Nivatakavacha

The nivatakavachas are said to have terrorised the world, living deep beneath the ocean, and residing in the city of Maṇimatī after securing boons from Brahma.

In the Ramayana, Ravaṇa with his sons Meghanada, Atikaya, and with his army attacked these daityas, but though he defeated the sect, due to Brahma's boon, he was unable to kill them.

Describing the sect as his foes, he stated that the nivatakavachas lived in a fortress under the ocean, numbered thirty million, and were alike in shape, size, and prowess.

The daitya women sought shelter in their houses as Arjuna entered Maṇimatī, thinking that it looked better than the city of the devas.

He encouraged Arjuna to also lay waste to Hiranyapura, a neighbouring city of the danavas who opposed his father as well, which the prince achieved.

Arjuna fights a nivatakavacha, driven by Matali. Balinese art.