The new song 'Ravana Tandava' from Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated film 'Ramayana' has caused a stir on social media since its release. In this composition, actor Yash portrays the terrifying and powerful image of Ravana, performing Shiva's dance with the Trishula and Damaru, captivating fans.
Furthermore, the sword 'Chandrakhas' appears in the visual sequence of the song, which holds special significance in mythological tales, further intensifying viewer interest. A question arises as to how Ravana obtained this divine sword and what story lies behind this artifact.
In the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana, it is described in detail how the demon king of Lanka, Ravana, known for his immense power and boundless arrogance, bowed before Lord Shiva. Ravana, intoxicated by the pride of his victories, committed an act that forced him to confront Shiva's wrath. This is where the unique episode of devotion between Lord Shiva and Ravana began.
When Ravana was returning to Lanka in his stolen chariot, his path was blocked by the majestic Mount Kailash. Seeing the ethereal beauty of the mountain, Ravana dismounted and met Nandi, the guardian who resembled Lord Shiva's bull. Nandi warned Ravana that Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and no one is permitted to disturb the peace of this place.
However, Ravana, completely consumed by the euphoria of his recent victories and his arrogance, rejected Nandi's warning and insisted on moving forward. In response, Nandi cursed him, prophesying that a common monkey would be the cause of his death and defeat in the future. Enraged, Ravana decided to demonstrate his strength by attempting to lift Kailash with his own hands. He began moving the mountain upwards, using the strength of his ten directions and twenty arms, causing the ground beneath Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to shake violently.
Goddess Parvati, frightened by the sudden earthquake and commotion, panicked and pressed herself against Lord Shiva. This action provoked extreme anger in Lord Shiva. To teach a lesson to this arrogant demon king, Shiva merely pressed lightly on Kailash with his big toe. From this slight pressure, Ravana's entire body and arms were severely crushed under the heavy mountain he had lifted. Ravana began to scream, groan, and immediately beg for forgiveness, but this had no effect on Shiva.
When Ravana's ministers learned of his miserable and difficult situation, they rushed to Kailash to save their king. Despite all efforts and attempts, they could not free Ravana from this heavy burden. Accepting defeat, they advised Ravana to appeal to Lord Shiva and pray to Him. Following the advice of his ministers, Ravana, despite unbearable suffering, began to sing hymns of praise to the Lord in a pure voice, without wavering in his devotion.
Thus, spending years under Mount Kailash, Ravana sang epic hymns that later became immortalized as 'Shiva Tandava Stotra'. Lord Shiva was deeply moved by Ravana's unwavering resolve and sincere devotion. Lord Shiva not only forgave him but also gifted him the divine and indestructible sword named 'Chandrakhas', whose shape resembled a crescent moon (the milky moon). This weapon became the main symbol of how a cruel and arrogant ruler transformed into a great devotee of Shiva.
Also in the Ramayana comic presented during a grand promotional event at Bharat Mandapam, the creators showed the first look of all the main actors of the epic by Nitesh Tiwari. It mentioned 'Chandrakhas', received by Ravana from Lord Shiva. The comic stated that 'the third eye in the middle of Shiva's forehead glows, symbolizing not only destruction but also awakening. Despite omnipotence, Lord Shiva is impartial. He easily grants blessings because he believes in the goodness of people. One of His greatest devotees was the king of Lanka, Ravana. Lord Shiva gave him Chandrakhas, the indestructible sword shaped like a crescent moon. He made Ravana invincible.'
It is now interesting to see how Nitesh Tiwari will present this episode from the Uttara Kanda in the film, as users on social media are actively commenting on this topic. One user wrote: 'Ravana receiving Chandrakhas from Lord Shiva—this scene will rock cinemas.'