Ravana was the king of Lanka. He had ten heads and great power, and he was very proud. He believed no one could ever defeat him.
One day he carried Sita, Rama’s wife, away to Lanka. To bring her home, Rama, his brother Lakshmana, Hanuman and an army of vanaras, the monkey warriors, built a bridge all the way across the ocean!
For the final battle, Indra, the king of the gods, sent his own shining chariot down to help Rama. It was driven by Indra’s charioteer, Matali.
Rama’s arrows cut off Ravana’s heads. But each time, a new head grew back.
Then Matali reminded Rama of the Brahmastra, the most powerful arrow of all. Rama drew his great bow and let it fly.
The Brahmastra blazed across the battlefield like lightning and struck Ravana right in the heart.
All ten heads cried out at once. Ravana fell, and the battle was over. Good had won.
Evil isn’t defeated by striking its faces. You strike its heart.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda. Indra sends his chariot with his charioteer Matali, who reminds Rama to use the Brahmastra, which pierces Ravana’s heart.