Ashura

The Ashuras are spirits from India who are the hostile rivals of the Hindu deities, the Devas. Ashura is now frequently translated as “Demon” or “anti-god,” but they are an earlier pantheon who came into conflict with the new Hindu pantheon. Many mythologists perceive that they correspond to the Titans or at least play a corresponding role. They are a vanquished but still troublesome pantheon hostile to newer Aryan spirits and so not incorporated into the Hindu pantheon but Demonized instead.

Unlike the priest, merchant, and warrior castes of Hinduism, Ashuras are identified with iron smelters; a caste of metalworkers still bears their name. The hostility of the Ashuras derives from a betrayal. Once upon a time, the Devas required the Ashuras’ cooperation to churn the cosmic sea and obtain the Elixir of Immortality. Vishnu engaged their help with the understanding that they would share this precious elixir, although Vishnu actually never intended to do so. Various versions of exactly what happened exist; the end result of all is that the Devas drink the elixir and the Ashuras do not.

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Asuras

ORIGIN:

India

SEE ALSO:

• Aesir
• Gajasura
• Titan
• Vishnu

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by: Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.