Ravana shaking Mount Kailash, a scene from Ramayana depicted on the east-facing pediment of the south library
Ravana shaking Mount Kailash
The image shows the east-facing pediment of the south library depicting a scene narrated in the Hindu epic Ramayana in which Ravana with his 20 hands lifts and shakes Mount Kailash, the heavenly abode of Shiva, as Shiva sits calmly with his consort Parvati (also known as Uma) on his lap.
Here is the story behind this bas-relief in brief:
After a victory over Alaka, the celestial city of Kubera, located in the Himalayas near Mount Kailash, Ravana tries to fly his plane, Pushpaka Vimana, over Mount Kailash to return to Lanka. Nandikeshvara, an attendant of Shiva, does not allow Ravana’s plane to fly over the mountain because Shiva is seated atop the mountain with his consort Parvati. Enraged by his refusal, Ravana tries to lift Mount Kailash.
As Ravana tries lifts it, Shiva holds it down with his enormous strength. Enraged and frustrated further by this act, Ravana starts shaking the mountain with a monstrous fury, while Shiva sits calmly with Parvati on his lap.
Shiva eventually presses the mountain down, trapping Ravana beneath it. Realizing Shiva’s supreme power, Ravana repents and began singing hymns in praise of Shiva. Pleased with his devotion and repentance, Shiva eventually forgives Ravana and releases him.
The south library is situated near the entrance of Banteay Srei Temple located 16 miles northeast of Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Related Pages
– Ravanugraha Panel Depicting Ravana Shaking Mount Kailash carved into the wall of Cave 1 at Elephanta Caves, Mumbai, India
– Banteay Srei, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Phnom Kulen, Tonlé Sap, Cambodia
– Bali, Prambanan, Borobudur, Indonesia
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