Meghnad, also known as Indrajit, was the mightiest of demon king Ravana’s seven sons. He possessed celestial weapons (Brahmastra, Pashupatastra, Vaishnavastra) and was the only warrior, who defeated both Rama and Lakshmana temporarily.
Meghnad is one of the most powerful yet tragic characters in the Ramayana. Looking at his battlefield prowess, curiosity grows over whom did Meghnad worship?
His worship practices have been surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Some claim he was a demon, others say he was invincible—what’s the truth? Let’s bust some myths and uncover the reality of Meghnad’s spiritual practices!
- Myth: Meghnad Was an Atheist and Didn’t Worship Any Gods
Fact: Meghnad was deeply religious and performed intense penance to earn divine boons. He was a devoted worshipper of Goddess Nikumbhila, a fierce form of Parvati (Kali/Durga), and regularly performed sacred yagnas (rituals) in her honor. - Myth: Meghnad Only Worshipped Dark or Evil Powers
Fact: While Meghnad was a Rakshasa (demon by birth), his devotion wasn’t to “evil” forces. He worshipped Nikumbhila Devi, a war goddess, and performed Vedic rituals for strength—just like Kshatriya warriors worshipped Goddess Durga before battles. - Myth: Meghnad’s Worship Made Him Completely Immortal
Fact: Meghnad’s Nikumbhila Yagna granted him battle invincibility, not true immortality. If he had completed the ritual, no one could have defeated him in combat. However, since Lakshmana interrupted it, he lost that protection. - Myth: Meghnad Is Widely Worshipped Amonh Tribals
Fact: Like Ravana, who is worshipped in some parts of India, Meghnad and his wife Sulochana too are worshipped in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra though they are not widely worshipped by Hindus or practitioners of any other local cult worshippers. - Myth: Meghnad’s Devotion to Nikumbhila Was a Total Secret
Fact: His worship practices were well-known among the Rakshasas. Even Ravana respected his son’s dedication. However, it remained a secret to outsiders, which is why Vibhishana’s betrayal—revealing the importance of his yagna—was such a critical turning point in the war. - Myth: Meghnad’s Worship Could Summon Invincible Powers
Fact: Meghnad’s powers came from boons granted by gods like Brahma, not just from his rituals. His yagna strengthened him spiritually and physically, but it wasn’t a “magic spell” that made him a god. - Myth: Meghnad’s Death Marked the End of His Worship
Fact: While his active rituals ended with his death, his legacy lived on. Many scholars believe his yagna practices and devotion to war goddesses influenced later Shakta (goddess-worshipping) traditions. - Myth: Meghnad Was a Typical Demon and Had No Spiritual Wisdom
Fact: Meghnad was highly knowledgeable in Vedic texts, mantras, and battle strategies. He wasn’t just a warrior—he was also a master of advanced war tactics, including astras (celestial weapons) and powerful yagnas. - Myth: Meghnad’s Worship Was Purely About War
Fact: While his yagna rituals were performed before battle, they weren’t just about destruction. His worship was about gaining divine favor, strategy, and spiritual power, much like how warriors in Hindu mythology prayed to Durga or Kartikeya. - Myth: No One Can Follow Meghnad’s Worship Today
Fact: While there’s no mainstream Meghnad worship today, his devotion to Nikumbhila Devi reflects the broader tradition of goddess worship. Many warriors and devotees still honor Kali, Durga, and other fierce goddesses for strength and victory.
Who killed Meghnad?
Lakshman killed Meghnad who was performing a yagna (sacrificial ritual) at Nikumbhila, which would have made him unbreatable if completed.
Vibhishana, Meghnad’s uncle, who had joined Lord Ram’s side), informed Lakshman about this ritual. Lakshman, accompanied by Hanuman, and their army attacked Meghnad
before he could complete the yagna, negating his chance of victory.
How was Meghnad killed?
Despite losing his divine power, Meghnad waged a fierce battle with Lakshmana. Both were locked in a fearsome battle with the use of mighty divine weapons.
Lakshmana finally used Indrastra, a celestial weapon granted by Lord Indra, and beheaded Meghnad.
Which goddess did Meghnad worship?
Meghnad (Indrajit) was an ardent devotee of Goddess Nikumbhila, a fierce form of Goddess Parvati.
The fierce goddess was associated with protection, war, and divine power. Some mythological texts say she was a local deity of Lanka, whom the Rakshasas,
including Ravan and Meghnad, invoked for strength and victory in war.
Why did Meghnad worship Goddess Nikumbhila?
Before entering battle, Meghnad performed an elaborate yagna (sacrificial ritual) at Nikumbhila Kshetra, dedicated to the goddess.
Completing this ritual would have made him completely invincible, meaning no one could defeat him in battle.
However, his yagna was interrupted by Lakshmana and Vibhishana, stripping him of his divine protection.