“Give ear, all ye demon troops! The hosts of heaven are our enemies. They dare not stand up in open fight, but flee at the sight of their mighty adversary.

There is only one way to bring about their death, and that I shall now explain to you in detail; so listen to it. Go you and obstruct the feasting of Brahmans, the performance of sacrifices, the pouring of oblations (into the sacred fire) and funeral obsequies.

Emaciated with starvation and rendered weak, the gods will forthwith surrender to me. Then I shall either slay them or let them go after reducing them utterly to subjection.

Then he sent for Meghanada and exhorted him to yet greater courage and hostility to the gods. “The gods,” he said, “who are resolute and strong in battle and who are complacent enough to fight,

-you must conquer on the field and bring them here in chains.” The son arose and bowed to his father’s commands. In this manner Ravana ordered all, and himself sallied forth, mace in hand.

As Ravana marched, the earth reeled, and at his thundering call the spouses of the gods gave premature birth. On hearing of Ravana’s wrathful approach the gods themselves sought safety in the caves of Mount Sumeru.

When Ravana invaded the glorious realms of the guardians of the ten quarters, he found them all deserted. Again and again he roared fiercely like a lion and challenged the gods to battle with volleys of abuse.