Who Killed Ravana In the Ramayana’s climactic confrontation where good triumphs over evil after epic struggle, Lord Rama killed Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, in a fierce final battle that lasted seven days and nights without respite, employing divine weapons granted by the gods including Indra’s celestial chariot driven by Matali, the sacred Brahmastra arrow gifted by sage Agastya, and the blessings of the sun god Surya obtained through reciting the Aditya Hridayam hymn taught by sage Agastya—ultimately striking Ravana’s navel where the celestial nectar of immortality (amrita) was stored as revealed by Vibhishana, thereby draining
the source of his invincibility and enabling Rama to finally sever all ten of Ravana’s heads which would otherwise regenerate endlessly, bringing to an end the reign of terror of one of Hindu mythology’s most powerful and complex antagonists. The final battle began after Rama exhausted all diplomatic options, sending Angada as messenger with one last plea for Ravana to return Sita peacefully,
the crucial secret: Ravana’s soul and life force were protected by amrita (nectar of immortality) stored in his navel due to Shiva’s boon, and no mortal weapon could diminish this essence—only a divine arrow could pierce that specific vulnerable spot and drain the nectar, enabling his death. When Matali, Indra’s experienced charioteer serving as Rama’s guide in this battle, advised Rama to employ the Brahmastra—the most powerful celestial weapon created by Brahma himself, known for its unstoppable power capable of destroying entire worlds and granted to Rama by sage Agastya specifically for this moment—Rama invoked
Understanding Rama’s victory over Ravana reveals fundamental Hindu principles about divine intervention supporting righteousness when cosmic balance requires it, the importance of revealed secrets and insider knowledge in impossible situations, how seemingly invincible power always has hidden vulnerability, the necessity of divine weapons to counter supernatural threats ordinary arms cannot defeat, exhaustion requiring spiritual renewal through devotion and hymns, respect for enemies’ positive qualities even while defeating their evil actions, and most profoundly
that ultimate victory belongs not to the most powerful but to the most righteous—making this final battle not merely a military conquest but a cosmic restoration of dharma demonstrating that evil, however mighty, must eventually fall before truth and righteousness, and that the path to victory combines human effort, divine grace, strategic wisdom, and unwavering commitment to virtue.
This comprehensive exploration examines the build-up to the final battle including failed diplomacy through Angada’s mission, Ravana’s previous victories over Rama’s commanders and family, the divine decision to intervene through Indra’s chariot and Matali the expert charioteer, sage Agastya’s appearance teaching the Aditya Hridayam hymn, Rama’s exhaustion and renewal through sun worship,
the seven-day duration of intense combat, Ravana’s ten heads and their regeneration challenge, the revelation of Ravana’s navel secret by Vibhishana, the role of celestial nectar ensuring immortality, Matali’s crucial advice about using Brahmastra, the divine arrow’s characteristics and cosmic power, the precise strike draining
the amrita from Ravana’s navel, the final severing of all ten heads, Ravana’s death and fall, Rama’s respectful treatment of his fallen enemy including sending Lakshmana to learn from him, the funeral rites and dharmic obligations, and the broader significance of this victory for cosmic balance and moral order.
The Build-Up: Failed Diplomacy
Before the final confrontation, Rama made one last attempt to avoid bloodshed.
Angada’s Peace Mission
Rama made one last attempt to negotiate with Ravana. Angada carried a message to Ravana, asking him to return Sita.
Ravana’s Violent Rejection
Ravana became so enraged that he ordered his men to kill Angada although he was a messenger. Angada allowed the demons to catch hold of him and then leaped up to a high ledge. Chanting ‘Victory to Rama’, he dashed the Rakshasas together and dropped them senseless.
Ravana became morose witnessing the strength of Rama’s army. Rama received Angada back affectionately and readied for battle.
Previous Battles: Ravana’s Dominance
Before the final encounter, Ravana had demonstrated his formidable power against Rama’s forces.
Defeating Vanara Warriors
Ravana had defeated the vanara warriors namely Hanuman, Sugriva, Neela and even Rama’s brother Lakshmana twice during his war with Rama.
Ravana fought with Hanuman and neither could defeat the other. Ravana then turned his attention towards Nila, whom he struck with Agneyastra. Nila was burnt and fell unconscious but was not slain.
