Danda Forest

Agastya said - In the land of Vidarbha, was a king called Shweta. The king meditated in a forest. There were no animals in that forest which surprised the king. Listen to the reason for this. There was a king in Vidharbha, called Nala, who ruled that land. He had a son called Ikshvaku, who took over the kingdom after his father. It was this king who started the solar dynasty, in whose clan you were born, Rama.

His kingdom was taken over forcibly, by his younger brother, Danda. He was a cruel person.

One day he went to the house of the sage Shukra. Abja, the daughter of Shukra had gone to pluck flowers. Shukra was not there when Abja returned with the flowers. 

Danda was smitten by her and grabbed her hand. Abja said she was the daughter of his Guru and it was not proper that he behave in that manner. Danda did not listen. and said he would have her by force.

Abja said that would mean the death of the king.

The king then raped Abja and left. Abja started crying out to her father. 

Shukra coming to know this cursed the king to die.

Fire showers began in the kingdom and Danda and his entire family was burnt to death. The kingdom got transformed into a forest and became known as the Dandaka forest.

This is the forest where we are now.

Rama stayed that day with Agastya. They prayed together in the evening. Rama stayed there that night and in the next day morning he took leave of Agastya. 

Rama in the ashrama of Agastya

Rama then went to the ashrama of Agastya. Agastya gave gifts to Rama, but Rama said as a kshatriya, he could accept gifts from a brahmana. It was the duty of a kshatriya to look after the subjects and give gifts.
Agastya said Rama, You are Vishnu, born on this planet and I have the right to give gifts to that God.
Saying this, Agastya gave many gems and jewels to Rama.
Rama asked the sage where he got these.
Agastya said In the Satya Yuga, I used to pray in the forests on the banks of a lake. One day, when the sun was up, I got up to go and have a bath in the lake. I was surprised to see a dead body lying on the bank. The body had not decayed and looked fresh. When I was there, I saw a celestial being descend there, on a chariot, from the skies. There were many apsaras with that being. They all had a bath in the lake and then they devoured the dead body and started to leave.
I asked them why they had come from the heaven to eat a dead body.
The being said I am Daitya, the son of a king called Swarga. When my father died, I became the king. I gave the kingdom to my younger brother and retired to the forest to meditate. I attained heaven but I was very hungry and thirty. I saw Brahma why this was happening.
Brahma said You did not feed the hungry and give water to the thirsty. From now you will be eating your own body and drinking your own blood. The body will not decay and will come whole again when you are gone.
I asked Brahma when I will be relieved of this.
Brahma said Agastya, the sage will meet you. When you give him gifts, you will be relieved.
Today I am glad to see you. I am free now.
Please accepts gifts from me, that will be my salvation.
Saying this, the celestial being gave me all the valuables that he had on his body.
When he did that, the dead body decayed and vanished.
Rama, these are those jewels. Please accept these.

Rama said Do tell me more.

Owl and Vulture

Rama was ruling in Ayodhya. He decided to visit the sage Agastya. There he heard the screams of birds. A vulture and an owl were fighting. The vulture was telling the Owl that it had occupied its next and wanted it to leave. The owl was saying it had been staying there for many days had seen no sign of the vulture. How could the vulture claim the nest as its own?
Seeing Rama, the birds approached him for justice.
Rama asked the vulture since when it had been living there. The vulture said it was there since the beginning of creation.The owl said it was living there since the day the tree, on which the nest was, came there.
Rama said the vulture was to be punished. When the world was created, there was nothing but water. From that, came Brahma, seated on the navel, which rose from the navel of Vishnu. At that time there were no trees. Trees were created after living beings. Thus the vulture was lying.
The Gods said this was not an ordinary vulture. This is a cursed being who would be relieved when killed by you.
Rama touched the vulture which relieved from its curse went heaven wards. 

Shudra Tapasvi - the low caste mendicant

Rama ruled and there were no untimely deaths in his kingdom. One day a brahman came to Rama with the body of his dead son. The boy was five years old. The brahmana said he had never sinned so why this fate.
Rama said he would do something about this. He asked his courtiers what could be the cause of this?
Narada, who was present there , said - In the Satya Yuga it was the right of only the brahmans to renounce all and go for meditation. In the age of Treta, Kshatriyas could also do this. In Dwapara Yuga the business class could also do that, in the age of Kali, everyone else could. There is a low caste person who has renounced all and has gone to the forest for meditation. This is the reason for the untimely death of the son of the brahmana.

Rama asked the brahmana to preserve the body in medicated oil. He asked them to wait till he returned. Saying this, Rama left. Looking everywhere, Rama found a low caste person performing meditation in the forests.

Rama asked the person who he was. The person said he was a low caste person, performing austerities to attain heaven. Hearing this, Rama cut off the head of the person.

The Gods came to Rama and said what He had done was correct as this was not the rule of the time. Rama said If the Gods were pleased, then the son of the brahmana should come alive.

Rama went back to his kingdom and saw the boy alive with his parents. Blessing Rama, the brahmana left. 

Killing of Lavanasura

One day Lakshmana came to Rama and said the sage Bhargava wanted to meet him. Rama asked for the sage to be brought in immediately and Lakshmana brought the sage and his disciples inside.
Rama bowed down and touched the feet of the sage.
The sage said he had come to express his grief. Rama wanted to know what was the trouble.

The sage said You have killed a might Ravana but there is one who is equal to Ravana. Earlier there was a daitya called Madhu who was a great devotee of Shiva. Shiva had given Madhu a weapon. If Madhu had the weapon in his hand, no one could defeat him. Madhu's son, born of Ravana's sister, Kumbhanashi, inherited the weapon. The son, Lavanasura, is tormenting everyone. Help us by killing him. If Lavanasura has the weapon in his hand, no one will be able to defeat him. Let me tell you more. The king Mandhata, king of Ayodhya, in the olden days wanted to take over the heaven, Seeing him come, Indra fled. The Gods asked Mandhata to take half the ocean and rule over it, to which Mandhata refused saying he wanted the whole heaven. The Gods decided to teach him a lesson. They said Mandhata needed to first conquer earth before approaching heaven. There was a rakshasa called Lavana. If Lavana was defeated then Mandhata could come and talk about conquering heaven.
Mandhata first sent a messenger to Lavanasura but the messenger was driven away. Seeing this, Mandhata attacked Mathura, the kingdom of Lavanasura. Lavanasura attacked Mandhata with the weapon of Shiva and Mandhata was killed.
This is the Lavanasura who had killed an ancestor of yours. Please kill him and help us.

