In Hindu mythology, the demon king Ravana is traditionally depicted as having ten heads.
Ravana is the principal antagonist of the Ramayana and the ruler of Lanka. His ten heads symbolize extraordinary knowledge and power in many interpretations, although the precise symbolic explanation varies across regional traditions and later commentaries. He is also commonly shown with twenty arms, emphasizing his immense supernatural strength.
Ravana is not portrayed as a simple or unintelligent villain. The Ramayana describes him as learned, powerful, devoted to Shiva, and skilled in music and statecraft, while his abduction of Sita and refusal to return her place him in opposition to Rama’s dharma. Rama ultimately defeats him in the war at Lanka.
The ten-headed image is a conventional visual feature of Ravana’s iconography, especially in dramatic performances and festival effigies. Some artistic traditions simplify or alter his appearance. His brother Kumbhakarna is a gigantic warrior, while Vibhishana becomes Rama’s ally; neither is traditionally depicted with ten heads.