Lanka (
Sanskrit lanka "island") is the name given in
Hindu mythology to the island fortress capital of the legendary demon king
Ravana in the epics of the
Ramayana and the
Mahabharata. The fortress was situated on a plateau between three mountain peaks known as the
Trikuta Mountains. The ancient city of Lankapura is thought to have been burnt down by
Hanuman. After its king, Ravana, was killed by
Rama with the help of his brother
Vibhishana, the latter was crowned king of Lankapura. The mythological site of Lanka is identified with
Sri Lanka. His descendants were said to still rule the kingdom during the period of the
Pandavas. According to the
Mahabharata, the Pandava
Sahadeva visited this kingdom during his southern military campaign for the
rajasuya of
Yudhishthira.