The three brothers stood near Rama. Shatrughna said to Rama - You and Lakshmana have fought many battles. Please permit me to go and kill Lavana. Rama agreed. He said Killing Lavana, claim the kingdom of Mathura as yours and become the king of Mathura.

Shatrughna started on his journey. On the way, he stopped at the ashrama of the sage Valmiki and bowed down to the sage. At that time, Sita gave birth to two twin sons. He asked his disciples to keep it a secret and Shatrughna should not get to know about this. After Shtrughna left, the sage asked the sons to kept on salt and kusha grass. Seeing the boys, the sage named them Lava and Kusha. The boys began growing up in the ashrama.

Going back to Shatrughna, he reached the ashrama of the sage Bhargava and wanted to know how to kill Lavana. The sage said Lavana goes hunting in the morning and leaves the weapon of Shiva at home, That is the time to kill him.

Shatrughna and his army waited for Lavana. They saw the rakshasa return with his kill. Shatrughna attacked Lavana. Lavana tried to go and bring his weapon but Shatrughna taunted him saying Lavana wanted to run away. Hearing this, Lavana decided to fight. Using a arrow of Vishnu, Shatrughna killed Lavana. As soon as Lavana died, the weapon of Shiva vanished.

Shatrughna then setup the kingdom of Mathura.

After that he started on his way back. He again stopped at the ashrama of Valmiki. There he heard two boys singing the song of Ramayana. Shatrughna wanted to know who these boys were. Valmiki said they were his disciples and he was teaching them the song.

Shatrughna then left for Ayodhya. He went and told Rama about the killing of Lavana. Rama was very happy to hear that. 

The Dog and the sage

Lakshmana said to a grieving Rama - It has been seven days and you have been ignoring your kingdom. You will have to suffer hell for this. You will then go the way that king Mriga went.

Long ago the land of Pushkar was ruled by a king called Mrigeshwar. 

The king went to the pilgrim site of Prabhas and there he distributed cows to the brahmans. Among the cows was a cow that belonged to a brahman called Agnivesh. The brahman was meditating and realized that his cow had been given away. He went to the king and saw his cow among the herd of cows. He called out to his cow and cow recognizing him, responded back and came to him. 

The person who had been gifted the cow came running and said the brahman was stealing his cow.

An argument started among the two and the king got to know this. he realized he had unknowling given away a cow which was not his. Not knowing what to do, the king went in hiding.

The two people who were quarreling waited for the king to come. When the king never came, they brahmans cursed the king to turn into an animal.

Rama decided to return back and took over the reigns of the kingdom. The sages came to see Rama and meet him. At that instance, a dog also appeared. The dog was white in color and had been starving. It was limping having hurt a leg and had wounds on its body. Lakshmana asked the dog why it had come there. The dog said It wanted to meet Rama and tell him about his trouble. 

Lakshmana went inside and told Rama about the dog. Rama agreed to see the dog.

The Dog said You are the Lord of the three worlds. 

Rama said You are praising me. Why do you come here, to me?

The dog said it had been beaten by a sage, for no fault of his. Why had the sage struck him?

Rama said justice would be given and ordered the sage to be brought there. 

Rama asked the sage why after having renounced everything, had he hit an animal. 

The sage said The whole day I prayed and in the evening I begged for food. Whatever I got I used to get that to my hut. On the way was this dog who was not leaving my path, so I had to hit it to move it. 

Rama asked the court if they could give justice. The people said the dog was to be punished as the road belonged to no one. 

Rama said he would punish the sage but stopping him from going to the river for his bath. The dog said No, it would be better to give him the kingdom of Kalinja and make him the king.

Everyone laughed listening to this. 

Rama said You wanted justice and needed the sage punished. 

The dog said In my earlier birth I was the king of Kalinja. I was a devotee of Shiva and used to worship a blue Shiva Linga regularly. There was a curse there, and the king when he died would be born as a dog. You think the sage will prosper, but when he dies he will become a dog too. I am relieved as I have seen you. 

Saying this the dog left and then fasted to death, having seen Rama. 

Golden Sita

Lakshmana leaving Sita, left. Sita was alone. This was a forest and Sita could hear the growls of animals close by. She was scared. She started shouting for help, and hearing her voice, Valmiki came there with his disciples.
Having written Ramayana, Valmiki knew this was going to happen. He approached Sita and said he knew who she was. Lovingly he took her inside his ashrama.
The women were very happy to have her. Sita said she was someone who had been forsaken by her husband. The women consoled her and kept her as their own.

Lakshmana had been hiding and seeing what was happening. Glad that Sita was in safe hands, Lakshmana left for Ayodhya. On their way back, the charioteer, Sumantra, said he remembered some old tales. Before the princes were born, Dashratha had invited sages for a grand sacrifice, to have sons. There Valmiki had come and spoken about the Ramayana. There it was told that Vishnu would be born as four sons of Dashratha. Rama would go to the forest. Seeing an empty house, Sita would be taken away by Ravana. Rama would kill Ravana and rescue Sita. Coming back, Sita would be exiled. Durvasa would then come and then Rama would forsake you. I do not know more than this and I had been told not to mention this ever.

In Ayodhya, with tears. Lakshmana went and told Rama that Sita was in the ashrama of Valmiki. Rama was anxious about Sita's well being. Lakshmana said - You are the one who got rid of Sita. Why do you now think thus? Sita is safe. Do not worry. If you want, I will get Sita back for you tonight.

Rama said He would not be able to live without Sita. He ordered for a golden replica of Sita to be made. Vishwakarma make a replica of Sita. It was exactly like her, except it did not breathe and talk.

People asked Rama to get married again, but Rama refused. He said he would spend the rest of his days with the Golden Sita. 

