Shina Utavani

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from “The Ramayana”.Ravana is depicted as the king of Rakshasas. He is said to have ten heads. But he was not born with ten heads.Ravana was a big devotee of Lord Shiva. Ravana performed an intense penance (self-punishment or tapasya) to please Lord Shiva which lasted for several years. During the penance, Ravana chopped off his head 10 times as a sacrifice to please Lord Shiva. Each time he sliced his head off, a new head arose, thus enabling him to continue his penance.Finally, this dedication of Ravana pleased Lord Shiva and he granted him ten heads. Ravana became one of the most powerful beings on earth. The ten heads of Ravana symbolise the six Shastras and Four Vedas, making him a great scholar and the most intelligent person of his time.

This is a story of head and Ravan.Moral(s) of the story: penance

The Story Behind Ravana’s 10 Heads

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from “The Ramayana”.The three brothers Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Vibhishan were the sons of Vishravas. Kumbhakaran was younger to Ravan and elder to Vibhishan. Once, they all engaged in severe penance to please Lord Brahma, their grandfather and the god of creation. Lord Brahma was pleased with the sincerity and their devotion so, he appeared in front of them and promised them boons. Ravan asked that he should not be killed by gods, serpents, animals, demons, birds and his wish was granted.Vibhishan asked that he should never leave the path of righteousness. Brahma was pleased with his goodness and he blessed him with immortality as an additional bonus.Kumbhakaran had already created enough fear among all the lives. Brahma feared that he would again ask some strength which he would use against the welfare of the people. Therefore, Brahma requested the Goddess of Speech, Saraswati to sit on his tongue and let him mispronounce the wish so that the lives of others are saved.Kumbhakaran wished to ask for the position of Indra, the ruler of the heavens. But under the influence of Goddess Saraswati, he mispronounced it as Nidrasana (the seat of sleep). So, Brahma granted him eternal sleep.Ravan was distressed to see the plight of his brother. He pleaded Brahma to undo the curse. Brahma did undo it, but with a condition. He said that Kumbhakaran would sleep for six months and will stay awake for another six months. He can have his food to full his belly in those six months so, that he can go back to sleep for another six months.

This is a story of brahma, Kumbhakarna, Ram, Ravan, and veebhishana.Moral(s) of the story: penance

The Story of Kumbhkaran’s Sleep

dedication

passion

smartness

Wisdom

unity

Friendship

foolishness

helpfulness

sacrifice

confession

health hygiene

kindness

benevolence

greediness

Trust

hard work

determination

Curiosity

anger

faith

betrayal

hope

Honesty

lying

carelessness

discipline

Gratitude

Bravery

Courage

perseverance

struggle

strength

justice

Generosity

Respect

Effort

devotion

Patience

self love

Selfishness

idiot

uniqueness

Forgiveness

pride

peace

happiness

fear

karma

compassion

boasting

acceptance

Cooperation

sharing

Optimism

self worth

weakness

Family Value

Responsibility

Understanding

confidence

regret

Obedience

salvation

judgement

mean

caring

love

cheating

morning person

routine importance

over confidence

Empathy

knowledge

arrogance

jealousy

ignorance

competition

laziness

inclusivity

tolerance

motivation

equality

poverty

repentance

penance

pretention

naughty

precaution

loyalty

sadness

satisfaction

promise

success

modesty

failure

doubt

alertness

control

penance stories

Kids moral stories help in improving their imagination & relate to real-world life. Here are age-specific bedtime stories for children by renowned storytellers.

The Story Behind Ravana’s 10 Heads

The Story of Kumbhkaran’s Sleep

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