Dussehra has been an occasion symbolising the victory of good over evil for ages. All around the country on this day, the effigies of Ravana, his brother, Kumbhkaran, and his son, Meghnath are ignited to celebrate that victory. And most people know the story behind the occassion, wherein Lord Rama vanquished the evil and arrogant, Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. However, today, we will find out what happened to Ravana’s three wives, including Mandodari, after his destruction.
Ravana, known by many names like Dashanan, Lankadhipati, and Raksharaj, had three wives. His first wife was Mandodari. She was the daughter of the demon king, Mayasur. She bore Ravana five sons, including Indrajit, Meghnath, Mahodar, Prahastha, and Virupaksha Bhikam.
However, she wasn’t his only wife. Ravana had two more wives, with his second being Dhanyamalini. She, too, gave him two sons named Atikya and Thrishirar. Ravana’s third wife, who he is believed to have killed, had three sons with him as well. They were Prahastha, Narantaka, and Devataka.
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After Ravana’s destruction, Lord Rama entrusted his kingdom, Lanka, to his younger brother, Vibhishana. He also approached Mandodari with the idea of marrying Vibhishana. But she declined the offer as he was her brother-in-law and Mandodari was a strict follower of the principles of pativrata dharma. So strong was her belief that she was often likened to the Goddess Ahalya.
However, Lord Rama approached Mandodari again with Sita and Hanuman in tow, and this time she accepted the marriage arrangement. Mandodari was a proficient astrologer and recognised the moral, logical, and religious aspects of marrying Vibhishana.
The Valmiki Ramayana doesn’t provide much information about Queen Mandodari’s life after the death of her husband, Ravana. However, various versions of the Ramayana tell her story. It is worth mentioning that Ravana is believed to have killed one of his own wives, so there is not much known about her.
Ravana’s wife, Mandodari, and brother, Vibhishana, were the only members of Ravana’s family to oppose Sita’s abduction and the resulting war with Lord Rama. However, despite all their earnest convincing, Ravana refused to let Sita go or prevent the ensuing battle.
Eventually, Ravana’s stubbornness led to an epic war in which he was defeated and destroyed by Lord Rama. The Valmiki Ramayana quotes Mandodari’s lamentation after Ravana died in battle. The English translation can be read as:
“You, who disrupted numerous yajnas, violated dharma, and abducted the daughters of gods, demons, and humans, today you shall face the consequences of your actions. This is the reason for your downfall.”
Did you know about what happened to Mandodari and Ravana’s other wives after his demise?
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