Striking Down Lakshmana
Ravana then fought with Lakshmana. Both exchanged arrows that neutralized each other. Finally, Ravana was able to overpower Lakshmana with a celestial javelin he had obtained from the Gods. It penetrated Lakshmana’s defenses and struck him on the chest, causing him to faint.
Previous Humiliation of Rama
Rama picked up a crescent-headed shaft and tore off Ravana’s diadem, of which he was very proud. Rama broke Ravana’s bow. He communicated to Ravana expressing that as Ravana seemed exhausted and was unfit to defend himself, Rama did not want to slay him at that moment. He asked Ravana to return to Lanka and return later. A humiliated Ravana scrambled to his feet and retreated to Lanka with his vanity crushed.
Divine Intervention: Indra’s Chariot
Recognizing the unequal combat, the gods decided to intervene.
The Gods’ Decision
As you know from the beginning of the story, the gods are the ones who planned for Rama to defeat Ravana. So, as the battle continues, the gods watch the events unfold, and Indra decides to send his own chariot, along with his charioteer, Matali, to aid Rama.
Matali’s Arrival
In the Ramayana, Indra sent his own charioteer, Matali, to lend his assistance to Rama, due to the fact that the prince fought afoot against Ravana, who rode upon a chariot.
Matali descended upon the earth and offered his obeisance to Rama, stating that he had been sent by Indra. He offered the prince the deity’s own vimana, great bow, arrows, shield, and spear to help him triumph over the rakshasa.
The Celestial Chariot
Brave Matali drove the chariot drawn by steeds like solar ray, Where the true and righteous Rama sought his foe in fatal fray; Shining arms and heavenly weapons he to lofty Rama gave — When the righteous strive and struggle, gods assist the true and brave!
“Take this car,” so said Matali, “which the helping gods provide”.
Agastya’s Blessing: Aditya Hridayam
Before the final battle, sage Agastya provided crucial spiritual support.
Rama’s Exhaustion
On the battle-field, exhausted by the fight and facing Ravana who was duly prepared for the war, the glorious sage Agastya, who had come in the company of gods to witness the encounter (battle) now spoke to Rama as follows.
This historic hymn starts at the beginning of the Battle with Ravana, when Lord Rama is fatigued and getting ready to fight.
Teaching the Sacred Hymn
‘O Rama’, ‘O Mighty armed elegant Rama’, listen carefully to the eternal secret by which, ‘O my child’, you shall conquer all your enemies on the battle field and win against your adversaries.
Aditya Hridayam, is a devotional hymn associated with Aditya or the Sun God (Surya) and was recited by the sage Agastya to Rama on the battlefield before fighting the demon king Ravana. Agastya teaches Rama, who is fatigued after the long battle with various warriors of Lanka, the procedure of worshipping the Sun God for strength to defeat the enemy.
Rama’s Renewal
Having performed Achamanam (sipping water thrice) and being purified, Rama gazing at the sun with devotion, recited the hymn Aditya-Hridayam thrice, then that great hero Raghava was thrilled and lifted his bow.
Lord Rama thus cheered, seeing Ravana coming to fight, put forth all his effort with a determination to kill him.
Then knowing that the destruction of Ravana was near, the Sun-God Aditya, surrounded by all the Gods in heaven, looked at Rama with delighted mind and exclaimed ‘Hurry up’ – ‘Be quick’.
The Seven-Day Battle
The final confrontation between Rama and Ravana was prolonged and intense.
Duration and Intensity
The terrific battle between Rama and Ravana continued for seven days without respite either during the day or during the night.
Rama and Ravana fought a fierce battle with bow and arrows for nearly seven days.
The fierce encounter continues thus for seven days. Then ensued a fierce and a prolonged chariot-duel between Rama and Ravana, which was frightful to all the worlds.
Cosmic Scale
As Rama and Ravana battled on, the entire earth, including mountains, groves and forests trembled. The sun too became gloomy and shone less brightly upon Earth and the wind stopped moving.
Spectators
The Lankan army of demons and Rama’s huge army of monkeys fired not an arrow and stood without moving and held on to their weapons but eyes depicting wonder and hearts impressed.
The Challenge: Ravana’s Ten Heads
Ravana’s unique physical form presented an extraordinary challenge.
