asura
Definition
Noun 1. A type of supernatural being in Hindu mythology: In early Vedic texts, an asura is a divine being, a god or lord. In later Hindu mythology, the term evolves to mean a demon or power-seeking deity, often in opposition to the devas (gods). 2. A demon, titan, or anti-god: A powerful, often malevolent being that represents power, chaos, or materialism, contrasting with the benevolent, orderly devas.
Usage Examples
- In early Vedic hymns, asura was a title of respect for powerful gods like Varuna.
- The most famous asura in later epics is Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
- The battle between the devas and the asuras is a recurring theme in Puranic stories.
Advanced Usage
- The Asura Realm: In Buddhist cosmology, it refers to one of the six realms of rebirth, the realm of the demigods or titans, characterized by jealousy and strife.
- Asuric nature: Used descriptively to denote qualities like arrogance, wrath, materialism, and egoism, in contrast to "daivic" (divine) nature.
Variants and Related Words
- Asuric (adjective): Pertaining to or having the qualities of an asura (e.g., asuric tendencies).
- Deva (noun): The benevolent gods who are often in conflict with the asuras.
Synonyms
- Demon
- Titan
- Anti-god
- Daitya (a specific class of asuras)
Notes on Different Meanings
The meaning of asura underwent a complete reversal. Its etymology links it to the Iranian Ahura (as in Ahura Mazda), where it retained its divine meaning. In India, the term was progressively demonized in post-Vedic literature, while the devas became the primary gods.
Noun
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earlier a god; later a demon; counterpart of Zoroastrian Ahura
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