| MANDODARI |
| Other names- Mandodaree |
She was the beautiful and pious daughter of the King of Danav, Mayasur and the celestial dancer, Apsara Hema. Mandodari was the patrani (the chief queen) of Ravan, the King of Lanka.
Mayasur was the most gifted of Mayavi Danava (demon having magical powers) who could perform many miracles. Maya and Hema had a daughter, Mandodari and two sons Mayavi and Dundubhi. They fought along with Ravan in all his battles. When Ravan took away by force the aerial chariot, Pushpak Viman, from his older brother Vaishrava Kuber (the God of wealth), he used to roam about aboard the plane with Mandodari. She was thus a favorite of Ravan
Ravan had thousands of wives but Mandodari was by far his favorite. She was very svelte and slim and was named thus because of her slim waist.
Mandodari was extremely beautiful and religious minded. She used to give timely advice to Ravan whenever she thought fit. When Ravan kidnapped Sita from Panchavati and brought her to Lanka, Mandodari tried to persuade him to return Sita to her rightful place by Ram side. But Ravan would not hear of it. Ravan brave son Meghnad was Mandodari offspring. On overpowering Indra, he had won the title Indrajeet.
