In Hindu texts Ravana is referred to by various names. In the epic form of the Ramayana, there is frequent use of epithets for main figures in place of their primary names, sometimes as a way of fitting the poetic meter (shloka). Many names of Ravana are derived from his having 10 heads (and thus necks, mouths, faces), such as Dashagriva, Dashavadana, Dashamukha, Dashanana. Other names by which Ravana is called include Lankesha, Lankapati, Ravula, Dasis Ravana, and Ravan.