 Ravana, king of Lanka, propitiates the god Shiva and, when he wins a boon, claims in return the latter s phallic powers and his consort Parvati. Narada tells Ravana that the Parvati who has been sent is merely a shadow of the goddess. Ravana marries Mandodhiri believing her to be Parvati, but he is condemned by his mother Kaikasi. As for the  atma-linga , the symbol of Shiva s magical powers, it is donated on condition that it never be set down on earth.