Religious tradition: Who performed Ravana's last rites after his death?

In the epic narrative of the Ramayana, the question of who would perform Ravana's last rites became a significant moment following the demon king's death at the hands of Lord Ram. Vibhishana, Ravana's younger brother, found himself in an emotionally complex position—grieving his sibling's death while facing the religious obligation to conduct funeral ceremonies.

According to the traditional account, Vibhishana initially hesitated to step forward and perform the final rites, despite being the appropriate family member to do so. His emotional turmoil stemmed from the loss of his brother, yet he struggled to overcome his reluctance to proceed with the ritual responsibilities.

Recognizing Vibhishana's dilemma, Lord Ram demonstrated compassion and religious wisdom by sending his brother Lakshman to counsel Vibhishana. Lakshman's intervention was intended to encourage Vibhishana to fulfill his familial and religious duties by performing the last rites with appropriate solemnity.

This episode, preserved in various versions of the Ramayana, illustrates the religious and ethical principles governing funeral customs in Hindu tradition. The narrative emphasizes that despite their opposition, even adversaries deserve respectful final ceremonies, reflecting the broader dharmic values central to Hindu philosophy.