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Mandodari Story

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Overview

You must be familiar with the Ramayana, about Lord Rama, Hanuman, Sita, and Laxman. But do you know about Ravana's wife, Mandodari? We'll learn about the following in this article:

  • Ravana’s Wife Mandodari

  • Mandodari’s Devotion to Ravana

Introduction to the Story of Mandodari in Ramayan

According to Valmiki's Ramayana, Mandodari is a stunning woman. When Rama's messenger, Hanuman, travels to Lanka in search of Sita, he is taken aback by Mandodari's beauty and mistakes her for Sita when he enters Ravana's bed chambers. Hanuman discovers Sita, where he finds Ravana threatening to murder her until she weds him. When Sita protests, Ravana lifts his sword to behead her. By clutching Ravana's hand, Mandodari manages to save Sita. Mandodari says that because ending a woman’ life is an abominable evil, Ravana shouldn't do it to SIta. She requests that Ravana stop thinking about taking Sita as his wife and instead amuse himself with his other women. Despite saving Sita's life, Ravana is adamant on being married to her.


Ravana and Mandodari

Ravana and Mandodari


Mandodari Story

Mandodari served as the royal consort of Lanka's demon king, Ravana. She was the offspring of the apsara Hema and Mayasura, King of the Asuras (demons). When she was a baby, her mother Hema abandoned her and her father Maya and went to Paradise.

Mandodari was raised with great care by Maya while his wife Hema was away, receiving all of his devotion. In Hindu mythology, she was one of the "Panch Kanyas" (five females), along with Ahalya, Draupadi, Kunti, and Tara. The demon king of Lanka, Ravana, once encountered Maya as he and his daughter were strolling through a deep jungle. The two were wed on a fortunate occasion, and Maya gave Ravana several powerful, heavenly weapons.


Mandodari had three sons: Meghanada (Indrajit), Atikaya, and Akshayakumara. Based on some Ramayana adaptations, she was also the mother of Rama’s wife Sita, who was infamously kidnapped by the demon king. Despite her husband’s faults, she loved him and encouraged him to follow the right path.


Ravana Kidnapped Sita

Ravana Kidnapped Sita

She consistently suggested her husband return Sita to Rama, but her advice fell on deaf ears. She knew that Rama was not an ordinary man but was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. She tried to convince her husband so that he would return Sita and ask for Rama`s friendship. He neither paid attention to her words nor scolded her, as he knew that she always wished him well.

In the Ramayana, she is referred to as a gorgeous lady. When Hanuman visits Lanka in search of Sita, he is taken aback by her beauty and mistakes Mandodari for Sita when he enters bed rooms. When Hanuman does locate Sita, he discovers the demon king threatening to murder her if she doesn't wed him.


Mandodari Stops Ravana


Mandodari Stops Ravana


When Sita protests, Ravana lifts his sword to behead her. By clutching Ravana's hand, Mandodari manages to save Sita. She asserts that because hurting a woman is a terrible act, Ravana shouldn't do it. She requests that he stop thinking about taking Sita as his wife and instead amuse himself with his other women. Despite saving Sita's life, he remains adamant about wanting to wed her.


Love of Mandodari for Ravana

The Ramayana praises her devotion to her spouse and her affection for him. Despite having several wives, Ravana preferred Mandodari the most. She remained Ravan's first choice and most cherished person. She was a devout woman who always sought the best for her husband and made an effort to lead the monarch along the right road.


When Sita was abducted by Ravana, she made a very sincere effort to persuade him. but fate had other plans for her. Mandodari wept after the combat when Ravan passed away. Rama spotted her and gave her a blessing, making all of her delusions go away.


Summary

In Hindu mythology, Mandodari was one of the "Panch Kanyas" (five females), along with Ahalya, Draupadi, Kunti, and Tara. Based on some Ramayana adaptations, she was also the mother of Ram's wife Sita, who was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana. She consistently suggested her husband return Sita to Rama, but her advice fell on deaf ears.

Tips for Parents

Kids enjoy reading and listening. Hence, Since stories frequently include a wide variety of topics, parents should seize the opportunity to answer any questions their children may have. The fact that this story has been passed down through the ages like other folktales can help kids learn if you employ this tried-and-true method. The Ramayana is a legendary story that teaches youngsters important lessons.


Conclusion

According to various Ramayana translations, Mandodari was also the mother of Sita, the wife of Rama, who was taken captive by the demon king Ravana. She urged her husband to give Sita back to Rama repeatedly, but he ignored her counsel. Mandodari adores Ravana and is proud of his power, despite Ravana's flaws. She is aware of Ravana's prejudice against females. Mandodari, a good woman, attempts to guide Ravana toward righteousness, but Ravana constantly disobeys her counsel. She counsels him against conquering the Navagraha, the nine heavenly creatures that determine one's fate, and staying away from Vedavati since she will be reincarnated as Sita and bring about Ravana's demise.

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FAQs on Mandodari Story

1. What was Mandadori's birthplace?

Mandodari's birthplace was Swarga (heaven).

2. Who was Mandodari?

Mandodari was Ravana’s dearest wife and one of the Panch Kanyas in heaven.

3. How many wives did Ravana have?

Ravana was married to three women: Mandodari, Dhanayamalini, and an unnamed third.


Overview

You must be familiar with the Ramayana, about Lord Rama, Hanuman, Sita, and Laxman. But do you know about Ravana's wife, Mandodari? We'll learn about the following in this article:

  • Ravana’s Wife Mandodari

  • Mandodari’s Devotion to Ravana