Sita's exile

Taking leave of the subjects, Rama was quiet. He had tears in his eyes. He decided to go for a bath in the river. Going along, he went and stepped into the water, unnoticed. As fate would ahve it, Rama heard two people talking and decided to quietly listen to them. This was a conversation between a man and his son in law. The man was saying - Seeing that you are a good family, I had married my daughter in your house. Why have you driven her out of your house? She has come to me alone, in the night, and is at my house now.
The son in law said - Let your daughter stay in your house. I have no need for her, in my house. She had stepped out of the house and I had no idea where she was. I am not Rama that I will take back my wife, after she has spent ten months in the house of the King of Lanka.
Hearing this, the father in law went away.
Rama heard this and realized that what Bhadra had said was not a lie. Rama went back into this quarters.
He saw a five month pregnant Sita lying on her cot, being served by her maids. They were asking her what Ravana looked like. Sita said she had no idea and only seen his shadow. When the maids asked what the shadow looked like, Sita drew a picture of the floor. Feeling sleepy, Sita lay down on the floor. When Rama came close to Sita, he saw her lying next to the picture of Ravana.
He decided to send Sita away. He came out. He thought - Why father had sent me away because of truth. I need to do the same. The Gods had said Sita was pure. I am know Sita has not sinned but what do I tell the people.
Rama sent for his brothers and told them what was going on in his mind.
He asked Lakshmana to leave Sita in the ashrama of a sage. Valmiki's ashrama was the place where she should be. Sita herself had expressed her wish to live in the ashrama of a sage. He asked him to tell Sita to leave with him and go to the ashrama of Valmiki. You and Sita will go in the chariot and you will leave Sita in the ashrama of Valmiki. Do not take anyone else with you.
The brothers tried to talk to Rama. If Sita is angry and curses the kingdom, everything will be lost. if you want to leave Sita, build a palace for her, and let her stay there.
Rama said that will not stop people from talking.

Lakshmana finally took a chariot and arriving at Sita's quarters, went inside and stood with head bent.
Sita said Are you angry with me? Maybe because I had something bad that may have hurt you, when we were in the forest. Sit and talk to me. Why are you quiet?

Lakshmana said You are the queen and I can come and talk to you when I get orders from the king.
Saying so, he bent down and touched her feet.

Sita asked him, why he had come.

Lakshmana said - You had said to Rama that you wanted to visit the sages. Rama has asked me to take you there. Take whatever you want with you and let us leave.
Sita went to gather gifts for the sages and their wives.

Lakshmana said As per the orders of Rama, we will be going silently. No one should know that we are leaving for an ashrama. Sita's maids wanted to go with her, but Sita asked them to wait. I will be back soon, after meeting the sages.

The whole world was grieving when Sita left. The animals and birds had tears and the trees also stood drooping.  Sita said - Something is not right. Is this because I did not meet Rama and my mother in law before I left.
Sita saw a snake on her left and fox on her right side.
She said to Lakshmana - I see too many ill omens. Let us return back. We will go some other day.

Lakshmana was quiet. He had tears in his eyes. He could not go against Rama's wishes and did not want to hurt Sita.

Lakshmana said Do not worry. We are on the banks of Yamuna.

Sita saw the tears in the eyes of Lakshmana. She said I am scared. What pains you Lakshmana. Please tell me.
Lakshama said It in the orders of the Rama, that I have come to leave you in the forest.
Saying, he told her what Rama has asked him to do, and the reason for the same.

Sita said Why did Rama not say this to me himself? If he did not want to keep me, why did have me go through the test in Lanka, to prove my purity? I am going to kill myself in waters of Yamuna.

Lakshama controlled her and keeping her near the ashrama of Valmiki, he left.

Rama and Sita in the garden

Rama ruled his kingdom. Everyone was happy and there was no illness and famine.
One day he called Bharata. He said to Bharata - I want you to rule the kingdom for sometime. After the battle with Ravana, I am tired and want some rest. I will go to the inner quarters with Sita, leaving you and Shatrughna and Lakshmana to take care of the kingdom.
With folded hands, Bharata said - I have served the kingdom when you were in the forest for fourteen years. There is no fear. Go to the inner quarters and be there as long as you want to.

Happy with Bharata's words, Rama went to the inner quarters. He went where Sita was. HE said I wish to be have a wonderful garden built for you, the king that Ravana had in Lanka. It will have wonderful trees and flowers and I will be there with you.

Brahma hearing this asked Vishwakarma to build a garden for Rama. Vishwakarma went to meet Rama in Ayodhya. He said - Brahma has sent me to build a garden for you.
Taking leave of Rama, he created a wonderful garden, The garden had golden trees. Birds were chirping there. Peacocks danced around. In ponds, lotus bloomed and swans swam around. In the pond were fishes were different color. On the banks were seats at various distances. The garden was lit up always and at any time of the day, it seems as if it was full moon.

Rama entered that garden with Sita. The people in the garden danced and sang and saw to the needs of Rama and Sita. forgetting about the kingdom and the ruling, Rama and Sita were lost in each other, in the garden,
For seven thousand years, Rama and Sita lived in the garden, When the weather was cold, Rama found warmth in Sita's company. When it was hot outside, Rama and Sita found each other's company cooling. Soon Sita was five months pregnant.

Rama asked Sita what she wanted, Sita was quiet. Rama said Sita did not have to be quiet, she could ask for anything, that would be given to her.
Sita said she did not want anything materialistic. She wanted to spend sometime in the company of the sages. She wanted to live and eat with the daughters and wives of the sages.
Rama said he would arrange for her to sent to the ashrama of a sage the next day.

After seven thousand years, Rama and Sita came out of the garden. He sat on the throne and heard people whispering. They were saying things about Sita. Sita was unaware of this and Rama did not want to her either.
Rama asked his subjects what was the matter and all were quiet. A subject called Bhadra decided to speak. With folded hands, he said to Rama -  I will let you know what people have been saying. I am afraid of you and and scared to speak.
Rama asked him to speak freely.
Bhadra said - People have been talking about Sita. They say how could Rama accept a woman who had been taken away by a rakshasa and kept in his house. People are afraid to say anything but they keep whispering among themselves.
Rama was shocked. He asked the others for their opinion.
Seeing Bhadra speak and getting courage, the other people said that what Bhadra had said was true. 

Birth of Hanumana

Agastya said I am not sure what to say about Hanumana. The more I say, less it sounds. Son of the Wind God, Pavana, he was born of Anjana, a female vanara. Let me tell you about his birth.

