Chapter 70 — Ravana and Kartavirya

Ravana next came to Mahishmati, seeking another king he could challenge. Its ruler, Kartavirya Arjuna, was absent at the Narmada with his companions. Ravana followed the river, rested on its flowering bank, and prepared an offering to Shiva.

Nearby, Arjuna tested the force of his thousand arms by holding back the Narmada's current. The water turned and swept away Ravana's flowers. Learning who had caused it, Ravana demanded battle. Arjuna's officers warned that their king was not yet ready; Ravana's ministers answered with violence.

Arjuna came from the river, struck down Prahasta, and met Ravana himself. Their maces sounded across the bank. Ravana's boon endured the blow that landed on him, but it did not give him victory. Arjuna seized him, bound him, and carried him into Mahishmati as a captive.

Pulastya, Ravana's grandfather, heard and came for him. Arjuna received the rishi with honor. At Pulastya's request he released Ravana; the two rulers made friendship before fire. Agastya's lesson was plain without being final: there were powers Ravana could not simply overawe, though he went on seeking them.