Origin of Ten Heads
Ravana is depicted as the king of Rakshasas. He is said to have ten heads. But not many people know that he was not born with ten heads.
Ravana performed an intense penance – Tapasya – to Brahma, lasting several years. During his penance, Ravana chopped off his head 10 times as a sacrifice to appease Brahma. Each time he sliced his head off, a new head arose, thus enabling him to continue his penance.
The Regeneration Problem
Ravana’s chariot’s flag-staff was brought down by Rama’s arrows. Every time that Rama cut off Ravana’s head, another head would crop up in its place.
This made killing Ravana seem impossible through conventional means.
The Secret: Ravana’s Navel
The key to defeating Ravana lay in a closely guarded secret.
The Boon from Brahma
At last, Brahma, pleased with his austerity, appeared after Ravana’s 10th decapitation and offered him a boon. Ravana asked for immortality, which Brahma refused of course, but gave him the celestial nectar of immortality, which we all know was stored under his navel.
Dasanan asked for immortality which Lord Shiva refused and offered Dasanan the celestial nectar of immortality (‘Amrit’ in Sanskrit). The nectar stored in Dasanan’s navel ensured his immortality as long as it lasted.
Vibhishana’s Revelation
It became obvious that killing Ravana was turning next to impossible, so Vibhashana disclosed the secret about Ravana’s navel, where his soul was kept hidden due to a boon.
He told Rama about the boon Lord Shiva granted to Ravana and advised him to target Ravana’s navel where he stored the celestial nectar of immortality.
The Divine Arrow Requirement
He also informed Lord Rama that no mortal weapon could ever diminish Ravan’s soul, but only a magical arrow, which was kept in the safety of Mandodari.
The Brahmastra: Ultimate Weapon
Matali advised Rama to employ the most powerful celestial weapon.
Matali’s Counsel
When Ravana was refusing to die despite Shriram cutting off his head, it was Matali who suggested Shriram to use Brahmastra to end the Rakshasaraj.
Matali advised Rama to use the Brahmastra, a powerful celestial weapon created by Brahma himself. This weapon was known for its unstoppable power and was capable of destroying entire worlds.
The Weapon’s Power
The Brahmastra was a powerful celestial weapon granted to Rama by the sage Agastya Muni. It was an arrow capable of immense destruction and could only be used once.
Invoking the Brahmastra
Rama following Matthali’s advice took up the brahastra. He chanted the sacred mantra and aimed the weapon at Raana’s heart.
His arrow glows with cosmic energy made from fire, wind, sun and space with the head of a sacred mantra and a tail of lightning. He draws his bow. He releases the arrow.
The Fatal Strike
The Brahmastra found its mark precisely as intended.
Piercing the Navel
Finally, Ram shot the fateful arrow into Ravan’s navel, where his life force was concentrated.
The brahastra cuts through the sky like time itself. It pierces Rahana’s chest with a thunderous impact.
Without wasting time, Rama took out the divine arrow given to him by Sage Agastya – an arrow that would never miss its target – and he released the arrow targeting Ravana’s navel.
Draining the Amrita
The divine arrow found its mark and pierced the celestial nectar of immortality spilling it all over the ground.
Ravana’s Fall
Ravan reeled and fell to the ground dead.
Rama prays and invokes the power of the asthra and sends it at Ravana’s heart—Ravana had only prayed for his heads and arms to be indestructible, not his heart. The asthra kills Ravana, and Rama watches his adversary fall from the sky.
It was easy for Rama then to cut off Ravana’s head.
Rama’s Respect for His Enemy
Even in victory, Rama displayed extraordinary grace and dharmic conduct.
Recognizing Ravana’s Virtues
Ravana was not just a demon king. He was also a great scholar and a highly knowledgeable person.
He knew all the Vedas and holy scriptures. Ravana was a huge devotee of Lord Shiva and was famous for his deep love and prayers towards him. He even wrote the Shiva Tandava Stotram, a beautiful hymn praising Lord Shiva.
Sending Lakshmana to Learn
The story goes that after shooting the fatal arrow on the battlefield of Lanka, Ram told his brother, Lakshman, “Go to Ravan quickly before he dies and request him to share whatever knowledge he can. A brute he may be, but he is also a great scholar”.
