Although they have the power to change their shape at will and appear as animals, monsters, or beautiful women, sculptures and literatures generally depict the Rakshasas with a terrifying appearance – fearful side tusks, ugly eyes, curling brows and carrying a variety of horrible weapon. But, as with everything else in life, not all Rakshasas are ugly.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://martinifisher.com/2021/10/07/rakshasas-the-beautiful-the-virtuous-the-sleepy/