The Asuras and Devas of Hinduism

The Asuras and Devas of Hinduism are central to the cosmology of Hinduism, the functioning and creation of the universe, earth, and humanity, tracing back to the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism forming ancient Vedic Religion.

Both Asuras and Devas are supernatural beings, in possession of the same powers, abilities, and description. In general we define the Devas as good, and the Asuras as evil. However, there is so much overlap between them in character (not to mention genealogy and deeds) to the point that their polar opposition in somewhat blurred overall.

An Asura can be benevolent, wise, and just on occasion, in the same way that an encounter with one of the Deva can be one of trickery, punishment, and deceit.

Contents

• a
• The Blurred-Line Between the Asuras and Devas

Table of Contents

The Blurred Line Between Asuras and Devas

Although in the West we generally translate the devas as “angels” and the asuras as “demons”, this translation pours concrete over a great deal of nuanced details of the identity of both. The

A perfect example of this can be found in the lineage of the Danavas (a lineage of Asuras that descend from Danu). The father of Danu was Dakshi, who is one of the progenitors of all gods. Dakshi was associated with the Devas as well — they are all kindred. But the race of Danavas are, for some reason, labelled as asuras. In English, we simply say, “demons”.