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Story of Vidyujjihva – Husband of Surpanakha in the Ramayana

Vidyujjihva was the husband of Surpanakha, sister of demon king Ravana. He was the brother of Kalakeyas and he fought several battles along with Ravana. Vidyutjjihva (Vidyut Jihva) had a son named Shambhu Kumara in Shoorpanakha.

Once aided by Vidyut Jihva, Ravana defeated Indra, the king of Devas. While he was returning from heaven, Ravana was blocked by Kalakeyas. Ravana defeated and killed the Kalakeyas. Another version has it that Ravana conquered the underworld kingdom of Kalakeyas and annihilated them. (you can read that account here)

This enraged Vidyut Jihva, who encountered Ravana. In the battle Ravana had to kill Vidyutjjihva.

To console Shoorpanakha, Ravana gave her permission to find a suitable husband and if any one turns down her proposal he promised to forcibly conduct the marriage. 

There is another story regarding the death of Vidyut Jihva. It is stated that Ravana accidentally killed Vidyujjihva during the battle against Indra.

It is also said that Vidjyut Jihva whose name literally means 'lighting tongue' used is power of oratory to challenge the rule of Ravana in Lanka. Like any autocrat, Ravana killed him at the first opportunity.

Note – There is another character named Vidyut Jihva in Ramayana. He was a sorcerer and attendant of Ravana. He was deputed to make a head of Sri Rama and show it to Mata Sita at Ashokavana.

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