The Myth of Ravana’s Burning: A Dussehra Tradition Born After 1947?
Nidhi | Apr 04, 2025, 16:09 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
The tradition of burning Ravana’s effigy on Dussehra is widely believed to be an ancient ritual symbolizing the victory of good over evil. However, historical evidence suggests that this practice may have originated only after India’s independence in 1947. This article explores the roots of Dussehra celebrations, the philosophical essence of Ramayana, and Ravana’s legacy as a scholar and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. By revisiting scriptures and historical records, we uncover whether Ravana Dahan was truly a part of ancient traditions or a modern cultural adaptation.
द्वानम् चिन्तायास्ॏमायम् विधितम् मुनिम्
(Dvānam chintāyāsāmāyam vidhitam munim)
"True wisdom lies in questioning, for it leads to enlightenment."
Dussehra, the grand festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, is incomplete without the towering effigies of Ravana going up in flames. But have we ever paused to ask—was Ravana’s burning truly a part of our ancient tradition? Or is this fiery spectacle a more recent addition to our celebrations?While history celebrates Lord Rama as the harbinger of righteousness (dharma), the burning of Ravana as an annual ritual finds no mention in the Ramayana. This practice, it turns out, only gained widespread prominence post-1947. Let’s unravel the layers of history, spirituality, and philosophy behind this myth.
न ही पापम् न मृत्युरे न मोहे न पुत्रे न पापक्षाति।
(Na hi pApam na mRtyure na mohe na putrakShAti)
"Neither sin, nor death, nor attachment, nor destruction are absolute."
Ravana’s burning is nowhere mentioned in Valmiki’s Ramayana. The text narrates Ravana’s defeat and subsequent funeral rites, but there is no indication of Rama celebrating his demise with flames. Instead, Lord Rama, true to his noble character, instructs his brother Vibhishana to perform Ravana’s last rites with full honor.
Why, then, do we burn Ravana every year?
Historians suggest that large-scale effigy burning became popular only after 1947, as India sought grand ways to symbolize its victory over oppression—akin to Rama’s victory over Lanka. However, this modern symbolism may have overshadowed the deeper spiritual lessons of the Ramayana.
कालो न जानाति विपर्ययती ते यात्रा संसाराज्जिता पुन्यनाम् यात्रम्।
(Kālo na jānāti viparyayatī te yātrā saṁsārajjitā puṇyanām yātram)
"Time does not discriminate; it only guides those who walk the path of righteousness."
Ravana is often painted as the ultimate villain, but was he merely a demon (asura)? In reality, he was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva and an accomplished scholar. The Shiva Tandava Stotram, still chanted in temples today, was composed by none other than Ravana himself.
Legend has it that Ravana once attempted to lift Mount Kailash in devotion to Lord Shiva. When Shiva playfully pressed the mountain down with his toe, Ravana found himself pinned beneath it. Rather than pleading for release, he composed and sang the Shiva Tandava Stotram in praise of the divine. Moved by his devotion, Shiva blessed Ravana with immense power and granted him a boon.
Even Rama, before crossing the ocean to Lanka, performed a Shiva Puja, an acknowledgment of the wisdom and devotion of his adversary. So, does the burning of Ravana truly align with the spiritual essence of the Ramayana? Or have we reduced a deeply philosophical epic to a mere spectacle?
विजयामृतिरम् धृतिविवर्जितम् यत्रम्
(Vijayamritiram dhritivivarjitam yatram)
"Victory is meaningless without wisdom and restraint."
Dussehra is a festival of victory—but victory over what? Is it just about the destruction of an enemy, or does it symbolize something deeper?
With India’s independence in 1947, there was a surge in nationalist sentiment. The burning of Ravana came to symbolize the defeat of colonial rule and other forms of oppression. This large-scale ritual gained prominence as a public spectacle, drawing people together in a shared celebration of triumph.
But was this the original intention of Dussehra? If our ancestors did not burn Ravana, then why do we? Perhaps, in our quest for visual grandeur, we have drifted away from the festival’s true essence—self-improvement and the pursuit of dharma.
यद्याथा धर्मो विश्वा महान्तिकम्
(Yadyātha dharmo vishvā mahāntikam)
"Where there is dharma, there is the supreme truth."
Instead of merely burning Ravana’s effigy, we can:
The Ramayana is not just a story of good versus evil; it is a journey of self-discovery, morality, and wisdom. Burning Ravana on Dussehra may be a dramatic tradition, but the true fire should be within—burning our negativity, ignorance, and arrogance.
Dussehra is not about the defeat of an enemy, but about the victory of truth. Let us not limit its significance to external flames, but ignite the light of knowledge within us.
ज्ञानमेव प्रकाश्यति न किम् पापम् वा मृत्यु।
(Jñānameva prakāśyati na kim pApam vā mRtyu.)
