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Seven Sacrifices
“Dashagriva, having given over that redoubtable army to Khara and consoled his sister, became master of himself once more and was freed from anxiety.
“Thereafter that powerful Indra among the Rakshasas penetrated into the marvellous Nikumbhila Grove where he beheld hundreds of sacrificial posts and altars and, as if blazing in brilliance, a sacrifice was being performed.
“There, clad in a black antelope skin, holding a coconut loshta and staff, he beheld his own son, Meghanada of dread aspect.
Approaching him, the Lord of Lanka, clasping him in his arms, enquired of him:—
“‘What art you doing here, O Child, tell me truly!’
“Then that excellent Twice-born of rigid penances, Ushanas [i.e., Sage Sukra], in order that the sacrifice should prove auspicious, answered Ravana, saying:—
“‘I shall tell you myself, O King, listen to all that has taken place. Seven sacrifices with countless preparatory rites have been undertaken by your son, the
Agnisthoma, Ashvamedha, Bahus-vamaka, Rajasuya, Gomedha and the Vaishnava and, having engaged in die Maheshvara sacrifice,
difficult for men to undertake, your son, on its completion, received gifts from the Lord of Creatures Himself: a stable and celestial chariot coursing at will in the sky, the power of illusion by which darkness is created on the field of battle so that even the Gods and Asuras can no longer find their way, and, in order to exterminate the foe in combat, O King, he has also been granted two inexhaustible quivers, a bow that no weapon can shatter and a powerful arrow. Having received these gifts, your son, O Dashanana, wishes to meet with you on the completion of the sacrifice and will soon present himself before you.’