Question

How would the demoness be able to overpower the rishis?​

Answer 1

I would say yes to it in broad terms. Most accomplished Rishis were able to curse, fend off or kill some demons. For example Chyavana, a son of Bhrigu, merely looked at a demon (Puloma) who was kidnapping his mother, thus killing him. Agastya caused the death of Vatapi and Ilvala. Although there were mentions by Rishis that Ravana tormented them, there are no details as to how. It needed God’s incarnations (Rama, Krishna) to kill demons like Ravana etc. So, there is much truth in what you said.

As regards Devas, Rishis always were beholden to God, not to lesser divinities.

Explanation:

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