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## Chapter 284
**The Uttara Purana of the Mahapurana**
Here, in Lanka, the ruler of the Trikhand Bharatavarsha, Ravana, was filled with pride, like the sun on a mountain peak. He considered himself the supreme lord. He was called Ravana because he made his enemies weep. His brilliance and power had eclipsed the sun.
His feet, adorned with sparkling jewels, bloomed like lotuses in the water of the rays emanating from the crowns of his submissive vassals who had come to pay their respects. He sat on his throne, surrounded by waving chamaras, resembling a dark cloud descending upon the earth. He spoke with a fierce expression, his brow furrowed, surrounded by his brothers, sons, and warriors.
His saffron robes were illuminated by the brilliance of his long, matted hair. His fingers were adorned with a string of lapis lazuli beads, and he carried a water pot made of ruby, filled with holy water. His body was purified by the sacred thread of gold.
One day, Narada, who had come from the heavens, saw Ravana near his palace gate. Seeing him, Ravana said, "Oh, Bhadra, it's been a long time! Please, sit down. Where have you come from, and what brings you here?"
Asked thus by Ravana, the cunning Narada replied, "Oh, Dashaanan, you who are like a lion in destroying the arrogant and powerful kings, listen carefully to what I have to say, with a steady mind."
"Oh, King, I have come here today from Varanasi. The king of that city is Rama, the son of Dasharatha, the sun of the Ikshvaku dynasty. He is renowned for his lineage, beauty, youth, knowledge, valor, and truthfulness. He is destined for great fortune and prosperity. King Janaka of Mithila, under the pretext of a yagna, invited him and gave him his daughter Sita, who is like Lakshmi herself. She is so beautiful that even the mention of her name captivates the hearts of the most arrogant and lustful. She embodies all the virtues of women in the world."