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In the Ramayana, Ravana is described as the most powerful king of the golden Lanka, but very few people know that he was not the first ruler of Lanka. According to mythology, before Ravana, Kuber, the god of wealth, used to rule Lanka. Kuber and Ravana were half brothers. It is said that the golden Lanka was built by Lord Vishwakarma. Ravana had obtained many boons by performing rigorous penance from Lord Shiva. After becoming powerful, a desire to reach Lanka arose in his mind.

After this he attacked Kuber and captured Lanka. Not only this, Ravana had also snatched away Kuber’s divine Pushpak Vimana. This is the reason why Ravana later came to be known as Lankapati. This mysterious story of Ramayana still surprises people.

Golden Lanka and name of Ravana

Whenever Ramayana is mentioned, the first image that comes to mind is golden Lanka and Ravana. Ravana was considered a super-powerful king who possessed immense knowledge, power and glory. It is said that at that time his Lanka was counted among the most prosperous states in the world. The walls of the palaces were made of gold and the entire city looked no less than heaven. But very few people know that Ravana was not always the king of Lanka. Before that this golden city was ruled by someone else.

After all, who was the first king of Lanka?

According to mythology, before Ravana, Lanka was ruled by Kuber, the god of wealth. Kuber is also called the treasurer of the gods. He is considered the owner of immense wealth and opulence. It is said that Kuber was a very just and peaceful king. Because of him there was happiness and prosperity in Lanka. At that time, Lanka was not only considered a symbol of power but also a symbol of splendor and divinity.

What was the relationship between Kuber and Ravana?

Very few people know that Kuber and Ravana were half brothers. Both their fathers were sage Vishrava, but their mothers were different. Kuber’s mother was Ilavila, while Ravana’s mother was Kaikasi. Kuber was peaceful and religious since childhood, while Ravana was ambitious and aspired to become extremely powerful. This ambition later became the biggest distance between the two brothers.

How did greed come into Ravana’s mind?

According to the stories, when Ravana saw the golden Lanka for the first time, he was mesmerized by its grandeur. This desire arose in his mind that such a huge and prosperous city should be ruled by him alone. He wanted to make himself the most powerful king in the world. Gradually the fire in his mind to conquer Lanka grew stronger. It is said that from that very day he had decided the biggest goal of his life.

harsh penance of lord shiva

Ravana knew that it would not be easy to capture Lanka on the basis of strength alone. So he started rigorous penance to please Lord Shiva. He performed severe penance for years. It is said in the stories that Ravana had offered his heads one by one to Lord Shiva to prove his devotion. Pleased with his rigorous penance, Lord Shiva gave him many boons. These boons made Ravana almost invincible.

Then how was Lanka snatched away?

After getting the boon, Ravana’s ego started increasing. He used his power to conquer many worlds. Ultimately he turned towards Lanka. It is said that Ravana attacked Kuber. Kubera could not stand against his power for long and he had to leave Lanka. After this Ravana declared himself the new king of Lanka. After this incident he came to be known as “Lankapati Ravana”.

The real story of Pushpak Viman

Pushpak Vimana, which is mentioned in Ramayana, is often considered by people to be Ravana’s Vimana. But the truth is said to be something else. According to mythology, Pushpak Vimana actually belonged to Kubera. It was a divine aircraft, which could be taken anywhere as per wish. When Ravana captured Lanka, he also took Pushpak Vimana under his control. Later he uses this same plane to abduct Mother Sita.

How was Golden Lanka built?

According to legends, Lanka was built by Vishwakarma, the divine architect of the gods. It is said that this wonderful city was built for Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. The walls, palaces and streets of Lanka were made of gold. Its brightness was so bright that when seen from a distance, the entire city appeared to be shining like the sun. Later this city was given to Kuber and then Ravana captured it.

Ravana was not just a villain

Ravana is considered the main villain in Ramayana, but in many texts he is also described as a great scholar and devotee of Shiva. It is said that he had deep knowledge of Vedas and astrology. He was also adept in music and politics. But his ego and lust for power became the biggest reason for his destruction. This is the reason why despite being so powerful, he met his end at the hands of Lord Rama.

Why is the story of Lanka special?

This story of Ravana, Kuber and Lanka is not just a fight for power. This story tells how much greed and ego can change a person. Kuber had grandeur, but not ego. Ravana had both knowledge and power, but his hunger for power led him to the path of destruction.

Lanka still remains a mystery

Even today many mysteries remain regarding Lanka to Ramayana. Some people believe that present day Sri Lanka was ancient Lanka, while some scholars have a different opinion. However, the story of Golden Lanka and Ravana still attracts people. This is the reason why even after centuries, these stories of Ramayana remain equally popular among the people.

Disclaimer

The information given here is based on religious beliefs and mythology. These events are described in different forms in different texts and traditions. Its purpose is to provide general information only.