Taking form at will, they were skilled in all forms of demoniac MŒyŒ (deceit); they never thought of piety or compassion even in dream. One day the ten-headed RŒva˜a was seated in court and reviewed his innumerable retainers, hosts of sons and grandsons, relatives and servants, troops of demons, more than anyone could count. On seeing the host the naturally proud RŒva˜a spoke words full of wrath and arrogance:“Listen, all demon troops: the host of heaven are my enemies. They never dare to stand up in open fight, but flee away at the sight of a powerful adversary. There is only one way of causing their death, which I tell you in detail; now listen to it. Go and prevent the feasting of BrŒhma˜as, the performance of sacrifices, the pouring of oblations into the sacred fire, the ceremony of ÝrŒddha (offering food etc., to a departed soul) and all other religious functions. (1—4)