In Hinduism, Ravana is traditionally viewed as a villain due to his role in the epic Ramayana, where he kidnaps Sita and wages war against Lord Rama. However, some sects and communities, especially in parts of India like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, view Ravana as a great scholar, a devout Shiva bhakta (devotee), and an exceptional ruler. His qualities of immense knowledge, dedication to Shiva, and mastery over the Vedas are celebrated. Worshiping Ravana is often done to invoke these positive qualities rather than his more infamous traits.
Importance of Worshiping Ravana
- A Symbol of Knowledge: Ravana was a master of the Vedas and had profound knowledge of astrology, medicine, and political governance. Worshiping him symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge.
- Shiva Devotee: Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva is well-known. By worshiping him, devotees also express reverence for Lord Shiva.
- Balancing Ego and Wisdom: Ravana’s life teaches the importance of balancing wisdom with humility, as his downfall came due to his arrogance.
- Understanding Both Sides: Worshiping Ravana encourages understanding duality in human nature—acknowledging good and bad aspects and striving to cultivate the positive.
Eco-Friendly Worship Approach
To respect the environment and align with nature-conscious practices, use eco-friendly products for the puja. Here's a comprehensive guide:
Cleanliness and Preparation
- Purify the Body: Take a bath before starting the puja to cleanse the body and mind.
- Clean the Puja Area: Sweep and wipe the area with water mixed with turmeric or cow dung (optional but traditional for purification).
- Decorate with Natural Items: Use eco-friendly rangoli made from rice flour or turmeric. Avoid artificial decorations and opt for flowers like marigold, lotus, or rose.
- Choose the Right Time: Worship Ravana on special days like Dussehra, Ravana Jayanti, or during certain auspicious muhurtas. Early morning or dusk is considered ideal for puja.
Dress Code
- Clothing: Wear simple, clean, and eco-friendly clothes. White, yellow, or red cotton or silk garments are ideal, as these are considered auspicious and comfortable.
- For Women: A cotton saree or a salwar-kameez in a serene color like white or yellow.
- For Men: A white dhoti or kurta-pajama in natural, undyed fabric.
Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Options)
- Picture or Idol of Ravana: If unavailable, use a picture of Lord Shiva, as Ravana was his ardent devotee.
- Diya (Oil Lamp): Use an earthen diya with cotton wicks and ghee or sesame oil.
- Natural Incense: Avoid synthetic products; use incense made from natural herbs, flowers, and wood.
- Flowers: Fresh, locally grown flowers like lotus, marigold, or hibiscus (all Shiva’s favorites).
- Fruits: Offer seasonal, locally available fruits such as bananas, coconut, or mango.
- Sandalwood Paste: Use organic sandalwood paste for application on the idol or image.
- Water in Copper Vessel (Kalash): Offer water using a copper or earthen vessel.
- Eco-Friendly Leaf Plates: Use banana or palm leaves for offerings and prasad.
Simple Steps of Ravana Puja
- Setup the Altar: Place a picture or idol of Ravana (or Shiva) on a clean altar. Decorate with flowers, a lamp, and incense.
- Lighting the Lamp and Incense: Light the earthen lamp and incense. These signify purity and the removal of negative energies.
- Offering Flowers and Fruits: Offer fresh flowers and fruits to the deity, keeping your mind focused on the qualities of knowledge, devotion, and wisdom that Ravana represents.
- Apply Tilak: Use sandalwood paste or turmeric to apply a tilak on your forehead as well as the idol’s forehead.
- Reciting Mantras:
- Ravana's Mantra:
(Chant the Shiva mantra, as Ravana was a devout Shiva follower.)ॐ नमः शिवाय | Om Namah Shivaya | - Ravana Stotra (for those familiar with Sanskrit chants):
नमामि रावणं भक्तं शम्भोः परमपूजकम् | ज्ञानवीर्यमहाप्रज्ञं शिवचरणसेवकम् || Namāmi Rāvaṇaṁ Bhaktaṁ Śambhoḥ Paramapūjakam | Jñānaveerya Mahāpragyam Śivacaraṇa Sevakam ||
- Ravana's Mantra:
- Meditation: Sit in quiet meditation, focusing on qualities like knowledge, power, devotion, and how to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance.
- Offering Prasad: Offer homemade prasad to the deity.
Prasad to Be Prepared
- Rice Kheer: A simple rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cardamom. It’s eco-friendly and made with basic ingredients.
- Fruits: Offer local seasonal fruits, which are sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Coconut: Break a coconut and offer it as part of the prasad.
How to Conclude the Puja
- Final Offering (Aarti): Perform the aarti using the earthen diya. Circle it around the image three times while reciting mantras or prayers.
- Distribute Prasad: Share the prasad with family members and neighbors.
- Thanksgiving: Offer a final prayer, thanking the deity for knowledge and guidance.
- Dispose Puja Items:
- Flowers and Offerings: Compost the used flowers and organic items, or immerse them in a water body (following eco-friendly guidelines).
- Incense and Lamp: Extinguish the lamp mindfully and ensure the incense burns out completely.
- Leftover Prasad: Consume or share the prasad, ensuring no wastage.
Benefits of Ravana Puja
- Wisdom and Knowledge: Worshiping Ravana can help invoke his intellectual prowess and mastery over various sciences.
- Devotion to Lord Shiva: Ravana’s worship helps devotees deepen their own devotion to Lord Shiva.
- Power of Leadership: Ravana’s qualities as a king can inspire leadership and strategic thinking.
- Balance of Qualities: A mindful reminder to balance intellect with humility to avoid arrogance.
Eco-Friendly Disposal of Leftover Puja Items
- Flowers and Organic Materials: Compost the flowers, leaves, and biodegradable offerings. This ensures they return to nature in a harmonious way.
- Water Offerings: Water used in the puja can be poured at the base of a plant or tree, symbolizing the nurturing of life.
- Leftover Food: Any leftover prasad should be consumed, distributed, or fed to animals (if suitable), ensuring nothing is wasted.
Worshiping Ravana in a holistic and eco-friendly way integrates the importance of honoring both ancient traditions and modern environmental consciousness. This practice encourages the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth while respecting nature and avoiding waste. Ravana's dual nature as both a great scholar and a flawed ruler offers valuable lessons for cultivating wisdom, devotion, and humility.