In fact, before killing Ravana, Lord Ram told his brother Lakshman to go and learn from Ravana, because Ravana still had great knowledge and wisdom to share. This shows how much Lord Ram respected learning, even from an enemy.
Ensuring Proper Funeral Rites
Even though Ravana had done wrong by kidnapping Sita, he was still a Brahmin by birth. After killing him, Lord Rama had to do special funeral rituals called Pind Daan to free Ravana’s soul and to remove the sin of killing a Brahmin.
After Vibhishana conducted Ravana’s funeral, Rama crowned Vibhishana as King of Lanka.
“For the insult Ravana did me, I have killed him,” Rama said.
The Lesson
Lord Ram respected Dharma (righteousness) so much that he followed the rules strictly, even if it meant honoring the enemy he had just defeated.
However, Lord Ram never hated Ravana. He only punished Ravana’s bad actions, not his good qualities.
Lessons and Significance
Rama’s victory over Ravana teaches profound spiritual and moral lessons.
Divine Support for Righteousness
When cosmic balance requires it, the gods intervene to support dharma—Indra’s chariot, Agastya’s blessing, and the Brahmastra all demonstrate divine backing for righteousness.
The Power of Revealed Secrets
Vibhishana’s revelation of Ravana’s vulnerability demonstrates that insider knowledge can be decisive—no amount of power can overcome strategic intelligence.
Hidden Vulnerabilities
Even seemingly invincible power has hidden weaknesses—Ravana’s navel secret teaches that arrogance about invincibility blinds one to vulnerability.
Spiritual Renewal Through Devotion
Rama’s exhaustion overcome through Aditya Hridayam demonstrates that spiritual practices provide energy and strength beyond physical capacity.
Respect for Enemy’s Virtues
Rama’s treatment of Ravana—sending Lakshmana to learn from him, ensuring proper funeral rites—teaches that we can oppose actions while respecting the person.
Victory of Dharma
Ultimately, the battle demonstrates that righteousness must triumph over evil, regardless of how powerful evil appears, because cosmic order demands restoration of balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who killed Ravana in the Ramayana?
Lord Rama killed Ravana in the final battle of the Ramayana. According to Valmiki’s original six books, only Rama, the incarnation of Vishnu, defeated and killed Ravana after several days of single combat lasting seven days without respite. While Ravana had previously defeated vanara warriors including Hanuman, Sugriva, Neela, and even Rama’s brother Lakshmana twice, none could ultimately vanquish him.
The final confrontation required divine intervention—Indra sent his celestial chariot driven by expert charioteer Matali to aid Rama who fought on foot, sage Agastya taught Rama the Aditya Hridayam hymn to renew his strength through sun worship, and Vibhishana revealed the crucial secret that Ravana’s life force was protected by celestial nectar (amrita) stored in his navel.
Armed with this knowledge, divine weapons, and the Brahmastra granted by sage Agastya, Rama aimed precisely at Ravana’s navel, draining the immortality nectar and enabling him to finally sever all ten heads which previously would regenerate endlessly. Thus Rama alone bears credit for Ravana’s death, fulfilling the divine purpose of his incarnation.
What weapon did Rama use to kill Ravana?
Rama used the Brahmastra—the most powerful celestial weapon created by Brahma himself—to kill Ravana. This divine arrow was granted to Rama by sage Agastya Muni specifically for destroying Ravana and was known for its unstoppable power capable of destroying entire worlds. The weapon could only be used once and required invoking through sacred mantras. When Matali, Indra’s charioteer serving as Rama’s advisor during the battle, suggested using the Brahmastra after Ravana’s heads kept regenerating despite being cut off, Rama followed this counsel.
He chanted sacred mantras, invoked the weapon’s power, and aimed it carefully at Ravana’s navel—the location revealed by Vibhishana where celestial nectar of immortality was stored. The Brahmastra glowed with cosmic energy combining fire, wind, sun, and space, with the head of a sacred mantra and tail of lightning, cutting through the sky like time itself. It pierced Ravana’s chest and specifically his navel with thunderous impact, spilling the amrita (nectar of immortality) all over the ground, draining his life force, and making the invincible king finally vulnerable, enabling Rama to then sever all ten heads which this time did not regenerate.
Why was Ravana’s navel his weak spot?
