Ravana Lifts Mt. Kailash

Ravana Lifts Mt. Kailash

Ellora Caves,8th Century AD

   Full of strength and arrogance, Ravana tried to lift Mt. Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. But not a pebble moved. Lord Shiva sat smiling at Ravana's childishness. Parvati, who was a bit frightened, cursed him that a woman shall be the cause of his death. In order to teach Ravana a lesson, Lord Shiva merely pressed his big toe and Mt. Kailash became so heavy for him, that he almost got burried under it. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu sat quietly watching the entire episode.

   Arrogance is frowned upon in every religion. For it leads to our destruction and demise. This beautiful sculpture is a reminder of human folly which thinks of no end of itself. But like Ravana we are arrogant, yet weak in front of Nature. Humility is gold, arrogance is brass.