Alternative spelling of Asura. [(Hinduism) One of the power-seeking deities involved in constant conflict with the more benevolent Devas.]
Used in a Sentence
asuras
Definitions, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for asuras.
Editorial note
During the Vedic period the Asuras weren't all bad - indeed many import demigods of the pantheon are Asuras.
Examples17
Definitions3
Parts of speech1
Quick take
Alternative spelling of Asura. [(Hinduism) One of the power-seeking deities involved in constant conflict with the more benevolent Devas.]
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of asuras gathered in one view.
(Hinduism) One of the power-seeking deities involved in constant conflict with the more benevolent Devas.
(Buddhism) A member of the lowest class of deities and demigods of the Kāmadhātu.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for asuras.
noun
Alternative spelling of Asura. [(Hinduism) One of the power-seeking deities involved in constant conflict with the more benevolent Devas.]
noun
(Hinduism) One of the power-seeking deities involved in constant conflict with the more benevolent Devas.
noun
(Buddhism) A member of the lowest class of deities and demigods of the Kāmadhātu.
Example sentences
During the Vedic period the Asuras weren't all bad - indeed many import demigods of the pantheon are Asuras.
In Vedic Hindu texts, and in Zoroastrian texts, a great battle among Devas[1] and Asuras (Ahuras)[2] is described.
In the Zoroastrian version, the Asuras won and kicked the Devas out of Persia.
In Persia, Asuras (called Ahuras) eventually came to become singular Ahura and identified with the supreme God and the Devas became demons.
Specifically the pot of amrta (the nectar of immortality) that the Devas and Asuras got together to churn and then fought over.
And then there's the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda vs Hindu asuras, which are demonic.
It's interesting that Asuras are demonkind in Hinduism, but are gods in Proto-Indo-Iranian religion.
Even more interesting is how Asuras are treated in Budhism and in Hinduism-like religions that are prevelant in various parts of SE Asia.
Many of the then major gods were described in Rig Veda as asuras.
Referring to [0] where Asuras originally started out under the stewardship of Varuna but gradually the terminology changed to be synonymous with Rakshasa.
What is interesting is Asuras and Devas in Persian and Indian religions.
Typically the Sanskrit or Pali terms devas and asuras are used untranslated, in part because the ontological categories of different mythologies may not correspond exactly.
Quote examples
Hindus: benevolent Devas and their ~enemies Asuras Persians: good gods Ahuras vs bad gods Daevas Then we have the term "devil", which sounds a lot like "deva/daeva".
"The relationship between the Æsir and Vanir parallel the Asuras and Devas in another way; like the Æsir, the Asuras were associated in Vedic myth with human phenomena (contracts, the arts, fate), while the Vanir, like the Devas, are associated with the natural world (such as Njord and Freyr, associated with fertility)." [0] Very interesting.
Proper noun examples
Asuras are equivalent to lords and divine beings equivalent to devas and not inherently evil.
In the Mahabharata, Shukracharya due to his alcoholism caused Kacha to be killed, ground up and mixed in his alcohol by the Asuras.
Asuras are equal rivals, a bit unlucky at times.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use asuras in a sentence?
During the Vedic period the Asuras weren't all bad - indeed many import demigods of the pantheon are Asuras.
What does asuras mean?
Alternative spelling of Asura. [(Hinduism) One of the power-seeking deities involved in constant conflict with the more benevolent Devas.]
What part of speech is asuras?
asuras is commonly used as noun.