The vanari Anjana was very beautiful. She was married to the vanara, Kesari. After marriage, Anjana lived on the mountain Malaya with Kesari. One day, Pavana was passing by. He saw her and was enamored with her. He was not able to say or do anything, fearing Kesari. One day, when Kesari was not home, Pavana came and embraced her. Anjana tried to resist but it was futile. Pavana ravished her. Anjana was shocked. What had happened to her?
Pavana said Forgive me. I was not able to control myself, seeing you. Do not worry. A son will be born to you who will be a great warrior.
After eighteen months, Anjana, on the day of a new moon, gave birth to Hanumana. After birth, when the child was being breastfed by his mother, he saw the sun slowly rise in the sky. Thinking this was a fruit, the child jumped into the sky. That was the day of the solar eclipse and Rahu was coming to swallow the sun when Hanumana appeared there and tried to swallow the sun. Scared, Rahu fled from there.
Rahu went to Indra and complained that a new Rahu had come.
Taking his Vajra iu his hand, Indra came to see what was happening, riding on his elephant.
Hanumana seeing Airavata, wanted to play with the elephant. Indra released his Vajra which hit Hanumana. Hanumana fell on the Malaya mountain.
Taking her son in her lap, Anjana became crying. Pavana came to her and Anjana said This is the child born out of sin and now this is the outcome.
Pavana was angry. He withdrew his flow from the earth. With no wind, people were unable to breathe.
Brahma came to Pavana and asked him to save the earth. Pavana agreed. Brahma the asked the Gods to come and bless the child.
Yama came and said the child would be immortal.
Varuna said the child would not fear water.
Agni said Fire would not burn him.
In the end Indra came and said It is because of me that this has happened. From today, your body will be like a Vajra.

Hanumana grew up on the Malaya mountain learning the arts of weapons and the scriptures.
He used to get into arguments with his teachers and was once cursed that he would forget about his powers and the knowledge.

If Hanumana knew his own power, he could win any war in a day.

Telling all this, Agastya took leave of Rama and went back to his ashrama. 

Indrajit

Ravana and his troupe reached Amaravati, the capital of Indra. Indra hearing this, went to Vishnu for help. Vishnu said - In this form, I will not kill Ravana. Brahma has given a boon to Ravana and he will die in my hands. Ravana will not die in the hands of the Gods. For now, go and fight him.

Indra went back. A fierce battle began. Ravana lost his heads in the battle, and new heads grew. Kumbhakarna, who had woken up in Lanka, also joined Ravana. It was a one sided battle. The Gods fought and got defeated by Ravana and his army. Shani, Yama, Pavana and Varuna came and fought but could not stand in front of Ravana.
Meghnad fought with Jayanta, son of Indra and Jayanta had to flee. He went and hid in the nether world taking refuge with his grandfather, the danava called Paulava.
Indra then went to Durga and asked her to help. Durga asked her sixty four attendants to help Indra.
Seeing this, Ravana bowed and said Please return O Mother. If you loose today, It will be a shame for you and me both.
Durga smiled and the sixty four attendants returned back.
A fight between Indra and Ravana started with Ravana on his Pushpaka and Indra on his elephant, Airavata. Indra attacked with the Vajra in his hand and Kumbhakarna came there and said he would eat up the Vajra. He jumped and started swallowing the Gods. Being immortals, they did not die, and somehow managed to escape from his nostrils and ears. Slowly the day came to an end, and Kumbhakarna too went off to sleep. Ravana had Kumbhakarna transported back to Lanka.
Many weapons were exchanged between Indra and Ravana. Soon Indra released a weapon that put Ravana to sleep. Seeing Ravana sleeping, the Gods came and bound him and started tearing at his clothes and weapons.
Meghnad saw this. Rising into the space, he started showering weapons at the Gods. Indra and the Gods were not able to withstand the weapons of Meghnad and had to surrender. Releasing Ravana, Meghnad tied up Indra.
Ravana was pleased with Meghnad.
Ravana and Meghnad then looted and took with them the treasures that they could find. They left of Lanka with the bound Indra as the prisoner.
The Gods went to Brahma and asked for Indra to be released.
Brahma went to Ravana and ordered him to release Indra. Brahma also said to Meghnad the he was pleased with his feat and gave him the name of Indrajit - The one who won over Indra.
Indrajit asked Brahma for the boon of immortality which Brahma refused. Brahma said The one will be able to stop your sacrifice from being completed, will be the one will kill you. Vibhishana knew this so was able to take Lakshmana to destroy the sacrifice before its completion.

Indra was brought there. Brahma said Indra, this happened because of a curse. Once you had destroyed the purity of Ahalya and this is all because of the curse of her husband, Sage Gautama. Brahma asked Indra to take the name of Rama and all his sings would be gone.Indra left.

Ravana the ruled in Lanka. He touched the hair of Sita and whatever life he had, was reduced because of that.

Rama said to the sage - You have told me about Ravana, now do tell me about Hanumana. 

Ravana and Madhu

Ravana was enjoying life, winning battles and capturing women. One day Vibhishana came to him and said - You are lost in your own world and are not aware of what is happening. Our cousin sister, Kumbhanashi, daughter of our maternal uncle, has been abducted by the daitya Madhu.

Ravana said What was Meghnad doing?
Vibhishana said Meghnad was busy with his sacrifice.
Ravana asked What sacrifice is this?
Vibhishana said Under a old banyan tree Meghnad was performing the sacrifice called Nikumbhila. Fasting he stayed in front of the fire and pleased the gods. Agni was pleased and had appeared before Meghnad. Agni had said that if Meghnad completed the sacrifice and went to battle, he would return victorious.

Ravana said Then let Meghnad come with me. We will both go and win over Indra. Then all will worship me. Decking their chariots and picking their weapons, father and son left for the battle.

They crossed the ocean and first went to Mathura where the daitya Madhu was. They dame face to face with Kumbhanashi. She said she had accepted Madhu and it would be unfair of Ravana to kill Madhu and make her a widow.  She said she had a son called Lavana, and killing Madhu would make Lavana an orphan.

Ravana said He would not kill Madhu and would go and win over Indra.
Kumbhanashi went inside and woke Madhu who was sleeping. Madhu wanted to know what had happened and Kumbhanashi told him Ravana had come to kill him. Madhu said he had a spear given by Shiva, and would use that on Ravana. His wife said, You forcibly brought me here and committed a crime, so you yourself have committed a crime. You should not judge Ravana. Do not make an enemy of Ravana. I went to Ravana and have pleased him. He is not angry with you now.

Madhu went and greeted Ravana and welcomed him inside his house.

When Ravana told Madhu that he was going to attack Indra, Madhu decided to go along with Ravana.

Surpanakha widowed

One day Ravana came across a band of daityas and started fighting them, A fierce battle ensued. Ravana defeated the daityas and went home.

