Listen, sage, in due time this king and all his household were born as demons. He had ten heads and twenty arms; his name was Ravana, a formidable and valiant warrior.

The king’s younger brother, Arimardana by name, was born as Kumbhakarna the stalwart; his minister, whose name was Dharmaruchi, became Ravana’s younger half-brother;

he was called Vibhishana, a name known to the whole world, a votary of Vishnu and a repository of wisdom; and the king’s sons and servants were all born as very dreadful demons.

These wretches could assume any form at will and belonged to various orders. They were all wicked, monstrous, devoid of sense, ruthless, murderous and sinful – a torment to all creation beyond what words can tell!

Though born in the house of Pulastya, holy, pure and incomparable, yet on account of the Brahmans’ curse they all became embodiments of sin.

The three brothers practised austerities of various kinds, indescribably severe, Brahma marked their penance and, drawing near, said, “My sons, I am well pleased, ask for boons.”

The Ten-headed (Ravana) suppliantly clasped his feet and said, “Hear, O Lord of the world! My prayer is that I should die at the hand of none save man or monkey, these two species!”