Ravana's Mistake

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We saw why Sri Hari takes avataras. There can be multiple reasons—some we know, while others are beyond our understanding. Similarly, the moment when He decides to take an avatara can vary across versions of the Ramayana. Why are there different versions? Primarily due to differences in perception.

For example, in Adhyatma Ramayana, the focus is on Lord Rama as Paramatma, emphasizing that His actions, through Seetha Devi, are mere maya. In Valmiki Ramayana, the emphasis is on Lord Rama as the perfect man, demonstrating how a human can achieve perfection. These versions complement each other, offering different perspectives, like various views of a building—elevation, floor plan, etc. Together, they provide a complete understanding.

Now, let us see how Valmiki Ramayana narrates the Lord’s decision to take avatara. During King Dasharatha's Putreshti Yaga, officiated by Rishyashringa, the Devas assembled to receive their share of offerings. In such rituals, only invited Devas arrive, and their shares vary based on their role in fulfilling the yajna's goal.

At this yaga, the Devas approached Brahma to seek a solution for Ravana’s tyranny. They explained that Ravana, empowered by Brahma's boon, had become a menace to the three worlds. He terrorized not only Devas, Rishis, Yakshas, and Gandharvas but also other Asuras, including the sons of Diti and Danu. Ravana sought to overthrow Indra and seize the throne of Swarga.

The Devas clarified that their inability to act against Ravana was not due to lack of power but because they honored Brahma’s boon. Ravana had demanded immunity from Gandharvas, Yakshas, Devas, Danavas, and Rakshasas. However, in his arrogance, he dismissed humans as insignificant and did not include them in his request.

Brahma pointed out this loophole: Ravana could be killed by a human. Hearing this, the Devas were overjoyed. They realized that the path ahead involved a human defeating Ravana.

This incident highlights the nature of boons. Ravana could not ask for absolute invincibility, as even Brahma cannot grant such a boon. Instead, Ravana listed those he perceived as threats, overlooking humans. This omission became the key to his downfall.

Thus, Lord Vishnu decided to incarnate as a human, Lord Rama, to fulfill this purpose and liberate the world from Ravana’s tyranny.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi