Once upon a time, in a land not far away, there was a mighty king. Son of one of the greatest ascetics of his time and a mother who claimed lineage from the mighty demons, he usurped the throne from his step-brother and threw him out of the kingdom and became king himself. He was known to be a wise ruler, learned in the arts not only of war but also religion and politics.
No one knows his name.
As it happens to all, his might and power went to his head. More so after getting a boon that no God or demon could kill him.
Thus it so happened that he decided to go and confront Lord Shiva. He went to Mount Kailasa and lifted the mountain on his back. This angered Lord Shiva and he pressed down upon the mountain with his little finger pinning the mighty king between the mountain and the earth. The king roared in pain and anguish, a roar so loud it shook the very earth and the skies. He was ultimately released when he pleased Lord Shiva by repenting and by composing Shiva Tandava Stotra in his honour. But that episode gave him the name by which we know him today- Ravana- he of the dreadful roar.
