The ancient Vedic texts of India are full of fascinating stories about Vimanas, the “flying ships” of antiquity. Vimanas are said to have been seen flying in the sky, visiting continents around the globe over 6000 years ago. The most famous of these Vimanas is the Pushpaka Vimana, which belonged to King Ravana in the Ramayana.
The ancient texts give us a glimpse into the advanced technology of these ancient flying machines. The Vimana are described as having 31 different parts, including a Vishwakriyaadarpana mirror, Shaktyaakarshana energy attracting mirror, and a Solar power attractor. These components would allow the Vimana to fly in the sky, travel to other continents, and even go into space.
According to “Chaayaapurusha Shaastra” the 31 parts of the vimana are:
1. Vishwakriyaadarpana or mirror of outside views.
2. Shaktyaakarshana or energy attracting mirror.
3. Parivesha mechanism above the hood of the Vimana.
4. Angopasamhaara yantra or folding up yantra at the 7th bindukeelaka.
5. Vistr itakriyaa or opening out yantra location in the middle of the 11th section.
6. Vyroopya darpana and
7. Padmachakramukha at the shirobhaaga or crest of the Vimana.
8. The Kuntinee-shakti mechanism is to be in the neck of the Vimana.
9. Pushpinee and Pinjulaa Mirrors are to be in the right side of the centre.
10. At the front of the left side are to be located the Naalapanchaka or 5 pipes.
11. Guhaagarbha mirror yantra is to be in the front part of the stomach of the plane.
12. Thamoyantra at the north-western side.
13. Pancha-vaataskandha-naala on the western centre.
14. Row dree mirror.
15. Vaataskandha keelaka at the bottom centre.
16. Shaktisthaana at the front and right sides.
17. Shabda-kendra-mukha at the left side.
18. Vidyuddwaadashaka at the north-east side.
19. Praanakundala at the moola of the Vimana.
20. Shaktyudgama at the navel of the Vimana.
21. Vakraprasaarana at the side of Vimanaadhaara.
22. Shaktipanjara in the central portion.
23. Shirahkeelaka at the head of the Vimana.
24. Shabdaakarshaka yantra at the shoulder.
25. Pata-prasaarana at the bottom centre.
26. Dishaampati yantra at the left front.
27. Pattikaabhraka at the center of the hood of the Vimana.
28. Solar power attractor at the top of the Vimana.
29. Apasmaara or poison gas at the sandhi-naala mukha or junction tube front.
30. Sthambhana yantra at the bottom.
31. Vyshwaanara-naala at the navel centre.
However, despite the detailed descriptions of the Vimana in the Vedic texts, it remains a mystery whether the Vimana actually existed, or if they were just mythological “devices” mentioned in ancient folklore. Some believe that the Vimana were actually advanced aircrafts that were used by an ancient civilization, while others think that the Vimana were merely figments of the imagination, created by a creative storyteller.
Whichever is true, the Vimana of ancient India have captured the attention of many, and have become an important part of Indian culture and history. In fact, the Pushpaka Vimana is the focus of many plays and films, and is still a popular source of fascination for many.
The story of the Vimana is a reminder of the power of imagination and the potential of ancient civilizations. It is a reminder of the importance of understanding our past, and learning from it. It is a reminder that even in the most ancient of times, there were people with advanced technology and knowledge, and that we should not underestimate the power of the human mind.
Who Was King Ravana?
A descendant of Pulastya, one of the most renowned sages in Indian mythology and a member of the Saptarishis, Ravana was born to Sage Vishravan and Kaikashi, an asura or demon. Thus he is considered half-asur and half-brahmin. Immortalized for his role as antagonist in Ramayana – India’s classic epic poem – Ravana was described as a Rakshasa (demonic creature) who ruled Lanka (modern day Sri Lanka).
The notorious Ravana was actually a devoted devotee of Lord Shiva, an immensely knowledgeable scholar, an admirable ruler and the consummate virtuoso of the veena. He authored two acclaimed books: The Ravana Samhita (an astrology tome) and Arka Prakasham (a guide on Siddha medicine). Furthermore he was well-versed in Ayurveda as well as dark arts such as black magic. Legend has it that he had the power to alter planetary positions as he desired. His step brother Kuber gifted him the Pushpak Vimana, a flying chariot. In addition, he was a master of Tantra Vidya – an art form allowing one to create optical illusions through thoughts- which came in handy during his clashes against adversaries.
Ravana is often pictured with 10 heads showing 10 emotions. Those emotions are: Kaam (lust), Krodh (anger,) Moha (delusion), Lobh (greed), Mada (pride), Maatsarya (envy), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chit (will), and Ahamkara (ego).
Once, King Mahabali wisely advised Ravana to stay away from nine specific emotions and utilize only his intellect. He argued that it is essential to be equipped with all these traits for one to become a complete individual. With the head of Buddhi controlling his fate and eight other heads in charge of behavior, Ravana ultimately led himself towards destruction. His eventual enslavement to his senses caused nothing short of calamity, leading him and his family to destruction. He died in the battlefield filled with regret for not being able to contain himself from indulging in temptations even though he had access to a wealth of knowledge at his disposal – an awareness that eventually led Lanka down its ruinous path. Consequently, one of Ravana’s final regrets was not practicing wisdom throughout life which ultimately resulted in catastrophic defeat.
Check out this article about an ancient mythical beast, Kampe, next!
