Surpanakha: The demoness of lanka.

lord Rama rejecting Surpanakha's proposal

There are various theories and versions centered around the two popular epics of Hinduism i.e Ramayana and Mahabharata

One of the oldest versions of Ramayana was written by Valmiki which is highly considered as the authentic literary source of Lord Ram and his greatness.

Though this epic doesn't only revolves around lord Ram, it speaks a lot about everyone involved in this interesting tale. Whether it's the wicked and evil demeanor of Ravana or the caring and good nature of Sita maa, every character has been described well in this fabulous tale.

But what about the demoness who instigated this war between Ram and Ravan? Yes, you heard it right I am talking about Surpanakha. Do we know much about her? What happened to her after the great war at Lanka? Very few people know about her final days' coz she never received the recognition which eventually resulted in the birth of varying theories related to her.

One of the popular versions that we Hindus know about Surpanakha was her involvement as the evil demoness who triggered the rivalry between Ram and Ravan. It is stated that Surpanakha was enticed at lord Ram's beauty and his fair complexion so she proposed him but lord Ram strictly adheres with the idea of " Ek Patni Vratha" (having one wife). Lord Ram politely rejected her proposal and instructed her to approach his younger brother Laxman. 

Unfortunately, Laxman gave the same reply and rejected her proposal. What followed next was the turning point of the Vanvaas.

Surpanakha was infuriated at the response of the Ayodhya princes so she tried to kill Sita maa but Laxman retaliated and cut off her nose.

This particular incident caused the great battle of Lanka.

Allow me to share some interesting facts and theories regarding Surpanakha.

1) An obscure backstory:

Lakshman disfiguring Surpanakha's face

According to several versions of Ramayana it was revealed that the demoness Surpanakha was the mastermind behind the great battle at Lanka. 

In accordance with various ancient texts, it was disclosed that Surpanakha was married to Vidyutjihva but her brother Ravan didn't like her choice. Unfortunately, Dashanan (Ravan) slaughtered his brother in law. Little did Ravan knew that the ramifications of his deed will cost his Life.

Desperately waiting for an opportunity to kill her brother, Surpanakha finally got her weapon of destruction. She gets to know about the Ayodhya prince Ram who slew innumerable demons and Asuras during his period with guru Vishwamitra. She devised a plan and used Ram as a pawn. 

In reality, she neither liked Ram nor Laxman. All that was a part of her game to annihilate the army of Dashanan.

This theory is one of the less popular theories regarding Ramayana.

2) The physical appearance of Surpanakha:

Surpanakha from the TV show "Siya Ke Ram"

The physical appearance of Surpanakha still remains a mystery for various followers of Hinduism. If we go through the Valmiki's version of Ramayana we will get to know that Surpanakha was an unattractive demoness who lacks proper etiquettes and manners but according to kamban who wrote Ramavataram (the Tamil version of Ramayana) in which he mentioned that Surpanakha's another name was Meenakshi. She was a fish-eyed beautiful lady who can change her physically. 

Surpanakha's exact physical appearance still remains a conundrum.

3) The incarnation of Surpanakha as Kubja

Krishna meeting Kubja.

Valmiki didn't mention much about Surpanakha's life after the great war. There are various speculations regarding her final days. Some say that she died along with her half-sister Kumbini and there body was discovered at the seashore of Lanka. 

One of the notable theories regarding her post-war life was from Bhramavaivrata Purana where it was stated that the demoness Surpanakha prayed to Lord Brahma for several years as an act of penance. 

Lord Brahma was pleased by her atonement and he gave her a boon that she will be the wife of Lord Ram in her next birth.

Surprisingly, Surpanakha was reincarnated as Kubja and she became one of the junior wives of Lord Krishna (the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

These are the few speculations that surround the demon princess Surpanakha. What matters the most is the genuineness of these speculations that can't be proved.

Jai Shree Ram.