Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is being celebrated on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, as it is believed that on this day, Lord Rama defeated Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka. While effigies of Ravana are burned every year to symbolize his fall, many wonder — who actually performed Ravana’s last rites after his death?
How Did Ravana Die?
Ravana, despite being a great warrior and devotee of Lord Shiva, committed the grave mistake of abducting Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. This led to a fierce battle between Rama’s army of Vanaras (monkeys) and Ravana’s forces in Lanka. After days of fighting, Lord Rama finally killed Ravana with the Brahmastra, a divine weapon.
Who Performed Ravana’s Last Rites?
According to the Ramayana, the responsibility of performing Ravana’s last rites fell upon his younger brother, Vibhishana. However, Vibhishana initially refused, as he had opposed Ravana’s actions and sided with Lord Rama during the war.
At that moment, Lord Rama, showing his compassion, reminded Vibhishana that regardless of Ravana’s deeds, he was still his elder brother and it was his duty to perform the cremation. Rama then asked his brother Lakshmana to console Vibhishana and persuade him to carry out the rites.
Moved by Rama’s words, Vibhishana agreed. He performed the last rites of Ravana with full rituals, honoring his elder brother one last time.
Vibhishana Crowned King of Lanka
After Ravana’s cremation, Lord Rama declared Vibhishana the new king of Lanka. Since Rama could not enter the city due to a promise made to his father, he asked Lakshmana, along with Sugriva, Hanuman, Jambavan, Angada, Nala, and Neela, to accompany Vibhishana and perform the coronation ceremony. Goswami Tulsidas has described this in Ramcharitra Manas.
