Ravan's Conquest and Hubris: From Alkapuri to Mount Kailash

Ravan, leading a colossal army, attacked Alkapuri, which was ruled by his older half-brother, Kuber. A fierce battle erupted between the demons and the demigods. Ultimately, the demons emerged victorious. Ravan then seized Kuber's flying chariot, the Pushpak Viman, and traveled to Lanka. While flying near Mount Kailash, Nandi, the bull-god, commanded Ravan to leave, stating that the mountain was the abode of his master, Lord Shivshankar.

Arrogantly, Ravan declared himself the king of all three worlds and claimed not to know anyone named Shivshankar. To display his might, he attempted to uproot Mount Kailash. Ravan began to shake the mountain, but Lord Shiv pushed it back into place with his toe, trapping Ravan beneath it. In immense pain, Ravan screamed, earning him the name "Ravan," which means "one who screams."

Desperate for release, Ravan sang praises to Lord Shiv, which later became known as the Shiv Tandav Stotram. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Shiv forgave Ravan, freed him from the mountain, and presented him with a powerful sword.

After Bharat returned to Ayodhya, Ram, Seeta, and Lakshman visited the ashram of Rishi Atri. The rishi warmly welcomed them and introduced them to his wife, Anusuya. Ram, Lakshman, and Seeta respectfully greeted the rishi and his wife by bowing down to them.

Anusuya was renowned for her virtue and devotion. There is a story about a severe ten-year famine that caused a devastating drought on earth. During this time, Anusuya, through her unwavering faithfulness to her husband, miraculously made the river Ganga flow in the drought-stricken areas. She was also known for her ability to remove obstacles from the rishis' meditation.

When Ram, Seeta, and Lakshman met Anusuya, she was elderly and frail, unable to walk properly. Seeta paid her respects by touching Anusuya's feet, and in return, Anusuya blessed Seeta affectionately.