Ravana’s navel contained his vulnerable point because of a boon from Brahma. During intense tapasya (penance), Ravana chopped off his own head ten times as sacrifice to appease Brahma, each time growing a new head. After the tenth decapitation, Brahma appeared pleased and offered a boon. Ravana asked for immortality, which Brahma refused, but instead granted him celestial nectar of immortality (amrita) stored under his navel, ensuring his immortality as long as the nectar lasted. This made Ravana virtually unkillable—every time his heads were severed, new ones would regenerate because his life force remained intact in the navel.
Ravana had prayed for his ten heads and twenty arms to be indestructible but neglected to protect his navel/heart, creating a fatal oversight. No mortal weapon could diminish this essence; only a divine arrow could pierce that specific spot and drain the nectar. Vibhishana, Ravana’s righteous brother who defected to Rama’s side, disclosed this secret when it became obvious that killing Ravana was otherwise impossible. He advised Rama to target the navel precisely where the amrita was stored. This revelation proved decisive—without it, Rama would have continued severing regenerating heads endlessly without actually killing Ravana.
How long did the final battle between Rama and Ravana last?
The final battle between Rama and Ravana lasted seven days and nights without respite. Valmiki’s Ramayana specifically states that “the terrific battle between Rama and Ravana continued for seven days without respite either during the day or during the night” and describes “a fierce and prolonged chariot-duel between Rama and Ravana, which was frightful to all the worlds.” This seven-day duration refers specifically to the direct combat between Rama and Ravana themselves, distinct from the broader war which lasted considerably longer (some sources suggest 87 days total from the war’s beginning to conclusion).
During these seven continuous days of combat, Rama and Ravana fought with bow and arrows in fierce exchange while the entire earth trembled, mountains shook, the sun became gloomy, and wind stopped moving due to the cosmic scale of their confrontation. Both the Lankan demon army and Rama’s vanara (monkey) army stood motionless watching with wonder-filled eyes and impressed hearts, not firing a single arrow as they witnessed this epic duel. The prolonged duration demonstrates Ravana’s formidable power and the challenge Rama faced—requiring not just one moment but sustained combat over seven days before finally employing the Brahmastra on the seventh day to strike Ravana’s navel and end his life.
Why did Indra send his chariot to Rama?
Indra sent his celestial chariot to Rama because the prince was fighting on foot against Ravana who rode a magnificent chariot, creating grossly unequal combat conditions. The gods, who had planned from the beginning for Rama to defeat Ravana as part of cosmic restoration of dharma, watched the battle unfold and recognized that divine intervention was necessary to level the battlefield and ensure righteousness could triumph. Fighting a chariot warrior while afoot placed Rama at severe disadvantage in ancient warfare—chariots provided mobility, elevation, stability for archery, and psychological dominance.
Indra, king of gods, decided to send his own personal vimana (celestial chariot) driven by his expert charioteer Matali to aid Rama. Matali descended to earth, offered obeisance to Rama, and presented the divine chariot along with Indra’s own great bow, arrows, shield, spear, and other heavenly weapons to help him triumph over the rakshasa.
This divine assistance embodied the principle: “When the righteous strive and struggle, gods assist the true and brave.” Matali’s experience as charioteer proved invaluable, as he advised Rama on battle tactics, helped him navigate Ravana’s magical illusions and sorcery, and ultimately suggested using the Brahmastra when conventional methods failed—demonstrating that divine support comes not just as equipment but also as wisdom and guidance.
What is the Aditya Hridayam and why was it important?
The Aditya Hridayam is a sacred hymn glorifying Surya (the sun god) that sage Agastya taught to Rama on the battlefield before the final confrontation with Ravana. When Rama appeared exhausted after prolonged fighting with various warriors of Lanka and was facing the formidable Ravana who was duly prepared for war, Agastya—who had come with the gods to witness the battle—approached Rama and said: “O Rama, O Mighty armed elegant Rama, listen carefully to the eternal secret by which, O my child, you shall conquer all your enemies on the battle field and win against your adversaries.
