What if Rama Did Not Kill Ravana: Exploring the Consequences

In the epic of Ramayana, the death of Ravana at the hands of Rama is a pivotal moment. However, what if Rama had not killed Ravana? The repercussions of such an event would have been profound and far-reaching, altering the course of history and the moral fabric of the world as we know it in the narrative of the Ramayana.

From a broader perspective, the Ramayana symbolizes the eternal battle between good and evil, with Rama representing dharma and righteousness. If Rama had not killed Ravana, the ultimate goal of Rama's avatar would not have been achieved. This suggests that Rama had a divine purpose to eradicate the adharmi Ravana, and that his death was necessary for maintaining cosmic order.

Consequences of Rama Not Killing Ravana

If Rama had not killed Ravana, the consequences would be dire:

The Spread of Adharma: Ravana, an embodiment of adharma, would have continued his atrocities, spreading wickedness across the earth. His unchecked power could have led to a dystopian future where chaos and violence dominated all aspects of society, drowning out any semblance of dharma.Devi Sita's Fate: There is a chance that Devi Sita might have remained captive in Ravana's domain. She would not have married Ravana, but her captivity could have had severe implications for the narrative's moral and spiritual balance. Her release and return to Rama would have been an arduous journey, full of challenges and trials.Devatic and Astral Influence: All grahas (planets) and devtas (deities) would have fallen under Ravana's control. This would have disrupted the cosmic balance, leading to natural disasters, moral decline, and spiritual turmoil. The world would have been plunged into a period of darkness, where deities lost their power and influence.Prolonged War and Loss: The war between Rama and Ravana would have prolonged, resulting in significant loss on Rama's side. Despite Rama's strength and valor, prolonged battles could have led to the loss of many innocent lives, both human and divine. Eventually, Rama might have had to return to Ayodhya without Devi Sita, leaving a bittersweet sense of incompleteness in the narrative.Ravana's Unchecked Power: Ravana would have ruled Lanka with an iron fist. He would either capture or exile his brother Vibhishana, ensuring that no one stood in his way. This would have led to a dynasty of wicked rulers, perpetuating adharma and suppressing any vestiges of righteousness.Impact on Rama's Return to Ayodhya: Without the knowledge of Devi Sita's whereabouts, Rama might not have returned to Ayodhya. Instead, he could have wandered in the forests, gathering strength to fight Ravana again. This prolonged absence would have had a significant impact on the political and social structure of Ayodhya, leaving the kingdom in turmoil.

Death is Inevitable for All

It is worth noting that according to the wisdom of ancient texts, death is certain for every living being. Ravana, despite his monumental power and influence, was destined to meet his end. The universe operates under a cosmic order, and every individual, including deities and asuras, faces the inevitability of death. According to the curse of Sanakara, Sanandana, and Jaya and Vijaya, Ravana was destined to be killed by Vishnu. This curse signified that his reign was finite, and his end was a necessary part of the cosmic cycle.

Conclusion

The death of Ravana in the Ramayana narrative serves as a reminder of the eternal struggle between dharma and adharma. Without Rama's intervention, the world would have plunged into chaos, making the seed of righteousness and morality barren. The ultimate lesson lies in understanding the importance of dharma and the necessity of an avatara to balance the scales of justice.