Important - You can also watch the video shared above on YouTube for a more visual and practical explanation of these fast Vedic tips.
When Ego Meets the Divine
There’s a story in Hindu mythology that never gets old — the time when Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, tried to lift Mount Kailash itself. Yes, the very mountain believed to be the eternal abode of Lord Shiva. Ravana was no ordinary being. He was a great scholar, a brilliant warrior, and a powerful devotee. But his biggest flaw? His ego.
After conquering many realms, Ravana’s pride had reached its peak. He believed he was unstoppable. One day, while passing Mount Kailash in his celestial chariot, Nandi — Shiva’s bull — stopped him, saying that Lord Shiva was meditating and no one could pass without permission. This enraged Ravana. His arrogance didn’t let him accept this ‘refusal’. So what did he do? He decided to move the whole mountain!
With his immense strength, Ravana began shaking Mount Kailash from its roots. The earth trembled, the gods panicked, and Shiva calmly opened his eyes. With just a press of his toe, Shiva pinned the mountain down, trapping Ravana underneath. That moment wasn’t just a punishment — it was a spiritual awakening. Ravana cried in pain for years and realized the folly of his ego. From beneath the mountain, he sang praises of Lord Shiva — the very powerful Shiva Tandava Stotram was born from that pain and devotion.
The Ten Heads and a Curse Unfolded
We often see Ravana with ten heads, but have you ever wondered what they represent? The ten heads aren’t just about physical might. They symbolize ten human emotions or qualities — desire, anger, delusion, greed, pride, envy, intellect, mind, will, and ego. And out of all these, ego was the one that led him to his downfall.
According to some ancient texts, Ravana didn’t always have ten heads. It was a divine blessing, but also a curse in disguise. Each head gave him immense knowledge, but also intensified his attachment to material power. As his pride grew, he started disrespecting gods, sages, and even Dharma. The story of him trying to lift Mount Kailash is just one chapter in this long tale of self-destruction.
Interestingly, while Ravana was trapped under the mountain, his pain turned into devotion. He realized that no matter how powerful you are, there is always someone above you — someone divine. It teaches us a crucial lesson even today — your knowledge and strength become meaningless when humility leaves your heart.
What We Can Learn Today
You might wonder — how does this ancient story relate to us in modern times? Well, think of it like this. Mount Kailash represents your life’s spiritual center. When ego tries to shake the foundation of your peace, the divine has its way of humbling you. Every time we act out of pride, ignore good advice, or hurt others out of superiority, we’re repeating Ravana’s mistake.
Let’s be honest. We all have those ten heads within us. Sometimes it's anger that controls us, sometimes it’s greed or pride. And when all these combine, we invite our own downfall. But here’s the good news — just like Ravana, we can transform even in our lowest moments. It takes self-awareness, a willingness to change, and a connection to something higher than ourselves.
Spiritual tip? Every time you feel ego creeping in, chant the Shiva Tandava Stotram or just sit quietly and reflect. Ask yourself — is this action coming from ego or from wisdom? That small pause can save you from big damage.