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Asuras (Sanskrit: असुर) are a class of beings in Indian religions. They are described as power-seeking beings related to the more benevolent Devas (also known as Suras) in Hinduism. In its Buddhist context, the word is translated as "titan" or "antigod".[1]
According to Hindu texts, the asuras are in constant fear of the devas.[2]: 2–6 Asuras are described in Indian texts as powerful superhuman demigods with good or bad qualities. In early Vedic literature, the good Asuras are called Adityas and are led by Varuna, while the malevolent ones are called Danavas and are led by Vritra.[3]: 4 In the earliest layer of Vedic texts, Agni, Indra and other gods are also called Asuras, in the sense of their being "lords" of their respective domains, knowledge and abilities. In later Vedic and post-Vedic texts, the benevolent gods are called Devas, while malevolent Asuras compete against these Devas and are considered "enemy of the gods".[3]: 4
Asuras are part of Hinduism along with Yakshas (nature spirits), Rakshasas (fierce man-eating beings or demons), Bhutas (ghosts) and many more. Asuras have been featured in many cosmological theories and legends in Hinduism and Buddhism.[4][5][6]
- ^ Robert Beer. The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols Serindia Publications 2003 ISBN 978-1-932-47603-3 page 246
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Hale-1998was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
Hale-1999was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Don Handelman (2013), One God, Two Goddesses, Three Studies of South Indian Cosmology, Brill Academic, ISBN 978-90-04-25615-6, pages 23–29
- ^ Wendy Doniger (1988), Textual Sources for the Study of Hinduism, Manchester University Press, ISBN 978-0-7190-1866-4, p. 67
- ^ Robert E. Buswell Jr; Donald S. Lopez Jr (2013). The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton University Press. p. 411. ISBN 978-1-4008-4805-8.