vast knowledge of the scriptures. Interestingly, Ravana has also been credited with creating the first grammar of the Sanskrit language, as well as compiling and editing the Krishnayajurved! His academic virtues, his experience as a Veena player, and the stories of how he presided as the Puja’s top purohit for Ram to start a battle that ultimately killed him are the stuff of legend today.

Oddly and in a similar vein, Milton presents Lucifer most sympathetically, perhaps unknowingly, as stated in Blake’s ‘The Marriage of Heaven and Hell’, who says that Milton was ‘of the devil’s party without knowing it’ . However, Milton’s Lucifer, though ruler of Hell, is not only smart and ruthless but also downright charming! Almost as evidence of this when Lucifer at a later stage enters the Garden of Eden, he succeeds in tempting Eve to eat fruit from the forbidden tree. And of course as Ravana, he is the enfant terrible, the master of all that he beholds (in this case hell) and the King of the Earth with 90 legions under his command.

Very much in the footsteps of Shakespeare’s hero landing from his mighty perch with that oh only flaw! It may be that Lucifer and Ravana did too, but in their own magnificent ways they rise and how. It is perhaps in this uncharacteristic humanity of demons and love of all things grey, as opposed to black and white, that makes literature such a fascinating medium, traces of which can be found in many parallels drawn throughout the world. world and have not yet been published. done!