Who is ravana
Ravana (Rāvaṇa) in Jainism is not a demon to be worshipped or a god. In Jain texts he is seen as a mighty king and a highly learned, scholarly soul who is a devotee of Jain Tirthankaras, especially in Ramayana retellings within Jain literature.
Key points:
- He is a mortal king, often described as very learned, skilled in arts, and a devotee of the Tirthankaras.
- In Jain Ramayana versions (e.g., Padmapurana), Ravana is part of the story to teach ethical and spiritual lessons; his life is explained in terms of karma and the soul’s journey, not as a divine figure.
- There are differing portrayals between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, but the common thread is that Ravana is not a deity in Jainism and is not worshipped as a god.
- Some Jain authors imagine Ravana as having a noble side or as a soul progressing toward liberation, while others emphasize his karmic flaws and downfall.