When he came home, he was greeted by a wailing Surpanakha. She said Off the daityas that had been killed by Ravana, one of them was her husband.

Ravana said this had happened unknowingly and asked his sister to live with him.

This was the Surpanakha who ears and nose were cut off by Lakshmana. 

Ravana and Rambha

Ravana from there, went to Mount Kailasha and rested there. It was evening. A mild breeze was blowing and the moon was shining brightly. Ravana was alone and wanted a woman. He then spotted the apsara Rambha passing by. He caught her hand and asked her to be with him.
Rambha said You are my father in law, why do you behave thus? Ravana asked her how was that possible.
Rambha said he was the wife of Nalkubera, son of Kubera, thus his daughter in law. As Kubera was the elder brother of Ravana and she was the daughter in law of Kubera, she was thus, his daughter in law also.
Rambha then said she was going to meet her husband and if Ravana left her, she would come another day and be with him.
Ravana laughed and said he would not leave someone whom he had caught.
Rambha pleaded with him but Ravana did not let her go and ravished her.
Rambha escaped and went to Nalkubera and told him what had happened.

Nalkubera said I do not fault you. All fault is of Ravana. Saying he cursed Ravana saying if he ever touched another woman by force, he would die.

Agastya said This was the curse that saved Sita. 

Ravana at Kushadweepa

Agastya said - After this,  Ravana went to Kushadweepa. There he saw a giant. This person had a body the size of a mountain. Seeing this person Ravana asked for battle.
The person said He would make an end to all Ravana's sufferings.
Angry, Ravana started shooting arrows but the arrows, striking the person, bounced off his body.
Seeing his arrows wasting, Ravana was wondering what to do, when this person came and grasped Ravana. Ravana fainted. Throwing Ravana on the ground, Ravana went from there.

When Ravana regained consciousness, he saw no one around. He asked his army if they knew where that person had gone. The people there said the person had vanished into the nether world.

Ravana went where the person had gone. He saw him resting, being served by beautiful women. Ravana tried to touch the women, but one glance from the person and fire came out of his eyes, and Ravana fell down, hurt.

Ravana then asked Who are you?

The person said I do not see any need to identify myself to you.

Ravana said It seems you are only one who can defeat me.

The person said So be it. Saying, he identified himself and Ravana left the place.

Rama asked Agastya - Who was this person?

Agastya said this was none other Vishnu.

Ravana attacks Chandra

The sage continued - Ravana roamed around for combat. It was early morning and Ravana saw the Moon set. This offended him. How could the moon travel over him without greeting him. He decided to go the land of the Moon and fight.
Ravana started his chariot. Crossing his mountains, he came to the spot where Ganga touched the earth as Bhagirathi. Ravana had a bath in the river and proceeded further. He came across Shiva and Parvati and the followers of Shiva. Going further Ravana came face to face with Chandra, the moon.

Seeing Ravana, Chandra started a storm of ice. The army felt defeated. Their hands were becoming numb. Ravana then invoked the fire weapon. Ravana then started showering arrows and Chandra and the stars started fleeing. Chandra went to Brahma and said what had happened.

Brahma came to Ravana said - You have lost your senses. Why do you attack the moon? Leave this place and go in peace.

Not wanting to offend Brahma, Ravana left. 

Ravana and Mandhata

The sage continued - Ravana loved tormenting people. He captured women he liked and if the men protested, he challenged them to duels and defeated them. Then Ravana heard of Madhata, the great king. Ravana decided to fight him.
Mandhata and Ravana began fighting. Mandhata wounded Ravana who fainted. When he gained consciousness, he wounded Mandhata. Two kept fighting, none able to defeat the other.

Brahma sent the sage Bhargava to Mandhata. The sage said to Madhata - Ravana is under the protection of Brahma's boon. He will be killed by a specific weapon. Do not try to kill him now. he will not die but the balance of the world will be disturbed. In your dynasty will be born a person who will kill Ravana.

The battle was without any result. Both went back to their respective kingdoms. 

Ravana in the nether world

Rama asked the sage - What happens to sinners when they die?
Agastya said - Do not worry Rama. One listens to the complete Ramayana will never have to see Yama. Taking the name of Rama was equal to reading the four Vedas.
Rama said - Please tell more about Ravana. What did he do next?
Agastya said - Ravana wanted to win over the nether world. He took his army and decided to attack. Ravana and his army attacked the snakes in the nether world. The snakes ran to Vasuki. Vasuki started using his poison but Ravana using his weapons removed that. He then captured Vasuki and Vasuki agreed that he had been defeated. Ravana then let Vasuki go.
Ravana continuing came across kings whom he easily defeated in battle. He then across a king called Nipata and started fighting him. None could defeat the other. Brahma then appeared there and said it would be impossible to defeat one another, as both had been blessed with boons.
Both took leave of each other.

Staying there for sometime, Ravana decided to defeat Varuna, the God of Waters. He saw Surabhi, the celestial cow there and taking her blessings, he went knocked on the doors of Varuna. Varuna was not there and his sons attacked Ravana. Their arrows pierced Ravana who fainted. Seeing this, Ravana's commander attacked the brothers. The brothers went up in the sky and resumed fighting but were soon defeated.

Having won, Ravana resumed looking for Varuna. He was told Varuna had gone to meet Brahma. Not seeing Varuna, Ravana stole Varuna's noose and left.

Rama asked the sage - Where did Ravana go after that?
The sage said - Ravana heard that Bali was the king of the nether world. Ravana decided to go and fight him. He saw the palace of Bali that had been built by Vishwakarma, on the orders of Vishnu.
They saw a wonderful looking person guarding the doors of Bali. The person was dark in color and wonderful to look at. Ravana went and asked this person where he would find Bali. The person, who was none other than Vishnu, said Bali was inside.

Bali hearing Ravana had come, welcomed him. Bali asked Ravana the reason for his visit. Ravana said - I have heard that you are in the nether world because of Vishnu. Where is that person? I want to defeat him and free you.

Bali said You met him. He is the one guarding my door. There was none greater than Vishnu. This was the one who had slain Madhu and Kaitava and was the protector of the universe.

Ravana decided to go and fight Vishnu but could not see him at the door. He went back to Bali.

Bali realized that Ravana wanted war. Bali captured Ravana and made him his prisoner. When Ravana begged to be released, Bali sent him back and asked him never to return there. Ashamed Ravana left.

Rama asked - Where did Ravana go after this?

