Vatapi

Vatapi is a figure from Indian mythology, specifically from the epic Ramayana. He was an asura (demon) known for his power to transform into a crocodile and for his trickery. Vatapi was the son of the demon Mada and sister of Mahishasura. In the story, a sage named Agastya defeated Vatapi by tricking him into taking form, then consuming him to end his threat. The name “Vatapi” is also associated with a famous classical Indian musical composition (ragam Vatapi), which is lively and energetic, inspired by the mythological figure’s story.