Bhagwan Ram’s Reaction to Ravan’s Death in Valmiki Ramayan

The Valmiki Ramayan is not just a story of war between good and evil but also a deep exploration of dharma (righteousness), karma (actions), and human values. One of the most defining moments in the Ramayan is the death of Ravan at the hands of Bhagwan Ram. Unlike many warriors who celebrate their victory, Bhagwan Ram’s reaction was calm, composed, and deeply reflective. His response to Ravan’s fall reveals his greatness as a warrior, his adherence to dharma, and his profound understanding of life’s impermanence.

1. The Battle Between Bhagwan Ram and Ravan

Before delving into Bhagwan Ram’s reaction, it is important to understand the events leading up to Ravan’s death. The battle between Bhagwan Ram and Ravan was fierce and intense, lasting several days. Ravan, the mighty king of Lanka, had several boons that made him nearly invincible. Despite losing many warriors, including his powerful son Indrajit, Ravan continued to fight with arrogance and determination.

However, in the final confrontation, Bhagwan Ram severed Ravan’s ten heads multiple times, but they kept growing back. Finally, with the guidance of Vibhishan (Ravan’s brother who had joined Bhagwan Ram), Bhagwan Ram aimed the Brahmastra (divine weapon) at Ravan’s navel, the source of his power. This led to Ravan’s ultimate downfall.

2. Bhagwan Ram’s Reaction to Ravan’s Death

Unlike what might be expected from a victorious warrior, Bhagwan Ram did not celebrate or express any joy over Ravan’s death. Instead, his response was one of reflection, detachment, and even compassion.

a) No Arrogance or Rejoicing

After striking Ravan down, Bhagwan Ram did not display pride or arrogance. He remained calm and composed, understanding that victory in war does not call for celebration but for introspection. This reaction sets Bhagwan Ram apart from ordinary warriors who often revel in their triumphs.

Bhagwan Ram saw Ravan not just as an enemy but as a fallen king. He recognized that despite his misdeeds, Ravan had been a great ruler and a mighty warrior. Bhagwan Ram’s detachment from emotions like pride and vengeance highlights his divine qualities and supreme self-control.

b) Teaching Vibhishan the Importance of Dharma

After Ravan’s death, Vibhishan (his younger brother and Bhagwan Ram’s ally) refused to perform the final rites. He considered Ravan a sinner, unworthy of proper cremation. However, Bhagwan Ram immediately corrected him and said that enmity ends with death.

This is beautifully captured in Valmiki Ramayan’s Yuddha Kanda (Book of War), Sarga 111, Verse 14:

“मरणान्तानि वैराणि निर्वृत्तं नः प्रयोजनम्।
क्रियतामस्य संस्कारो ममाप्येष यथा तव॥”

Meaning: “Enmities end with death. Our purpose has been served. Let the last rites of Ravan be performed, for he is now just like anyone else to me and to you.”

This statement from Bhagwan Ram carries a profound lesson on forgiveness, detachment, and dharma. Even though Ravan had kidnapped Sita and caused immense destruction, Bhagwan Ram saw him as a fallen warrior who deserved dignity in death.

c) Reflection on the Impermanence of Life

Bhagwan Ram’s words also reflect a deep understanding of life’s impermanence. He acknowledged that power, wealth, and strength are temporary and that death spares no one—not even the greatest of kings.

Despite being an exceptionally powerful ruler, Ravan was ultimately brought down, proving that pride and arrogance lead to one’s downfall. Bhagwan Ram did not dwell on revenge but instead used this moment to emphasize the transitory nature of human existence.

This understanding of impermanence (anitya bhava) aligns with the principles of Sanatana Dharma, which teaches detachment and acceptance of life’s changing nature.

3. The Significance of Bhagwan Ram’s Reaction

Bhagwan Ram’s response to Ravan’s death is significant in multiple ways:

a) A Lesson in Leadership and Honor

A true leader does not act out of hatred or personal vendetta. Bhagwan Ram, as an ideal king and warrior, showed that war should always be fought with dharma (righteousness) in mind. Even though Ravan was his enemy, he still deserved respect after death.

b) The Principle of Forgiveness

Bhagwan Ram’s words to Vibhishan highlight the importance of forgiveness. While justice had been served, Bhagwan Ram understood that harboring hatred was meaningless. He demonstrated that true greatness lies in letting go of enmity once justice is delivered.

c) The Reminder of Dharma and Karma

Ravan’s downfall was a direct consequence of his adharma (unrighteousness). He had ignored wise counsel, misused his power, and let arrogance cloud his judgment. Bhagwan Ram’s reaction serves as a reminder that karma (actions) determine one’s fate. Even the most powerful can fall if they stray from righteousness.

4. Comparisons with Other Epics and Historical Battles

Bhagwan Ram’s response to Ravan’s death can be contrasted with other figures in history and mythology.

• In the Mahabharata, when the Kauravas were slain, the Pandavas did not show much compassion. Bhima, for example, rejoiced after killing Duryodhan. In contrast, Bhagwan Ram’s approach was more philosophical and detached.
• In historical wars, many conquerors celebrated their victories with grand feasts and processions. However, Bhagwan Ram’s silence and solemnity show his true greatness—he did not fight for personal gain but to restore dharma.

5. Modern Lessons from Bhagwan Ram’s Reaction

Bhagwan Ram’s attitude towards Ravan’s death holds great significance even today. Some key takeaways include:

1. Power and Arrogance Lead to Downfall
   • Ravan was immensely powerful, yet his arrogance led to his destruction. This is a lesson that pride should not cloud one’s judgment.
2. Forgiveness is Greater than Revenge
   • Even in the face of enmity, Bhagwan Ram chose forgiveness over hatred, teaching us to let go of grudges.
3. Impermanence of Life and Success
   • No matter how powerful one becomes, everything is temporary. Understanding this helps cultivate humility.
4. A True Leader Respects Everyone
   • Bhagwan Ram’s insistence on proper funeral rites for Ravan teaches us that even opponents deserve basic dignity and respect.

Conclusion

Bhagwan Ram’s reaction to Ravan’s death in the Valmiki Ramayan is one of dignity, wisdom, and deep understanding of dharma. Instead of celebrating, he remained calm, reflected on life’s impermanence, and ensured that Ravan received the final rites due to him.

His words to Vibhishan, “Enmities end with death,” remain one of the most profound teachings of the Ramayan. They highlight the importance of forgiveness, detachment, and the transient nature of power.

Even today, this episode serves as a guiding principle for leaders, warriors, and individuals, reminding us to act with righteousness, maintain humility, and never let hatred consume our hearts. Bhagwan Ram’s greatness lay not just in his victory but in his wisdom and compassion, making him an eternal role model for humanity.