How Ravana Became a Fearsome King

1. The sage Vishrava and Kaikesi had three remarkable sons: Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana. Each brother chose a very different path.
2. Ravana wanted power, Kumbhakarna loved sleep and food, and gentle Vibhishana loved truth. Their choices slowly revealed what was inside their hearts.
3. The brothers performed severe austerities and asked Lord Brahma for blessings. Brahma came because their determination was very strong.
4. Ravana asked to be protected from gods, celestial beings and many powerful creatures. Proudly, he did not ask for protection from humans or forest monkeys.
5. Vibhishana asked to remember dharma even in the greatest danger. Brahma gladly blessed him with a steady and truthful heart.
6. Ravana drove his half-brother Kubera from beautiful Lanka and took the flying Pushpaka chariot. The shining city became the home of Ravana's rakshasas.
7. Ravana travelled through many worlds and frightened sages and kings. Great ability became dangerous when it was guided by pride.
8. The saintly Vedavati wished to accept only Lord Vishnu as her husband. When Ravana troubled her, she declared that his cruelty would one day bring his defeat.
9. At Mount Kailasa, Ravana laughed at Nandi because he had a monkey-like face. Nandi foretold that mighty monkeys would help destroy Ravana's proud army.
10. Ravana tried to lift Mount Kailasa, but Lord Shiva pressed it down with one toe. Trapped beneath it, Ravana finally understood that someone was stronger than he was.
11. Ravana offered prayers until Lord Shiva released him and gave him a powerful weapon. Yet Ravana did not give up his pride.
12. Ravana attacked ancient Ayodhya and defeated King Anaranya. The dying king foretold that a prince of his own dynasty would end Ravana's rule.
13. Vibhishana often asked his brother to rule with justice and respect the devotees of the Lord. Ravana heard the good advice but would not follow it.
14. The demigods and sages prayed to Lord Vishnu because Ravana was troubling everyone. They knew the Lord always protects those who sincerely seek shelter.
15. Ravana felt safe from every great celestial power, but he had overlooked humans and monkeys. Through that small opening, the Supreme Lord would restore peace.

Authoritative sources

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.11