Significance of Ravana

Ravana, according to various texts and traditions, is primarily depicted as the powerful demon king of Lanka and the main antagonist in the Ramayana. He is notorious for his pride, strength, and significant role in the kidnapping of Sita, creating major conflicts for Lord Rama and Lakshmana. Ravana's actions epitomize evil and tyranny, challenging Rama in an epic battle. He is sometimes portrayed with complexity, reflecting the themes of ambition and downfall within Hindu mythology, thereby representing the archetype of the formidable foe.1
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Ravana'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Ravana is interpreted as both the ten-headed king of the Rakshasas who seeks guidance and as a complex character in the Ramayana, defying conventional heroic narratives through his depth and multifaceted portrayal.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Lankavatara Sutra

(1) The ten-headed king of the Rakshasas, an important figure in the narrative who seeks guidance from the Blessed One.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Ravana'

Hinduism Books

Ravana, in Hinduism, is portrayed as a powerful demon king and the primary antagonist in the Ramayana, known for abducting Sita and embodying ambition, arrogance, and cruelty, ultimately defeated by Rama in an epic battle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The Lord of the Rakshasas, a ten-necked titan who sought to measure strength against Lord Arjuna.[2] (2) The adversary who protects Lanka and is characterized as the Lord of the Demons.[3] (3) The King of the Titans and father of Indrajita, known for his power and wrath following the death of Maharaksha.[4] (4) The main antagonist in the narrative, known for his conflict with Rama and his actions against Sita and the brothers.[5] (5) The formidable adversary of Rama who has captured Sita, representing evil and tyranny.[6]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The king of Lanka, characterized by his villainous actions, including the abduction of Sita.[7] (2) The powerful villain who attempted to violate Vedavati while she was in the midst of her austerities, later becoming key to the narrative of Sita.[8] (3) The character who forcibly abducted Sita, impacting the course of events for Rama.[9]

From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)

(1) Ravana is the Rakshasa king of Lanka, who is described as a demon that has received a boon making him exempt from being killed by all beings except for man.[10] (2) The king of demons, whose fall is prophesied to happen on the ninth day after the gods' worship of Ugrachanda Chandi.[11] (3) The king of Lanka who has captured Sita and is opposed to Rama.[12]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The king of the Rakshasas, beset by desire, who approaches Sita and proposes to take her as his queen.[13]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) The primary antagonist who abducted Sita and challenged Rama.[14]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A significant demon character known for his adversarial role against Lord Rama.[15] (2) The atheist King who was killed by the Lord as part of his incarnation.[16] (3) The character who was killed by the Lord as part of His pastimes.[17] (4) The demon king notable for his strict austerities, pride, and the kidnapping of maya Sita.[18]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) A character from the Ramayana known for his significant role and the lessons surrounding his downfall.[19] (2) The chief of Lanka, representing a powerful antagonist who was ultimately defeated by the Lord.[20] (3) A notable character in Hindu epics, known for his arrogance and refusal to heed sound advice.[21] (4) An antagonist defeated by Shri Rama in an epic battle.[22]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The main demon leader, symbolizing a formidable opponent to Rama.[23] (2) The figure that is opposed by the subject, central in the narrative.[24]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The brother of Vibhishana who criticized him and represents opposition in the narrative.[25] (2) An atheistic demon who, despite being killed, did not receive liberation.[26]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A figure from Hindu mythology associated with the abduction of Sita and depicted in the narrative through his son Indrajit.[27] (2) A prominent Rakshasa and antagonist to the hero Rama in Hindu mythology, recognized for his powers and wealth.[28]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions

(1) The adversary of King Rama Chandra in the 'Ramayana', known as a formidable foe who was killed in battle.[29]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Hitopadesha (English translation)

(1) A mythical character known for his evil deeds, referenced as a warning against associating with bad company.[30]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Jain concept of 'Ravana'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Ravana is interpreted as a complex antagonist symbolizing challenges for Rama and Lakshmana. He is a powerful figure, linked to the abduction of Sita, representing moral dilemmas and conflicts within royal narratives.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The antagonist in the narrative, linked to the act of kidnapping Sita and thus representing the main challenge that Rama and Lakshmana must overcome.[31] (2) The antagonist who kidnapped Sita, leading to various rumors about her loyalty.[32] (3) A powerful figure who defeated King Sahasrakirana in battle, prompting significant changes in the kingdom.[33] (4) The king of Lanka and the main antagonist who abducted Sita, leading to great suffering.[34] (5) The character who married Mandodari and later entertained himself at the mountain Megharava.[35]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Ravana in local and regional sources

History Books

Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka and primary antagonist in the Ramayana, embodies evil by kidnapping Sita and challenging Rama, leading to his eventual defeat. He also imprisoned Indra, prompting Rama's divine intervention.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A famous character from the Ramayana, who is one of the ‘great characters’ remodeled by Bhasa.[36] (2) The ten-headed demon king who kidnaps Sita, representing the villainy and challenges that befall her.[37] (3) The primary antagonist of the Ramayana, known for abducting Sita and facing Rama in battle.[38] (4) The antagonist of the Ramayana who abducts Sita and represents the adverse forces of Adharma.[39] (5) The primary antagonist in the Ramayana, known for kidnapping Sita and representing evil forces.[40]

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A demon king who imprisoned Indra and other gods, prompting Rama to assume an avatar to deliver them.[41] (2) The ten-headed king of Lanka who kidnapped Sita, ultimately defeated by Rama.[42] (3) The ten-headed king of Lanka, antagonist to Rama who kidnapped Sita and was ultimately defeated.[43]