Ravananugraha

Of the dozen temples at Pattadakal, three of the temples have a hundred stories sculpted on their walls and columns. There's one stand-alone pillar which tells the story of Ravananugraha. The story goes like this: Ravana after defeating his half-brother Kubera, looted Kubera's city Alaka and also took Kubera's flying chariot Pushpaka Vimana. On his way back to Lanka, Ravana sees the beautiful mount Kailsa and tries to fly over it but fails. Nandi who's present there tells Ravana that no one can fly over Kailasa because it's Shiva & Parvati's abode. The proud Ravana mocks Nandi and Shiva. Nandi is enraged and curses Ravana that he would be destroyed by monkeys. The outraged Ravana, using his might of twenty arms, tried to uproot Kailasa. As the mountain begins to shake, Shiva knowing the reason, presses his big toe and traps Ravana with crushing force. Ravana realizes his folly, begs for mercy and prays to Shiva. Known for his forgiving nature, Shiva forgives Ravana and gifts him sword Chandrahasa. Coming back to this sculpture, since it shows favor to Ravana it's called Ravananugraha.

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