Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, is one of the most talked-about figures in the Ramayana. Along with his power, his magnificent Golden Lanka is also remembered. Mythological texts describe Lanka as a palace made entirely of gold, which Hanuman later burned down with his fiery tail.
But here’s a lesser-known fact — the Golden Lanka was not originally built for Ravana. According to legends, it was created for Goddess Parvati by Lord Shiva himself, and Ravana came to possess it through deceit.
Who Built the Golden Lanka?
As the stories go, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati resided peacefully in the Himalayas, leading a simple life. One day, Parvati expressed her wish to have a grand palace, similar to the abodes of other gods.
To fulfill her desire, Lord Shiva summoned Vishwakarma, the divine architect, and Kubera, the lord of wealth. Together, they built a stunning golden palace in the middle of the ocean, which came to be known as Lanka. Because of its grandeur and golden shine, it was celebrated as the Golden Lanka.
How Did Ravana Acquire Lanka?
The fame of the Golden Lanka spread across the worlds, and eventually, Ravana came to see it. Enchanted by its beauty, he plotted to make it his own.
Disguising himself as a Brahmin, Ravana approached Lord Shiva and asked for the palace as a donation. Known for his generosity, Lord Shiva agreed and gave it away. In this way, Ravana cleverly deceived Shiva and Parvati, gaining control of the Golden Lanka.
Some versions of the tale also suggest that Ravana forcibly snatched Lanka from Kubera, his half-brother, and along with it, took possession of the famous Pushpak Vimana (flying chariot).
Why Did Goddess Parvati Curse Ravana?
When Goddess Parvati discovered Ravana’s trickery, she was furious. She cursed him, declaring that one day his golden city would be destroyed by fire.
This curse came true during the Ramayana. When Ravana abducted Goddess Sita and kept her in Lanka, Hanuman came in search of her. In the process, Hanuman set the entire Golden Lanka ablaze with his burning tail — fulfilling Goddess Parvati’s prophecy.