Ravana and Yama

The sage continuing said - Ravana kept looking for battle. One day, he came across Narada. Narada said people on earth were unhappy as they had to go to Yama, once their time on earth was over.
Ravana decided to go and fight Yama. Narada decided to follow and see the Ravana Yama battle.
Before Ravana, Narada went where Yama was sitting. Yama greeted teh sage and asked him why he had come to visit him, leaving the Three Gods (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) aside.
Narada said he had come to warn him about Ravana who was on his way for battle.
Yama looked and in the distance he could see Ravana coming, riding the Pushpaka chariot.

Ravana went through the eastern gate. He saw the pious and truthful ones being worshiped. In their earlier lives, the ones who had donated cows to brahmans, were swimming in pools of milk and butter. The one who had provided shelter to the homeless was now relaxing on golden cots.  He saw the ones who had been devotees of Vishnu, being treated with utmost care.

Ravana then crossed to the western and the northern gates and saw people being treated very well. He then proceeded towards the southern gate. This was a very dark area.There Ravana saw people being drowned in vats of oil and some being whipped. Hearing their pleas for help, Ravana went there. Ravana knew that he had sinned and he was affected by what he was seeing.

Rama asked the helpers of Yama to stop the torture. The helpers said they were just doing their duty and giving punishment to the people for what they had done in their lifetime. They said to Ravana that they were also keeping track of his sins and would be seeing him soon.

This angered Ravana. He started shooting arrows at the helpers. Seeing Ravana defeating his helpers, Yama, son of Surya, came out to fight, in his chariot.
A fierce battle started. Yama seeing no option, lifted up his noose, that he carried in his hand.

Brahma came to Yama and said Ravana was destined to die in the hands of Vishnu, born as a human. The noose of Yama would have no effect. Yama kept the noose down. In the battle. Ravana's army fled and soon Ravana alone was there, fighting.
The battle was terrible and none was able to defeat the other. On advise of Brahma, Ravana made himself invisible.

Ravana was happy thinking Yama fled, afraid of him. Ravana l

Ravana and Vali

Rama said to the sage - Where did he go from there.
Agastya said - Always ready for combat, Ravana roamed around. One day in Kishkindhya, he went to Vali's palace and asked for a fight. The people asked Ravana to flee else he would get killed. They said Vali was not present and had gone to perform his evening prayers.
Ravana went towards the southern sea where Vali was deep in meditation. Vali opened his eyes and saw Ravana there. Vali said It seems that your death has brought you here.
Vali wrapped his tail around Ravana and those rose to the sky. Ravana kept shouting asking to be released, but Vali did not care. He kept jumping from mountain to mountain, with Ravana being dashed against the rocks. Vali jumped towards the eastern sea and offered his prayers, Ravana still tied. From there, Vali went to the northern sea and offered his prayers. Ravana was nearly dead. With Vali visiting all the seas, he kept dipping his tail in the waters and Ravana was drinking the waters of the seas.
Going back to his palace, Vali asked Ravana if he wanted more.
Ravana begged for forgiveness and becoming friends with Vali, he left from there.

Ravana released from the dungeons

In the heavens, Pulastya heard of this. He came to Kartavirya. The king came and greeted the sage and said one who is worshiped by the Gods has come to me. I am blessed.
Pulastya said Ravana was a grandson of his and he came to plead for his release.

The king ordered Ravana to be brought there. Ravana came, with his head bent down.

Ravana then went away to Lanka and Pulastya went back to the heavens. 

Fight with Kartavirya Arjuna

Rama said The king was old and did not have the knowledge of the weapon of Brahma, which is why Ravana was able to win over.
The sage said - Ravana knew magic and it was difficult to defeat someone who was skilled in that art.
In the lunar dynasty was a king called Kartavirya Arjuna. Supposed to a descendant of Vishnu, this king had a thousand hands. The king was bathing in the waters of the river Narmada with his women, when Ravana appeared there, asking for battle. Seeing the welcoming waters of the river, Ravana also decided to take a in the water and wash off the blood from his body, which he had got from his battles. With his twenty hands, Ravana blocked the flow of water.
Kartavirya suddenly found himself in dry land. Suddenly Ravana removed his hands, and the water started gushing and the women in the water started getting swept away. With his thousand hands, Kartavirya controlled the flow of the water.  He then saw Ravana in the water, worshiping Shiva. The king sent a messenger to Ravana wanting to meet him.
Ravana saw the king in the water and said to the messenger - Tell your king that Ravana has come asking for battle.
A mighty battle started between the two. Ravana attacked with his twenty hands and his army, and the king fought along, using his thousand hands. Seeing a chance, the king grabbed Ravana by his hands and took him a prisoner. The rakshasas tried to pleed, but the king not listening, took Ravana inside his palace and put him in the dungeons. Ravana was chained up there.
Keeping him there, the king went back to the river. 

Fight with Anaranya

Marutta's sacrifice was something to write home about. He had mountains of gold and even Kubera was jealous of his wealth.

Rama smiled and said - Dear Sage, Do tell me where Ravana went after defeating Marutta. The sage said :

Ravana, always anxious to fight, kept a look out for the brave and was ready to attack them. If the other person accepted defeat Ravana left the person in peace, else a battle took place. Indra, knowing this, had accepted defeat.

There was a king called Anaranya who ruled Ayodhya. Hearing of him, Ravana went to him, asking for a fight. This king was an ancestor of yours, Rama.

Hearing that Ravana had come to fight, The king came out and a fight began. The king was brave and old. He fought hard. Both Ravana and the king were injured in the battle. Seeing a chance, Ravana struck the old king. The king said this was war - one had to loose someday, and win another day. One day someone will be born in my clan, in whose hand you will die.  Saying this, the old king died. 

Clash with Marutta

Rama asked - Where did Ravana go, after the incident with Vedavati?
The sage said - Ravana did not heed any curse or rebukes. He did what he felt like.
A king called Marutta was performing a sacrifice. The brahmans were chanting from the Vedas and the Gods came to take their offerings. Ravana arrived there.
Seeing Ravana, dissatisfied, the Gods left the place, disguised as animals.
Ravana called for out a fight.
Marutta said I do not know you. Please identify yourself first. Ravana said I am Dashanan, brother of Kubera. I rule Lanka.
Marutta said You are proud of the fact that you defeated Kubera and took over his kingdom.
He was able to get up when he realized that leaving the sacrifice unfinished would be a sin. He decided to accept defeat.
With Ravana leaving, the Gods appeared there. They blessed the animals who had helped them. Indra blessed the peacock saying it will have eyes on its feathers. The pheasant who had got a boon from Kubera and got a golden hue and a crown on its head. Swan got a boon to have a moon like hue, as a blessing from Chandra.
Crow got a boon from Yama to be devoid of illness. 

