Ganesha struck a deal with him saying that he would call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana did not return within that time, he would place the Atma-Linga on the ground.
Ganesha made a pact with him, promising to call out Ravana's name three times. If Ravana failed to return within that duration, Ganesha would set the Atma-Linga down on the earth.