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

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

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

Desperate for release, Ravana sang praises to Lord Shiva, which later became known as the Shiva Tandava Stotra. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Shiva forgave Ravana, freed him from the mountain, and presented him with an indestructible sword called the Chandrahas.

After Bharata returned to Ayodhya, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana visited the ashram of Sage Atri. The sage warmly welcomed them and introduced them to his wife, Anasuya. Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita respectfully greeted the sage and his wife by bowing down to them.

Anasuya 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, Anasuya, 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 sages' meditation.

When Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana met Anasuya, she was elderly and frail, unable to walk properly. Sita paid her respects by touching Anasuya's feet, and in return, Anasuya blessed Sita affectionately.