Quests of Hindu Mythology: Unveiling Ravana's Maternal LineageIn Hinduism, Kaikesi, also known as Nikasha and Keshini, was the mother of Ravana. She was the daughter of Rakshasa Sumali and his wife Ketumati, a Gandharva princess. Kaikesi conspired with her parents to seduce the Rishi Vishrava, aiming to produce powerful, demonic offspring. Vishrava left his wife Ilavida and his son Kubera to marry Kaikesi. Through her, he fathered Ravana, Vibhishana, Kumbhakarna, and a daughter, Shurpanakha. Lord Shiva's Divine Play as the Avadhuta in Aksharvan: The story of Lord Shiva walking naked as an avadhuta in Aksharvan illustrates his unconventional and transcendental nature. Aksharvan, a celestial forest associated with spiritual practices and asceticism, serves as the setting for this divine play.Once, Lord Shiva chose to demonstrate the insignificance of external appearances and societal norms in the pursuit of true knowledge. Disguised as a wild-looking ascetic, he roamed the forest completely naked, adopting the demeanor of an avadhuta. His unconventional behavior astonished and scandalized the people and celestial beings of Aksharvan.Word of the mysterious naked sage spread far and wide, attracting the attention of sages, saints, and even gods from various realms. When questioned about his peculiar conduct, the avadhuta responded with cryptic yet profound teachings, emphasizing the essence of existence as the eternal Self beyond dualities and limitations.Eventually, those who encountered the naked ascetic came to recognize his true identity as Lord Shiva, the supreme deity and embodiment of pure consciousness. Through this divine play, Lord Shiva conveyed the timeless message that true knowledge and liberation can only be attained by transcending illusions and realizing the eternal truth within oneself. The Mythical Presence of Raka in Hindu Lore In Hindu mythology, Raka is portrayed as a demoness or a female Rakshasa, often associated with Ravana, the primary antagonist in the epic Ramayana. While Ravana is a central figure depicted as a powerful ten-headed demon king of Lanka, Raka's role varies in different retellings of the Ramayana. She is sometimes mentioned as Ravana's sister or as one of his attendants.