Vedavati

Rama asked Agastya, Please tell me more. Where did Ravana go after this?
Agastya said There was a beautiful maiden called Vedavati. Fair and pure, she was praying in the forests to get Vishnu as her husband. Ravana passing by saw her and wanted her.
Seeing a guest, Vedavati greeted him and gave him a seat. Buring with passion, Ravana asked Vedavati who she was.
She said was the daughter of Kushadhwaja and the grand daughter of Brihaspati. She was born when her father was reciting the vedas, thus she was named Vedavati. She wished to have Vishnu as her husband and was thus praying to him.
Ravana said Why go for a dark God as your husband when I am there. Vishnu is shrewd.
Vedavati said It was not proper to say such words about Vishnu.
Ravana then grabbed Vedavati by her hair and tried to pull her towards him.
Vedavati escaped and jumped into a blazing fire. She said She would be born again and would be cause of Ravana's destruction. In that birth, she would get Vishnu as her husband.

Vedavati was then born as Sita, who got you, Rama as her husband. It was because of her that Ravana died. 

Ravana attacks Kailasha

With his army, Ravana attacked Kubera. Yakshas came to fight. The Yakshas could not stand ground in front of Ravana and had to flee. Ravana then ventured into Kubera's palace. Seeing no other alternative, Kubera came out to face Ravana. Kubera said to Ravana - You have killed my able Yakshas whom I sent to fight you. Why do you want to fight me?
Ravana did not listen and struck Kubera. Kubera started showering arrows and Ravana seeing no other alternative started using magic to combat Kubera. Kubera could not fight an enemy who was not visible. Ravana then ransacked the city of Kubera and looted his wealth.
Ravana then decided to attack Shiva on Kailasha. He parked his chariot in the Shravana forest which was the birth place of Shiva's son, Kartikeya.
Some of the rakshasas asked Ravana not to climb the mountain where both Shiva and Durga were.
Ravana did not listen and continued till he came across Nandi, the door keeper of Shiva. Nandi had a face like a vanara. Seeing him, Ravana started laughing.
Nandi said - I am the door keeper of Shiva. Why do you come here? You laugh seeing my face. Remember, the vanaras will destroy you one day. You will be destroyed one day.
Ravana did not hear what Nandi said to him. Spreading his arms, Ravana grabbed the mount Kailasha and tried to lift it.
The mountain began trembling and the residents ran to Shiva, asking him to help. Shiva smiled and pressed the ground with his left toe. Ravana gave out a loud shriek . Taking his chariot, Ravana fled from there.

King of Lanka

Ravana came back and told his father about the boons. Sumali heard this. Malyavan, who had recovered and Sumali, along with Maricha, Mahodara and Prahastha came from the nether world to greet Ravana. There were four sons of Malyavan who came and befriended Vibhishana and decided to stay with him.
Malayavan said to Ravana - I came back because of you. I was hiding, fearing Vishnu, but with your boons, now you can save us all. Lanka belonged to the rakshasas which was taken away from us. We need to get that back. Send a messenger to Kubera and ask him to leave Lanka or fight.
Ravana said it was not fair to fight an elder. Kubera was his elder brother.
Hearing this Prahastha said - There have been many instances where brothers have fought each other for throne. Listen to me. Indra fought his step brother and became the king of heaven. Nagas are the step brothers of Garuda, who kills them whenever he sees them. You promised your mother, you will get back Lanka. Now, you are going back on your word.
Ravana was agitated. He immediately sent a messenger to Kubera. The messenger said he had come from Ravana who had asked the Lord of Wealth of vacate Lanka, which belonged to the rakshasas.
Hearing this, Kubera went to his father, asking for advice. Vishwashrava said Ravana was now powerful and difficult to win over. It was best, if Kubera left Lanka and lived in Kailasha.
He also sent a messenger to Ravana with his blessings. he said while he was leaving Lanka, he would not give away his wealth.
Ravana was crowned the king of Lanka by the rakshasas.
One day when the three brothers were hunting, they came across the demon called Maya. Ravana asked him, who he was. Maya said he needed to know first whom he was addressing. Ravana said he was the ten headed king of Lanka.
Maya said he was aware of Vishwashrava and then offered the hand of his daughter, Mandodari, to Ravana. Maya also gave a spear called Shakti which traveled at the speed of wind. This was the weapon that had struck Lakshmana. Kumbhakarna also got married to a rakshasa princess who was equal to him in size. Vibhishana married a gandharva princess called Sarama.
The three brothers returned back.
Soon Mandodari gave birth to a son called Meghnad. Seeing the child, the Gods were afraid.
Ravana ruled Lanka alongside indulging in luxuries. Kumbhakarna slept peacefully, with rakshasas arranging for his food, when he woke up.
Drunk with power, Ravana did not care for anyone and kidnapped any beautiful woman he saw.
Kubera sent a messenger to Ravana, asking him to stop tormenting the people. The messenger said it was not good to carry a curse of any one. Once Kubera had seen with his left eye, Durga and Shiva playing around. Hearing this, Durga had cursed him and the left eye had melted away.
Ravana was angry hearing this. He said Kubera was elder to him and should mind his business. Picking up his sword, he cut the head off, of the messenger.
Ravana then asked his army to get ready and decided to go and conquer Kubera. 

