JKP

The Ravan We Should Burn

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
12 October 2024
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“Attachment to the world is Ravan.  Destroy it with the arrow of devotion to God.”  Each year, we witness the ritual of burning Ravan’s effigy.  But who was Ravan, really?

Traditionally portrayed as the antagonist in the epic Ramayana, he was also a devoted follower of God. In fact, he hailed from Golok, serving as the gatekeeper to the divine abode. 

He was one of the topmost saints, entrusted by God with a unique seva. What was this seva? God instructed him, “You will go to India and pretend to perform evil actions.”  This role was a divine act—an acting performance, not in fact.   A saint, by definition, cannot even entertain thoughts of wrongdoing.

The Vedas challenge that once someone attains God, the mother of ignorance, Maya, goes away for eternity.. 

Ravan was a devoted Brahmin who practised deep devotion to Lord Shankar. Through his unwavering dedication, he pleased Shankar Ji and received powerful boons, which enabled him to write profound commentaries on the four Vedas.

When we consider the narrative of Ravan, especially the act of kidnapping Sita, it’s crucial to understand the context. Some may label this act as sinful, but from a spiritual perspective, Ravan was merely acting in accordance with the divine seva assigned to him. He was fulfilling a role that was part of a greater cosmic play.

When Ravan kidnapped Sita, he took her to a separate garden rather than his palace. This raises important questions about his intentions. If he truly harboured ill will, why wouldn’t a powerful figure—one whom even Indra, Varun, Kuber, Yamraj, the Sun, and the Moon feared—simply take Sita to his palace and act inappropriately?

Instead, Ravan placed Sita in a garden, surrounded by women attendants tasked with guarding her. And waited for his death. He even granted her a one-month grace period, saying, “I am giving you one month’s time. Think and decide.” This action is telling. A lovesick and powerful person, consumed by desire, would hardly exhibit such restraint by giving even a one-day notice, let alone an entire month!

The annual act of burning Ravan’s effigy serves as a symbolic reminder of the triumph of good over evil. However, we must recognize that we don’t need to kill or burn Ravan in a literal sense. Doing so offers no real benefit; instead, we should focus on what Ravan represents—our attachment to the world caused by Maya.  We cannot destroy Maya also because it is God’s power.

The root of our problems lies in the belief that happiness can be found in the material world. This illusion is what fuels our attachment to the world.  It is this attachment that we must seek to destroy.  

So, how can we destroy this attachment?  It will be destroyed by the arrow of devotion to Shri Krishna. 

Once this attachment is destroyed, there will be no delay – even for a moment in our realisation of God. The true Ravan, then, is our own worldly attachments which we must seek to destroy.

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.