How Was Sone Ki Lanka As Per Valmiki Ramayan?

Lanka in Valmiki Ramayana: The Golden Kingdom of Ravana

Lanka, as described in the Valmiki Ramayana, was a city of unparalleled grandeur and prosperity. It was the kingdom of the mighty demon king Ravana and stood as a testament to architectural brilliance, wealth, and power. The epic provides intricate details about Lanka’s magnificence, its strategic location, and its eventual downfall due to the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana. This article explores the Lanka of Valmiki Ramayana, its splendor, governance, and ultimate fate.

The Origins of Lanka

According to the Ramayana, Lanka was originally built by Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, for Lord Shiva. However, it later came under the control of Kubera, the god of wealth. Eventually, Ravana seized Lanka from Kubera after performing severe penance and acquiring immense power. Under Ravana’s rule, Lanka transformed into a golden city, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and invincibility.

Geographical Location and Fortifications

Lanka was located on an island, believed by many to be modern-day Sri Lanka. Surrounded by the ocean, it had a strategic advantage against invasions. The city was heavily fortified, with high walls, deep moats, and massive gates guarded by powerful Rakshasas. The golden walls and mansions made it appear as if it were floating in divine radiance.

The Pushpaka Vimana, Kubera’s flying chariot that Ravana seized, further added to Lanka’s grandeur, allowing its ruler to travel through the skies. The city’s layout was meticulously planned, with wide streets, grand palaces, and beautiful gardens.

Architectural Splendor

Valmiki Ramayana provides vivid descriptions of Lanka’s architecture. The city was adorned with towering palaces, golden domes, and jewel-studded mansions. The grand palace of Ravana was the most impressive structure, constructed with gold, silver, and precious gems. It housed numerous courtyards, gardens, and divine artifacts, making it a symbol of opulence and power.

One of the key highlights was Ashok Vatika, a lush garden filled with exotic trees, flowers, and divine scents. This garden played a crucial role in the epic, as it was here that Sita was kept captive by Ravana. The serene yet sorrowful environment of Ashok Vatika reflected Sita’s state of mind during her captivity.

Governance and Administration

Ravana ruled Lanka with absolute authority. He was a scholar, a devotee of Lord Shiva, and a mighty warrior. Under his reign, Lanka prospered economically and culturally. Despite being a Rakshasa kingdom, Lanka had a well-structured governance system, with Ravana’s ministers and advisors ensuring law and order.

Some of the key figures in Ravana’s administration included:

• Vibhishana – Ravana’s righteous brother who later sided with Lord Rama.
• Kumbhakarna – Ravana’s gigantic brother, known for his deep sleep and immense strength.
• Indrajit (Meghanada) – Ravana’s son, a formidable warrior who could make himself invisible in battle.

The Rakshasas of Lanka were powerful and skilled warriors. They had mastery over Maya (illusion) and possessed supernatural abilities that made them formidable opponents in battle.

Lanka’s Prosperity and Lifestyle

The citizens of Lanka enjoyed a life of luxury and prosperity. The city was rich in resources, and trade flourished under Ravana’s rule. The Rakshasas, despite their warlike nature, indulged in music, dance, and festivities. The Ramayana mentions Lanka’s markets brimming with gold, silver, and fine garments. The Rakshasas wore splendid attire, and their lifestyle was extravagant, reflecting the affluence of the kingdom.

However, despite its prosperity, Lanka was also a land of moral corruption, where the rule of might often overshadowed righteousness. Ravana’s arrogance and his disregard for dharma ultimately led to Lanka’s downfall.

Hanuman’s Visit to Lanka

One of the most detailed descriptions of Lanka comes from Hanuman’s visit in the Sundara Kanda. Sent as a messenger by Lord Rama, Hanuman crossed the ocean and entered Lanka stealthily. He marveled at its magnificence but also witnessed the arrogance and cruelty of its rulers.

Disguised as a small monkey, Hanuman explored Lanka’s palaces and finally located Sita in Ashok Vatika. He tried to console her and conveyed Rama’s message. However, his presence was discovered, and he was captured by Ravana’s forces. In a bold display of power, Hanuman set Lanka ablaze with his burning tail, foreshadowing its eventual destruction.

The Battle and Lanka’s Fall

The final war between Rama and Ravana marked the beginning of Lanka’s decline. The mighty warriors of Lanka, including Indrajit and Kumbhakarna, were slain in battle. Despite his strength and strategic brilliance, Ravana was ultimately defeated by Lord Rama.

After Ravana’s death, his brother Vibhishana was crowned as the new king of Lanka. Unlike Ravana, Vibhishana ruled with righteousness and reinstated dharma in the kingdom. Under his rule, Lanka transitioned from a land of tyranny to one of peace and prosperity.

Lanka’s Legacy in Hindu Culture

Lanka’s depiction in the Valmiki Ramayana serves as a powerful lesson on the consequences of arrogance, adharma (unrighteousness), and unchecked ambition. Despite its wealth and power, Lanka could not withstand the wrath of dharma, as represented by Lord Rama. The city’s rise and fall symbolize the transient nature of material prosperity when it is not grounded in righteousness.

Even today, Lanka remains a significant part of Hindu mythology and cultural discourse. The legend of Ravana, the golden city, and its eventual fall continues to be recited during Ramayana readings and Ramlila performances across India.

Conclusion

Lanka, as described in the Valmiki Ramayana, was a city of immense splendor, wealth, and strategic strength. It was a land of skilled warriors, grand architecture, and divine opulence. However, its ruler’s arrogance and misdeeds led to its downfall. The story of Lanka is a timeless reminder that power without righteousness is destined for destruction. Today, Lanka remains a legendary city, symbolizing both grandeur and the importance of following the path of dharma.