Asura

An Asura^WP is a type of Demon God in Hinduism^WP.

Characteristics

The Asuras are enemies of the Devas^WP (heavenly gods).

History

When the asura Taraka^WP tormented the gods, they came to the realization that only Shiva and Parvati's child^WP would be able to defeat him. However, Shiva was completely focused on his meditation and wouldn't even glance at Parvati. Troubled, the gods dispatched Kama who shot Shiva with an arrow of love and he recovered his love for his wife. However, enraged by this act of Kama, Shiva opened his third eye and burned Kama to death. Having his body burned by Shiva, the god who can destroy all of creation or in other words, the universe, Kama was annihilated and reborn. That's how Kama became Ananga.^[1] Kama reincarnated as the son of Krishna (Avatar of Vishnu) and Rukmini^WP, Pradyumna^WP and slayed the asura Shambara^WP.^[2]

Durga came into being for the sake of killing the demonic deity Mahisha^WP. To accomplish her mission, she received numerous armaments from the gods.^[3]

When Durga fought with the Asura brothers, Chanda and Munda^WP, she also fought with their underlings, the Asuras Sumbha and Nisumbha^WP. It is said when the enemy approached her, Durga was enraged and a goddess with a fearsome visage appeared from the third eye on her forehead. That is how Kali came into being.^[3]

Vritra is said to be an evil dragon as well as an asura (demon), and is also known as Asurandra (king of Asura). Her nickname Asurasreshtha means "the best of Asura".^[4]

Known Asura

• Vritra
• Chanda
• Mahisha
• Munda
• Nisumbha
• Sumbha
• Taraka
• Shambara

References