Why did Ravana become a demon? Who cursed Ravana? Know the whole story

The Legend of Ravana’s Former Life: One of the most important Hindu holidays is Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami. All over India, this holiday is celebrated with considerable fanfare. This event is held annually on the Dashami day of Ashwin month’s Shukla Paksha, or Darker Fortnight. Religious traditions state that Lord Shri Ram slew Lankapati Ravana and released Mother Sita from his grasp on this day in the Treta Yuga. As a result, this celebration is seen as a representation of good triumphing over evil.

Despite being regarded as a superb scholar and a formidable warrior, Ravana was destroyed by his conceit. Few people are aware that Ravana was not a demon in a former life, even though most people only know him as a monster. In his past incarnations, Ravana was born as a demon for a cause, according to religious writings and mythical beliefs. Please tell us what Ravana’s past incarnations looked like and why he was cursed.

Jai and Vijay were condemned to be demons from birth

Mythology states that Lord Vishnu’s Vaikunth Dham had two gatekeepers assigned to guard its entrance: Jai and Vijay. They never let anybody enter Vaikunth without permission and were always engrossed in the worship of Lord Vishnu.

Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanat Kumar (Sankadi Munis) arrived at Vaikuntha Dham one day in order to have Lord Vishnu’s darshan. Jai-Vijaya stopped them when they got to the gate and wouldn’t allow them in without authorization.

Sankadi Munis were furious about this and cursed Jai-Vijaya, saying, “You both have a lot of ego, so you will have to be born as demons.”

As soon as Lord Vishnu learned about this, he went there and asked the Munis to pardon their guardians. “Our curse is irreversible, but there is a solution,” Sankadi Munis said. They may return to Vaikuntha if Jai-Vijaya dies at the hands of Lord Vishnu after three births.

Jai-Vijaya had to give birth to three demons on Lord Vishnu’s orders, and each time, Lord Vishnu personally exterminated them.

First Born: As Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakshipu

Because of the curse, Jai-Vijay’s first birth was as the demons Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakshipu. Hiranyaksha was a very strong demon. Using his power, he submerged the whole planet under the sea, causing darkness to rule everywhere. The earth was then brought back from the ocean and put in its proper location when Lord Vishnu slew Hiranyaksha while assuming the form of Varaha. Infuriated by his brother Hiranyaksha’s passing, Hiranyakashipu requested the blessing of immortality from Brahmaji. He requested the blessing that no deity, person, or animal could murder him, under any circumstances, day or night, inside or out, or with any kind of weapon. He became unbeatable and began to see himself as God as a result of this blessing. Additionally, he attempted to prevent his son Prahlad from worshiping Lord Vishnu, but Prahlad was a sincere follower of the deity. Then Hiranyakashipu was murdered by Lord Vishnu, who assumed the form of Narasimha. He murdered him with his nails, not with a weapon, not both inside and outside the home, and not during the day or at night. Jai-Vijay’s first birth came to an end as a result, and they were once again prepared for the second.

Second Birth: As Kumbhakarna and Ravana

Jai and Vijay were born as demons and changed into Ravana and Kumbhakarna in their second incarnation. Ravana, who was endowed with several abilities, rose to become the ruler of Lanka. By doing intense penance, he won Lord Shiva’s favor and was showered with blessings. Because of his immense size, Kumbhakarna could quickly devour thousands of people. In order to prevent him from staying up too late and causing havoc, he was also endowed with profound slumber as a result of his dread of the gods.

Lord Vishnu was born as Shri Ram in this incarnation, and by slaying Ravana, he atoned for his misdeeds.

Due to the curse placed on Jai-Vijay, Ravana’s death at the hands of Shri Ram was inevitable.

Third Birth: as Dantavakra and Shishupal

Jai-Vijay were born as Shishupal and Dantavakra in the third birth. Despite being the son of Lord Krishna’s aunt, Shishupal harbored animosity for Lord Krishna from infancy. During the Pandavas’ Rajasuya Yagna, Shishupal often used derogatory language and insulted Shri Krishna. Lord Krishna used his Sudarshan Chakra to slay Shishupal after he had said 100 derogatory comments. In the same vein, Lord Krishna also opposed Dantavakra, who ultimately perished at his hands.

Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs

1. What caused Jai-Vijay to be born with the curse of becoming a demon?

Because they stopped the Sankadi sages from entering Vaikunth Dham, Jai-Vijay was cursed.

2. When Jai-Vijay was born, who was he?

In their first incarnation, Jai-Vijay were born as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu.

3. Who was Jai-Vijay’s second-born child?

In their second life, Jai and Vijay were born as Ravana and Kumbhakarna.

4. What was the third birth form of Jai-Vijay?

They became Shishupal and Dantavakra in their third birth.

5. How did Jai and Vijay’s spirits find salvation?

They returned to Vaikunth Dham after dying at the hands of Lord Vishnu after three births.