Agastya explained the procedure for worshipping the sun god for strength to defeat the enemy. Rama, following instructions, performed achamanam (ritual purification by sipping water thrice), then gazed at the sun with devotion and recited the Aditya Hridayam hymn three times. The effect was immediate and dramatic—the great hero Raghava felt thrilled, his exhaustion vanished replaced by renewed vigor, his clouds of worry dispersed, and he lifted
his bow with determination to kill Ravana. The sun god Aditya himself, surrounded by all the gods in heaven, looked at Rama with delighted mind knowing that Ravana’s destruction was near and exclaimed “Hurry up! Be quick!” This demonstrates that spiritual practices and devotional hymns provide energy and strength beyond physical capacity, connecting human effort with divine blessing for victory.
Did Rama respect Ravana after killing him?
Yes, despite defeating Ravana in battle, Rama showed remarkable respect for his fallen enemy’s positive qualities while opposing his evil actions. This demonstrated true dharma—honoring wisdom and virtue even in adversaries. Before Ravana’s death, Rama told Lakshmana: “Go to Ravan quickly before he dies and request him to share whatever knowledge he can. A brute he may be, but he is also a great scholar.” Rama recognized that Ravana was not just a demon king but a highly knowledgeable person who knew all the Vedas and holy scriptures, was a huge devotee of Lord Shiva (even composing the Shiva Tandava Stotram), and possessed immense learning worth preserving.
After Ravana’s death, even though he had committed the grievous sin of kidnapping Sita, Rama ensured proper funeral rituals called Pind Daan were performed because Ravana was a Brahmin by birth—following dharma strictly even if it meant honoring the enemy he had just defeated. Rama stated: “For the insult Ravana did me, I have killed him”—making clear he punished Ravana’s bad actions, not his good qualities. He never hated Ravana as a person. This gracious conduct teaches that we should respect knowledge, goodness, and wisdom even when the person has made grave mistakes, and that true dharma involves showing humility and respecting truth regardless of source—even from defeated enemies.
What role did Vibhishana play in Ravana’s death?
Vibhishana played a crucial, decisive role in Ravana’s death by revealing the fatal secret that made victory possible. As Ravana’s younger brother who possessed deep knowledge of family secrets, Vibhishana knew that Ravana’s immortality stemmed from celestial nectar (amrita) stored in his navel as a boon from Brahma. During the battle, it became obvious that killing Ravana was turning next to impossible—every time Rama severed one of his ten heads, another would immediately regenerate in its place. Rama could have continued cutting heads endlessly without actually killing Ravana. At this critical juncture, Vibhishana disclosed the secret about Ravana’s navel where his soul was kept hidden due to the boon.
He told Rama about the boon Lord Shiva/Brahma granted to Ravana and advised him to target precisely the navel where the celestial nectar of immortality was stored. Crucially, Vibhishana also informed Rama that no mortal weapon could ever diminish Ravana’s soul—only a magical divine arrow could pierce that spot and drain the amrita. Some versions mention the magical arrow was kept in the safety of Mandodari (Ravana’s wife). Armed with this intelligence, Rama aimed the Brahmastra specifically at Ravana’s navel, drained the nectar, and finally made the invincible king vulnerable. Without Vibhishana’s revelation, Rama’s victory would have been impossible—demonstrating that insider knowledge and strategic intelligence can be as decisive as divine weapons in achieving victory.
About the Author
Anjali Deshmukh – PhD in Vedic Studies and Ancient Indian History
Anjali Deshmukh is a distinguished scholar specializing in ancient Indian history, Vedic traditions, and Hindu cultural practices. With over 15 years of research experience focused on decolonizing historical narratives, he has published extensively on Ramayana studies, divine weapons and celestial warfare in Hindu epics, the theology of avatars and incarnation doctrine, the role of divine intervention supporting dharma, strategic intelligence in ancient warfare,
the concept of immortality and vulnerability in mythology, sacred hymns and their spiritual power, respect for enemies’ virtues and post-conflict dharmic conduct, and the cosmic dimensions of epic battles representing restoration of universal moral order. His work bridges academic rigor with devotional depth, making complex concepts about divine support for righteousness, the necessity of revealed secrets in impossible situations, spiritual renewal through devotion, and the principle that true victory belongs not to the most powerful but to the most righteous understandable to contemporary audiences seeking authentic knowledge about how ancient battles represent eternal truths about dharma’s inevitable triumph over adharma regardless of apparent power imbalances.