Did You Know that Ravan had Its Own Designed Instrument?

As Dusshera, also known as Vijayadashami is celebrated all over India today to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Lord Rama's win over the demon king Ravana in many parts of India, symbolizing the defeat of evil. In other regions, it celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over the  Mahishasura, representing the power of righteousness. The festival signifies truth and justice. But did you knew that Ravan also made an instrument with his own body parts ? Read here to know more

RAVAN HASTA VEENA: A BOW STRING INSTRUMENT

The Ravanahatha is an ancient musical instrument believed to have originated in Sri Lanka during the time of the Hela civilization. King Ravana, the demon of the Ramayana, is said to have created it. He was a strong devotee of Lord Shiva and showed his devotion through music. The name "Ravanahatha" means "Ravana's Hand."

After the war, Hanuman took the Ravanahatha and brought it to North India. The instrument became popular in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is said to be the first musical instrument that the princes of these  kingdoms learned to play.

The Ravanahatha is made with a bowl-shaped resonator crafted from a coconut shell, covered with goat skin. A long bamboo stick, called the Dandi, is attached to the bowl. The main strings of the instrument are made from steel and horsehair.

THE STORY BEHIND CREATING THE INSTRUMENT:

Ravan was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva and wanted to honour him by creating a special musical instrument which was a Veena. He chopped off one of his heads and arms to make the Veena and used his own guts as the strings.

Ravana played the Veena while singing this for Shiva and pleased Shiva with this gesture. As a reward, Lord Shiva gifted him a powerful sword called " Chandrahasa" . Ravana respectfully accepted the sword from Shiva.