The Ramayana contains at least one instance where we witness a paradox in the making. An impossible situation arises that is averted, and which leaves one wondering, โwhat ifโ.
What is a paradox? According to Wikipedia, a paradox is โis a statement that, despite apparently sound reasoning from true premises, leads to an apparently-self-contradictory or logically unacceptable conclusion.โ
Thus, if Yama brought down the Kaladanda on Ravana, one of two outcomes were possible โ either Ravana would die, or he wouldnโt. In other words, what would happen if Dashagriva the immovable object came face-to-face with Kaladanda the irresistible force? Either the Kaladanda would prevail or Ravana would. Both could not emerge victorious. Could Kaladanda, the invincible rod of death, kill Ravana the invincible? A paradox, you would agree.