The Battle of Brothers: When Ravana Seized the Golden Lanka from Kubera

Kubera: Treasurer of the Gods and Lord of Golden Lanka

Kubera, son of Sage Vishrava and Devavarnini, was blessed with divinity. The gods appointed him as the lord of wealth and guardian of the north. His magnificent capital, Lanka, crafted by Vishwakarma, shone with gold palaces, crystal roads and divine gardens. His greatest possession was the Pushpaka Vimana gifted by Brahma.

Ravana’s Birth and the Shadow Over Lanka

At the request of the demon king Sumali, Sage Vishrava married Kaikesi, giving birth to Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana and Shurpanakha. Ravana and Kubera were half brothers. Ravana grew strong, intelligent and ambitious. Empowered by boons, he desired Lanka—“Why should my brother own this golden kingdom?” This jealousy soon turned into conflict.

The Curse of Rambha and Moral Decline

Ravana once violated Rambha, wife of Nalakubera. Despite her pleas, he ignored all restraint. Nalakubera cursed him—“If you ever violate another woman by force, your head will burst into a hundred pieces.” This curse later prevented him from touching Sita and shaped his destiny.

The War of Brothers and the Capture of Lanka

Ravana attacked Lanka with his armies, occult powers and divine boons. Kubera, who ruled with purity and restraint, could not stand against Ravana. Ravana seized Lanka, the Pushpaka Vimana and all treasures. Kubera moved to Mount Kailasa and continued his divine service to Shiva.

Ravana’s Rise and Fall

Ravana’s reign began with prosperity and terror. Yet pride hollowed him from within. The abduction of Sita and the war with Rama led to his destruction. The curse restricted him, and destiny completed the cycle.

Eternal Message: Dharma, Karma and Balance

Kubera represents wealth earned through virtue, restraint and purity. Ravana represents power taken by force, destined to crumble. Their story is a lesson in desire, morality and destiny.

Summary Table

Character	Role	Message
Kubera	Lord of wealth, creator of Lanka’s prosperity	Righteous wealth endures
Ravana	Power hungry, imbalanced	Arrogance and injustice destroy
Rambha	Wronged woman	A woman's curse can change destiny
Pushpaka Vimana	Divine vehicle	Power gained unjustly does not last

Message for the Future

The conflict of Kubera and Ravana reveals the human struggle between greed and restraint, dharma and pride. Wealth with dharma lasts, but stolen prosperity always ends in ruin.

FAQ

Were Ravana and Kubera truly brothers?
Yes, they were half brothers born to Sage Vishrava.

Was Lanka originally Kubera’s kingdom?
Many Puranas describe Lanka as Kubera’s original abode.

Did Rambha curse Ravana?
No, Nalakubera cursed him after Ravana violated Rambha.

Did the curse influence Ravana’s downfall?
Yes, it prevented him from touching Sita and shaped the final events.

Was the Pushpaka Vimana Kubera’s property?
Yes, it was Brahma’s gift which Ravana seized by force.