Ravan's Quest for the Atmaling

After Bali's death, Sugreev was crowned king, and Angad was made prince. A lot of time passed. Sugreev focused on his state affairs and indulged in royal pleasures. Meanwhile, the rainy season began, but Ram's anguish over Seeta's separation grew daily. 

"Sugreev has everything," said Ram to Lakshman. "His enemy is dead. He has his kingdom, splendor, and women. But I am still agitated about being separated from Seeta. It seems like Sugreev is no longer concerned about us."

Lakshman tried to reassure Ram, saying, “Brother, we need to wait patiently for the end of the rainy season and the beginning of autumn. Monkey King Sugreev will certainly fulfill his promise. You must stay determined to destroy our enemies." 

Ravan's mother, Kaikasi, was severely ill, and her final wish was to meet Lord Shiv in person. So, Ravan traveled to Mount Kailash in his Pushpak Viman at her behest. Finding Shiv absent at his abode, Ravan cut off nine of his heads. Shiv appeared just as Ravan was about to sever his tenth and final head. Ravan then relayed his dying mother's wish to Shiv and requested him to come to Lanka with him. Shiv said it was impossible for him to leave Kailash but gave Ravan an Atmaling to take to Lanka instead.

"This Atmaling will be permanently situated wherever it is first placed on the ground," Shiv warned. "You will not be able to move it after that."

"I will not put the Atmaling on the ground before reaching Lanka," Ravan assured Shiv.

Ravan got into his Pushpak Viman, placed the Atmaling on his lap, and began his return journey to Lanka. Indra and the other gods learned that Ravan planned to install an Atmaling in Lanka. They feared that if Ravan had Shiva's protection, he would become invincible. So, they hatched a plan.