Study Guides/Culture/Ravan's Wife Name
Study Guide · Culture

Who was Ravan's Wife? (Mandodari)

In the great Hindu epic Ramayana, Ravana is the powerful demon king of Lanka. While he is the central antagonist, his chief queen consort is portrayed as one of the most virtuous and wise women in Hindu mythology.

Question (Click to Flip)

Did Ravana have other wives?

Answer

Yes, as a powerful king, Ravana had many other wives and consorts, but Mandodari was his chief queen (Pattamahishi) and the most respected.

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Key Facts

According to some regional adaptations of the Ramayana (like the Adbhuta Ramayana), there is a belief that Mandodari was miraculously the biological mother of Sita, though the Valmiki Ramayana does not state this.

Name of Ravana's Wife

Ravana's chief queen was Mandodari (मंदोदरी).

Mandodari is celebrated as one of the Panchakanyas (the five ideal and revered women in Hindu mythology, the others being Ahalya, Draupadi, Sita, and Tara). The recitation of their names is believed to dispel sin.

Her Background

  • Parents: Mandodari was the daughter of Mayasura (the King of Asuras and a great architect) and Hema (a celestial apsara/nymph).
  • Sons: She was the mother of Ravana's most famous and powerful son, Meghnada (Indrajit), as well as Akshayakumara and Atikaya.
  • Meaning of Name: The name Mandodari translates to 'one with a soft/slender belly'. (Manda = soft/slender, Udari = belly).

Her Role in the Ramayana

Despite being the wife of the demon king, Mandodari was incredibly righteous, wise, and devoted.

  • She constantly advised Ravana to return the abducted Goddess Sita to Lord Rama, warning him that his arrogance and actions would lead to the destruction of Lanka.
  • Ravana, blinded by ego, ignored her wise counsel.
  • She was a devoted wife (Pativrata) whose spiritual strength is said to have protected Ravana in many battles.

Questions and Answers

Did Ravana have other wives?+

Yes, as a powerful king, Ravana had many other wives and consorts, but Mandodari was his chief queen (Pattamahishi) and the most respected.

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