The Daityas said:: They were filled with wells, tanks, large oblong lakes all round. Herds of elephants in their rut, splendid horses, chariots of every shape, wonderfully made with faces on all sides—all these abounded there. There were drinking sheds, assemblies, playgrounds, etc. Different kinds of halls and chambers for the study of the Vedas were found all round. The cities were well fortified and made unassailable even mentally by others, due to the illusionary power of Maya. O leading sages, the cities were frequented by chaste ladies everywhere. There were many Daityas. Although they committed great sins they got rid of them through their worship of Śaṅkara. O brahmins, the leading Daityas were highly blessed. They were accompanied by their wives and sons. They were conversant with the holy rites laid down in the Śrutis and Smṛtis. They were engaged in those virtuous rites always. They abandoned all lords other than Mahādeva and were engaged in the worship of that lord alone. They had broad chests and shoulders like those of bulls. They used to hold all weapons. They were always hungry. Their eyes shone like the forest fire. Some of them were quiescent; some were infuriated. Some were dwarfish and some were hump-backed; they had the lustre of blue lotuses; their hairs were darkcoloured and curly. They resembled the blue mountain and the Meru; their voice was comparable to the sound of the rumbling cloud. All of them were protected by Maya. They were well-trained and were desirous of fighting. That trio of cities was well frequented by the firm and steadfast suppressors of Devas (i.e. Daityas) who were interested in fighting always and all round, who had perfectly achieved prowess and virility by the worship of Śiva and who resembled the sun, wind and king of immortal beings.