They acted in every way contrary to the Vedic law and did everything in their power to root out righteousness. Wherever they found a cow or a Brahman they set fire to that city and town and village.

Virtuous acts were nowhere to be seen. No respect was paid to the gods, Brahmans or gurus. There was no devotion to Hari, no sacrificial performance, no austerities and no spiritual wisdom. No one would even dream of listening to the Vedas and the Puranas.

If ever any talk of japa (muttering of sacred formulas), yoga (subjugation of the mind), continence, penance or sacrifice offered to the gods entered Ravana’s ears, he would at once be on his feet and run to bring them to an end. He would allow nothing of these and would destroy everything he laid his hands upon. So rampant was corruption in the world that no talk of piety could be heard anywhere. Whoever recited the Vedas or the Puranas was intimidated in many ways and sent into exile.

No words can describe the terrible outrages the demons did. There is no limit to the ill-doings of those who hold violence most dear to their heart.

The number of evil-doers, thieves and gamblers and of lechers who coveted others’ wealth and wives considerably swelled. People honoured not their parents and compelled the good to serve them.

Those who act thus, Bhavani, consider them to be like demons! When she saw the exceeding apathy of people towards religion, Earth was horrified and sore distressed.

“The burden of mountains, rivers and oceans,” she said to herself, “is not so oppressive to me as this one oppressor who is malevolent to other.” He saw all faith perverted, and yet for fear of Ravana could say nothing.