RAVANA

      Ravana is  a demon king of Lanka. The principle villain in the Ramayana, Ravana is the ten-headed, twenty-armed god-king of the island of Lanka. Ravana gained immortality against gods and demons by praying to Lord Shiva for ten thousand years. In his arrogance, Ravana did not ask immunity against men and earthly beast, fearing no harm from these creatures. Once granted his boon, Ravana proceeded to subjugate the gods and earth to his mighty will, even making servants and slaves of the gods. In addition, he possessed great charm and passion; thus, many women flocked to his side. This passion, however, led to trouble for Ravana as he kidnapped Sita, the wife of Rama, to be his own. This act led to his eventual destruction at the hands of Rama. Today, Ravana is revered in Southern India for his strength and passion as the defender of the lower castes in Indian society.