Boons for the brothers

Nikasha remained in the ashrama of her husband living a life like humans. One day Ravana was sitting on the lap of his mother, when Kubera came to see his father. Pointing to him, Nikasha said This is your step brother, the lord of wealth. He lives in Lanka which was ours. If you can win him and get Lanka, I will be happy.
Ravana said he would grab Lanka back. For that, he said, he needed to perform penance, please the Gods and get boons.
Along with his brothers, Ravana went and started praying. They chose the forest of Gokarna to pray. Kumbhakarna prayed standing upside down.In the summers, they stood near fire and prayed. In winters, they stood in cold waters and prayed. They forgot sleep and hunger. Soon their hair became matted and they were reduced to skin and bones. For five thousand years they prayed. The Gods were afraid. What did the rakshasas need? They went to Brahma and asked him to do something.
Brahma went to the brothers and asked them to ask for a boon. Ravana said he wanted to be immortal. Brahma said that would not be possible. Ravana said then he did not want anything else. Brahma went away and Ravana resumed his worship. Ravana then started cutting off and sacrificing his heads one by one. After nine heads were cut off, Ravana was about to cut off the last head with his sword when Brahma appeared before him and asked him to stop. Ravana asked for immortality which Brahma refused. Ravana then said if immortality was not possible, then he should be victorious when he fought Gods, Asuras, Yakshas. Brahma said So be it. Brahma said there were the humans and the vanaras left. Ravana said he did not fear them. Ravana then asked for his cut heads to be restored. Brahma said If your heads are cut off, you will not die.
Brahma then went to Vibhishana who asked that he should not sway from the path of truth. Brahma blessed Vibhishana with immortality.
Brahma then went to Kumbhakarna. The Gods were afraid seeing this. Kumbhakarna was ferocious even without any boons. What he asked for something. They asked Saraswati to intervene. They asked her to sit on Kumbhakarna's tongue. When Brahma asked him what he wanted, he was to say he wanted to sleep. The goddess entered his throat. When Brahma asked him what he wanted, he said he wanted to sleep for ever. Brahma said So be it. Saraswati left.
When Ravana heard this he appealed to Brahma to do something. Brahma said You brother will sleep for six months, wake for a day, then go back to sleep.. He will have immense strength and appetite. If he is woken untimely, he will meet his end. Brahma left and Ravana and Vibhishana then carried Kumbhakarna back home, on their shoulders.

Birth of Ravana

Rama asked Agastya How was Ravana born of a brahman. Kubera and Ravana are brothers, but why did they differ so much in their characters?
Agastya said Listen while I tell you about the birth of Ravana.
Pulastya was the son of Brfahma. He spent his life meditating. The apsaras wanted to win him but the sage was not moved. Soon, a daughter of a sage, who was incomparable in beauty, came there. She tried to woo over the sage but was unable to. Disturbed, the sage cursed her to become pregnant, This did not deter her, she still kept disturbing the sage. The sage then cursed her and milk started flowing from her breasts. The girl ran to her father.
The sage went to Pulastya and asked for the reason for the curses. Pulastya said he was being disturbed time and again by this girl. The sage said his unmarried daughter becoming pregnant would not be looked upon well. He asked Pulastya to do something. Pulastya said he could not think of anything. The sage then asked Pulastya to marry his daughter. Pulastya agreed.
Soon the marriage took place. The girl looked after Pulastya well and served him with devotion. Pleased Pulastya said You were cursed by me to become pregnant and the child that will be born will be equal to none. He will be a very learned person.
A son was born who was called Vishwashrava. Vishwashrava, when he grew up, married the daughter of the sage Bharadwaja called Lata. Kubera was born as the son of Lata.
Kubera did austere penances and Brahma pleased with his devotion granted him immortality. The other Gods blessed Kubera and made him the God of Wealth. He was given the chariot called Pushpaka which had been crafted by Brahma himself.
Pleased, Kubera went and told his father all this. Vishwashrava asked Kubera to occupy Lanka, from which the rakshasas had fled.
The rakshasas hiding in the nether world saw Kubera flying in his Pushpaka and living in Lanka.  They were filled with rage. Lanka was theirs. They then thought, If Vishwashrava had another son, then they had a chance of getting Lanka back.
Malyavan's daughter was sent for. Her name was Nikasha and she was very beautiful. She was asked to go and entice the sage and in turn get a boon of sons from him.
The sage was meditating in the evening when Nikasha approached him. The sage asked her who she was and she said she was someone who wanted a son. The sage said You can live here with me. You will have three sons and a daughter. The eldest will be a strong one who will win over worlds. The middle one will have great appetite. The daughter will be born next who will be ugly and also characterless. Nikasha hearing this was hurt. Is that all that is my destiny? These are your sons, will they not have your characteristics? The sage said you approached me when the fire was being extinguished. This is an evil moment. The last child born to you will be a righteous person who will save your dynasty.
Soon it was time for the children to be born.
The first child was born with with ten heads and twenty hands. This was Ravana. The next came Kumbhakarna. As soon as he was born, he ate up the women who had come to help in the child birth. The daughter, born next was very ugly. This was Surpanakha who had a very sharp nose. Vibhishana was born in the end.
The rakshasas, happy, came to see the children.

Vishnu fights the rakshasas

The Gods went to Vishnu. They narrated to him the trouble they were facing because of the Rakshasas. Vishnu told them to go back. He would do something.
Narada hearing this went to Lanka. On the gem studded throne, the three rakshasa brothers were seated. Seeing Narada, they got up, bowed to him and offered their seat. They asked the sage for reason for his visit.
Narada said he was a well wisher of theirs and had come to warn them that Vishnu had pledged to kill them.
After Narada left, Brahma went to Lanka. The brothers greeted Brahma and asked for the reason for the visit. Brahma said You are dear to me, as you always pray to me. I want you to rule in peace. That is my wish but you never abide by that and are always performing evil deeds. The Gods are not thinking ill of anyone then why do you attack the Gods and take their places away from them. Anyone who is jealous of the Gods and the Brahmans, invites misfortune. Leave your ways else Vishnu will put an end to you.
Saying this Brahma left. Malyavan said the the three brothers could kill Vishnu together. Sumali said he had heard Vishnu was very strong. He had killed rakshasas like Hiranyakashipu. Who could kill one like this? Mali said a war was needed. The three brothers would have fight united. First target would be Vishnu, then other Gods, brahmans and enlightened people. Then the heaven would be won.
Chariots were made ready and the three brothers attacked Vaikuntha. Vishnu appeared riding on Garuda. A fight started with weapons being showered on Vishnu which was combated by him. The army of rakshasas fell. Sumali and Mali then hit Garuda on his head. Garuda, hurt, started fleeing. Vishnu managed to calm Garuda and steer him back.
With his discus, Vishnu cut off the head of Mali. Malyavan and Sumali, seeing this, fled. Going some distance, they decided to return back. Malyavan said he would kill Vishnu. Vishnu said he had promised the Gods that he would end the lives of the rakshasas. With a fiery weapon, Vishnu burnt Malyavan. Seeing this, the rakshasas fled to the nether world. Lanka was empty.
Vishnu made Kubera king of Lanka.