deities, the danavas are attacked and defeated by Indra and an enclosed, safe dance arena is created for the dancers. Afterwards, dance-dramas depicting the defeat of the danavas are performed at the arena and anger the demons further. The danavas protestations are reserved for Brahma, the god of creation. Brahma advises the danavas that dance drama allows participants and viewers to become divine or a part of the gods in unison. Therefore, some scholars interpret Brahma's reply as the important role dance plays in worship. Indra-Vrita myth The Indra-Vrita myth is the only known myth that contains a prominent son of Danu, a member of the danavas. These myths are what later cement the rivalry of the devas and asuras. The struggle between Indra and Vrita act as a, "cosmogonic myth" as it discusses the birth of sat ('order') from asat ('chaos'). Mayasura Mayasura is a prominent member of the danavas and is extensively found throughout the Mahabharata. He was known to be a popular architect and rival to the architect to the gods, Vishvakarma. He is also known for being the father-in-law to Ravana, a prominent antagonist in Hindu Mythology. He wrote the Surya Siddhanta. However, he is most known for his architecture. In the Sabha Parva of the Mahabharata, Maya danava built the 'Maya Sabha', or the palace of illusions for the Pandava brothers. Here, Mayasura asked Arjuna for guidance and advised he wished to built something of value for him and the Pandavas. After Arjuna and Vaisampayana discuss what should be built, Krishna advised Maya to build a godlike palace. As translated by Ganguli, Krishna contemplates and announces what he desires. Maya is referred to being the son of Diti, despite being addressed as Maya danava during the entirety of Book 2. Elsewhere, Mayasura built Tripura, also known as the three cities of gold, silver, and iron. He also built the city of Lankapuri in Lanka. See also Asura Daitya Dewi Danu Rakshasa Kalakeyas List of Asuras Nivatakavacha Nāga Bhagavata Purana Denyen Tuatha Dé Danann Danube River Danu-be Tribe of Dan Kukulkan Danaïdes Notes External links Characters in Hindu mythology