Destroying Ten Sins: Ravana’s Heads and Our Inner Demons

Every year, as the towering effigies of Ravana are set aflame on Dussehra, we witness a ritual drama that is much more than a re-telling of the Ramayana. The burning of Ravana is not only a celebration of Lord Rama’s victory but also a profound reminder to conquer the inner demons that live within us.

According to the Brahma Purana, Dussehra signifies the destruction of ten sins. The Kalika Purana notes that Ravana was killed on the ninth day of Ashwin (Navami), with victory celebrated on the tenth (Dashami).

The Valmiki Ramayana describes how Rama, guided by the gods, released a divine arrow presided over by Brahma that pierced Ravana’s heart, ending the reign of Lanka’s formidable king. Across these scriptures, the focus is clear: Dussehra is not just a historical or mythological event, but a symbolic call to purify ourselves by defeating destructive qualities.

The Ten Heads of Ravana: Our Inner Demons

Ravana, the learned scholar-king, was not without brilliance. Yet, his ten heads represent the excesses and sins that cloud human judgment:

1. Kama (Lust): Desire uncontrolled by dharma.

2. Krodha (Anger): Rage that blinds wisdom.

3. Lobha (Greed): Insatiable craving for wealth or power.

4. Moha (Attachment): Clinging to people or possessions beyond balance.

5. Mada (Pride/Ego): Inflated self-importance that refuses humility.

6. Matsarya (Envy): Resentment at others’ success.

7. Ahankara (Arrogance): Belief in one’s superiority.

8. Anyaaya (Injustice): Actions that disregard fairness.

9. Dambha (Hypocrisy): Pretending virtue while practicing vice.

10. Aviveka (Lack of Discernment): Inability to distinguish right from wrong.

The Brahma Purana’s description of “ten sins” connects directly to this imagery, reminding us that Ravana’s defeat is a lesson about destroying inner negativity rather than simply rejoicing at an outer enemy’s downfall.

Puranic Perspectives on Dussehra

• Brahma Purana: Emphasises that Dussehra is the destruction of ten sins, symbolically urging devotees to conquer personal weaknesses.

• Kalika Purana: Records that Ravana was struck down on Ashwin Navami, making Dashami a celebration of divine justice.

• Valmiki Ramayana: Highlights Rama’s reliance on Brahma’s divine arrow, underscoring that victory over evil is achieved through divine wisdom and not brute force alone.

Taken together, these texts show that Dussehra is both cosmic drama and inner allegory: a festival reminding us that the fiercest battles are fought within.

Dussehra is not simply about Rama’s triumph over Ravana. It is an invitation to burn away lust, anger, greed, and arrogance in our own lives. The fire that consumes Ravana’s effigy is also the fire of awareness that consumes ignorance within.

By connecting with the symbolism found in the Brahma Purana and Kalika Purana, and by performing even a simple reflection ritual, we align ourselves with the true essence of the festival: the commitment to live with balance, justice, and clarity.

This Dussehra, may the flames you light outside also ignite the fire of transformation within.