Episode 93: History of Rakshasas

In our previous episode, we witnessed the arrival of the great sages at the palace of Ayodhya. They came to honor Ram after his victory over Raavan. But their visit soon revealed a deeper story. We learned why Indrajit was considered such an extraordinary warrior, and how Lakshman's victory over him was made possible by fourteen years of discipline and sacrifice. We saw how Lakshman had given up sleep, controlled his hunger, and guarded Ram and Sita every night without ever asking for praise. Ram and Sita finally understood the depth of his devotion, and Ram embraced his brother with love and gratitude.In today's episode, Ram asks Sage Agastya to take him further into the past. He wants to understand the origins of the Rakshas and the lineage that eventually produced Raavan. Agastya takes us back through the ancient generations, beginning with the great sage Pulastya, Vishravas, and Vaishravan, who would become Kuber, the Lord of Wealth and the first great ruler of Lanka. We then discover how the Rakshas first came to rule the golden city, how Malyavan, Sumali, and Mali were driven into the netherworld by Lord Vishnu, and how Kubera eventually took possession of Lanka. But Sumali never forgot the kingdom his family had lost. And then, a decision is made that will change the course of the worlds. Sumali sends his daughter Kaikasi to Sage Vishravas. From their union are born four children with four very different destinies: Raavan, Kumbhakarna, Shurpanakha, and Vibhishan. As the young Raavan sees the glory of his half-brother Kuber, a powerful desire awakens within him. He does not want to remain beneath Kuber. He wants to become his equal. And perhaps, even greater. Today, we begin the story of how that ambition was born.Ramayan, Sita, Raavan, Ram, Lakshman, Hindu mythology, Indian epics, Valmiki Ramayan, Ramayan stories, Hanuman, Ramayan podcast, Indian culture, Dharm, Hindu traditions, Ramayan episodes, Spiritual stories, Indian history, Lord Vishnu, Ramayan characters, Raavan's tyranny, Sita's captivity, Ancient India, Hindu epics, Inspirational stories, Devotion, Moral lessons, Storytelling, Indian mythology