"Knowledge alone illuminates; it destroys neither sin nor death, but ignorance."
(Dvānam chintāyāsāmāyam vidhitam munim)
"True wisdom lies in questioning, for it leads to enlightenment."
Dussehra, the grand festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, is incomplete without the towering effigies of Ravana going up in flames. But have we ever paused to ask—was Ravana’s burning truly a part of our ancient tradition? Or is this fiery spectacle a more recent addition to our celebrations?While history celebrates Lord Rama as the harbinger of righteousness (dharma), the burning of Ravana as an annual ritual finds no mention in the Ramayana. This practice, it turns out, only gained widespread prominence post-1947. Let’s unravel the layers of history, spirituality, and philosophy behind this myth.
1. The Absence of Ravana’s Burning in Ancient Texts
Valmiki Ramayana
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
(Na hi pApam na mRtyure na mohe na putrakShAti)
"Neither sin, nor death, nor attachment, nor destruction are absolute."
Ravana’s burning is nowhere mentioned in Valmiki’s Ramayana. The text narrates Ravana’s defeat and subsequent funeral rites, but there is no indication of Rama celebrating his demise with flames. Instead, Lord Rama, true to his noble character, instructs his brother Vibhishana to perform Ravana’s last rites with full honor.
Why, then, do we burn Ravana every year?
Historians suggest that large-scale effigy burning became popular only after 1947, as India sought grand ways to symbolize its victory over oppression—akin to Rama’s victory over Lanka. However, this modern symbolism may have overshadowed the deeper spiritual lessons of the Ramayana.
2. Ravana: The Devotee, Not Just the Demon
Ravana: Shiv Devotee
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
(Kālo na jānāti viparyayatī te yātrā saṁsārajjitā puṇyanām yātram)
"Time does not discriminate; it only guides those who walk the path of righteousness."
Ravana is often painted as the ultimate villain, but was he merely a demon (asura)? In reality, he was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva and an accomplished scholar. The Shiva Tandava Stotram, still chanted in temples today, was composed by none other than Ravana himself.
Legend has it that Ravana once attempted to lift Mount Kailash in devotion to Lord Shiva. When Shiva playfully pressed the mountain down with his toe, Ravana found himself pinned beneath it. Rather than pleading for release, he composed and sang the Shiva Tandava Stotram in praise of the divine. Moved by his devotion, Shiva blessed Ravana with immense power and granted him a boon.
Even Rama, before crossing the ocean to Lanka, performed a Shiva Puja, an acknowledgment of the wisdom and devotion of his adversary. So, does the burning of Ravana truly align with the spiritual essence of the Ramayana? Or have we reduced a deeply philosophical epic to a mere spectacle?
3. Dussehra: Beyond the Flames, A Lesson in Balance
Ravana
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
(Vijayamritiram dhritivivarjitam yatram)
"Victory is meaningless without wisdom and restraint."
Dussehra is a festival of victory—but victory over what? Is it just about the destruction of an enemy, or does it symbolize something deeper?
- Victory over Ego: Ravana’s downfall was not due to lack of intelligence or strength, but due to his arrogance (ahankara). The real essence of Dussehra lies in conquering our inner Ravana—the ego, anger, and attachment that cloud our judgment.
- Rama’s Compassion: After defeating Ravana, Rama did not rejoice. Instead, he ensured that Lanka remained stable under Vibhishana’s rule. This teaches us that true victory is not about annihilation, but about restoration and balance.
- The Fire Within: The real burning should be within us—the burning of greed, hatred, and ignorance. Externalizing this act through effigy-burning may serve as a dramatic display, but does it truly help us reflect on our own demons?
4. Post-1947: The Political & Social Angle
But was this the original intention of Dussehra? If our ancestors did not burn Ravana, then why do we? Perhaps, in our quest for visual grandeur, we have drifted away from the festival’s true essence—self-improvement and the pursuit of dharma.
5. A More Meaningful Dussehra
Dussehra
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
(Yadyātha dharmo vishvā mahāntikam)
"Where there is dharma, there is the supreme truth."
Instead of merely burning Ravana’s effigy, we can:
- Reflect on our own inner Ravana—pride, greed, and ignorance.
- Learn from Ravana’s strengths as well as his flaws—his devotion, knowledge, and downfall.
- Celebrate the triumph of dharma in daily life—by practicing righteousness, honesty, and self-awareness.
Rethinking Ravana’s Burning
Dussehra is not about the defeat of an enemy, but about the victory of truth. Let us not limit its significance to external flames, but ignite the light of knowledge within us.
ज्ञानमेव प्रकाश्यति न किम् पापम् वा मृत्यु।
(Jñānameva prakāśyati na kim pApam vā mRtyu.)
"Knowledge alone illuminates; it destroys neither sin nor death, but ignorance."