Asura

Asuras are a class of beings in Indian religions. They are described as power-seeking demons related to the more benevolent Devas (also known as Suras) in Hinduism. In Buddhist context, the word is translated as "titan", "demigod", or "antigod". According to Hindu scriptures, the asuras are in constant fear of devas.

H

 * It must be emphasised that the process of polarisation of relations between the Ahuras and the Daevas is already complete in the Gathas, whereas, in the Rigveda, the reverse process of polarisation between the Devas and the Asuras, which does not begin before the later parts of the Rigveda, develops as it were before our very eyes, and is not completed until the later Vedic period.
 * Helmut Humbach: The Gathas of Zarathushtra and the Other Old Avestan Texts, Part I: Introduction, Texts and Translation by Helmut Humbach (in collaboration with Josef Elfenbein and P.O. Skjærvø), Carl Winter, Universitätsverlag, Heidelberg (Germany), 1991. Quoted in Talageri, S. (2000). The Rigveda: A historical analysis. New Delhi: Aditya Prakashan.

From Hindu texts

 * The golden-handed Savitar, far-seeing, goes on his way between the earth and heaven, Drives away sickness, bids the Sun approach us, and spreads the bright sky through the darksome region. May he, gold-handed Asura, kind Leader, come hither to us with his help and favour. Driving off Raksasas and Yatudhanas, the God is present, praised in hymns at evening.
 * , I, 35, 10, as translated by (1870)


 * Great is the single asurahood of the devas.
 * , III, 55, 1, as translated in Kazanas, N. D. (2001). Indo-European deities and the Rgveda. Journal of Indoeuropean Studies, 29(3/4), 257-294.


 * Worship thou Rudra for his great good favour: adore the Asura, God, with salutations.
 * , V, 42, 1, as translated by (1870)
 * Variant translations:
 * With salutations the deva asura [Rudra] adore.
 * Kazanas, N. D. (2001). Indo-European deities and the Rgveda. Journal of Indoeuropean Studies, 29(3/4), 257-294.


 * For they are Asuras of Gods, the friendly make, both of you, our lands exceeding fruitful. May we obtain you, Varuṇa and Mitra, wherever Heaven and Earth and days may bless us.
 * , VII, 65, 2, as translated by (1870)


 * Great Varuṇa and Mitra, Gods, Asuras and imperial Lords,
 * , VIII, 25, 4, as translated by (1870)