His happiness and prosperity, the number of his sons, his troops and allies, his victories and power, his might, intelligence and renown – all these grew more and more, in the same way as greed increases with every fresh gain.

He had a brother, the mighty Kumbhakara, a rival to whom was never born in this world. After a draught of wine he remained buried in sleep for a six months; and at his waking the three spheres trembled for fear.

Were he to take a meal every day, the whole world would soon have been left bare. He was unspeakably staunch in fight; there were, in fact, countless such stalwart warriors in the city as he.

Meghanada was Ravana’s eldest son, who held the first place among the world’s champions; none could face him on the field of battle, and (he was so much dreaded that) he caused a stampede in the city of the immortals every day.

There were many more doughty warriors, each by himself capable of subduing the whole world, such as the hideous Kumukha, the intrepid Akampana, Kulisharada with teeth like thunderbolts, the fiery Dhumaketu, and the gigantic Atikaya.

All these demons could put on any form at will and were skilled in every kind of black magic; they never dreamed of piety or compassion. One day the Ten-headed was seated in his court and reviewed his innumerable retainers, -

-his sons and grandsons, relatives and servants, troops of demons, more than anyone could count. On seeing his hosts the naturally arrogant Ravana addressed them in tones full of fierce pride.