Ravana's Quest for the Atmalinga

After Vali's death, Sugriva was crowned king, and Angada was crowned prince. A lot of time passed. Sugriva focused on his state affairs and indulged in royal pleasures. Meanwhile, the rainy season began, but Rama's anguish over Sita's separation grew daily. 

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

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

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

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

"I will not put the Atmalinga on the ground before reaching Lanka," Ravana assured Shiva.

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