Ravana and Lord Shiva

Ravana and Lord Shiva

A story about Ravana's arrogance and the lesson taught by Lord Shiva, emphasizing humility and the dangers of pride.

The Arrogance of Ravana

Ravana had cut off his ten heads and offered them to Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva blessed him saying, "Ravana, you are my most superior devotee." This pleased Ravana no end and the praise went to his head. He started behaving arrogantly and began to look down upon the other devotees of Lord Shiva.

The Insult to Nandi

Once when Ravana had gone to Kailash to meet Lord Shiva, he insulted Nandi by calling him a monkey. A furious Nandi cursed him that soon he would be defeated by a mere monkey. Ravana, on his part, told Nandi that he was so strong that if he wished, he could lift Mount Kailash and take it to Lanka.

Lord Shiva's Intervention

Nandi warned him that pride had a fall and that such arrogance would surely bring about his downfall. But Ravana paid no heed to Nandi and began to lift Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva was watching all this. Ravana had just lifted Mount Kailash a little when Lord Shiva pressed his toe on the ground. Ravana's fingers were jammed under the huge weight of Mount Kailash and he could lift it no longer.

Pearls of Wisdom

1. If Lord Shiva had called Ravana his most superior devotee, why did He not allow or help him to lift Mount Kailash and prove his strength?

Lord Shiva had praised Ravana when Ravana had deserved praise. He did not want Ravana to look down upon and insult others or brag about his abilities because he had been praised. Just because one has been blessed by God, it does not mean that one should become proud and arrogant.

🌟 Moral of the Story: Just because one has been blessed by God, it does not mean that one should become proud and arrogant. 🌟

Disclaimer: This story is based on Indian mythology and is shared for moral education and value-based learning. All content rights belong to their respective sources. Please contact us for any concerns.