Here are a 10 interesting facts about Ravan that show the other side of the demon-king of Lanka.
1. Technically, Ravan was Brahma's great-grandson.
Ravan's father was the famous rishi, Visravas, who himself was a son of Prajapati Pulastya, one of Brahma's ten 'mind-born' sons.
2. Ravan performed a yagya for Ram.
In one of the many versions of the Ramayana, it is said that once Ram's army had created the bridge to Lanka, they needed to get Shiva's blessing for which they set up a yagya. But the biggest bhakt of Shiva in the entire region was Ravan, and since he was half-brahman, he was also the best qualified to perform the yagya. Displaying honour, Ravan actually showed up, performed the yagya and gave Ram his blessing.
3. As he lay dying, Ravan imparted valuable knowledge to Lakshman.
Since Ravan was one of the most learned scholars to have ever lived, Ram asked his brother Lakshman to sit beside the dying demon-king and learn from him important lessons in statecraft and diplomacy.
4. Ravan was an extraordinary veena player.
In many depictions of Ravan, he can be seen carrying a veena. It is believed that he had a keen interest in music and was a highly accomplished veena player.
5. Ravan was so powerful, he could even interfere with planetary alignments.
During the birth of his son Meghnad, Ravan 'instructed' the planets to stay in the 11th house of the child, which would grant him immortality. Saturn, or Shani, refused to do so and stood in the 12th house instead. It irked Ravan so much, it is said that he attacked Shani Dev with his mace and even imprisoned him.