Ravana sits beside chariot wounded by arrow (Thai Ramayana mural)

Ravana sits beside chariot wounded by arrow (Thai Ramayana mural)

Ravana sits wounded by an arrow shot by Rama, as depicted in a mural scene at the Emerald Buddha Temple. Sitting on the ground beside his chariot, Ravana holds himself up with his left arm as he looks down at the arrow poking out of his chest. Ravana is shown with dark green skin and fangs, dressed in golden Siamese royal clothes and a tall crown. The clearly visible brocade designs on Ravana’s clothes are painted in gold leaf. A golden wheel of Ravana’s chariot and the rear of one of his demon steeds are partly visible at the top of the frame.

Knowing that he has violated the gods’ wishes that he return Princess Sita to her husband Rama, Ravana continues to lead his troops into battle against Rama’s army. Until this battle, Ravana has remained invulnerable to all weapons used against him because his soul was preserved apart from his body in a container hidden in the demon underworld.