Here he resumed his former ascetic practice of frequent fasting and other penances. Early medieval penitential books contained a wide array of different penances for such trespasses. Other sacrifices and penances, such as yajnas, were also performed. Lucia wrote that Mary said God was pleased with their sacrifices and bodily penances. Most were subjected to lesser punishments or penances. Before he attained enlightenment, he gave up his austere penances. He is portrayed as a powerful demon king who disturbs the penances of rishis. He often fasted and imposed other strict penances on himself. History had produced many great sages, but none had performed such penances as this. Crowds came to share his penances and his vigils; they also came for learning. Bhasmasura invokes the god Shiva by performing severe penances. Book three refers to holy householders, forest hermit and penances. In this account, Vishnu visits and offers Aditi a boon, being pleased with her penances. The priests would also hear confession and give penances. Indra performs penances, of which he tells his mother, Aditi.