Rakshasa

The Rakshasas (Sanskrit राक्षस Raksasa; Pali:. Rakkhasa m » Beschädiger " ) are demons from Indian mythology. The female form are Rakshasis ( Pali: rakkhasī f ). With the spread of Buddhism they have been included in the legends and folklore of many East Asian cultures.

Mythology

Rakshasas are often referred to already in the Rigveda and play a crucial role in the Indian epic. They are regarded as enemies of the people and counterpart of the incarnations of Vishnu. Well-known examples are the Rakshasa king Ravana in the Ramayana, the bitter enemy of Rama and the demon king Kaṁsa, who according to tradition, born as a human being, Krishna pursued and was eventually conquered by the latter.

As Ravana are all Rakshasas descended from Pulastya ways, but it is also said that they sprang from the feet of the god Brahma. According to the Vishnu Purana, however, the way Kashyapa had with his wife Khasa a son named Rakshas, descended from the Rakshasas.

Nature

According to the Rig Veda the Rakshasas were nocturnal spirits that often appear as an animal, like vultures, owl, dog, or tiger, but can also occur in the form of fearsome people. Also known as invisible spirits they harass people and interfere with their sacrifices. It is said to them that they drink blood and eat human flesh. In pictorial representations they often have large, bloody fangs. The Ramayana describes the appearance of the Rakshasas of Lanka. Thereafter, they can look very pretty, but also terrifying and disfigured. Some have animal heads, others more limbs or only one ear or eye, they may be dwarf or giant, emaciated or fat with sagging breasts.

Although basically the personification of evil, to support some of these demons also good, and can be shown to be particularly cultured and virtuous people. So had the epic Mahabharata Bhima, one of the heroic Pandavas, the Rakshasi Hidimbi a son, Ghatotkacha. He lived during his youth in the cannibalistic family of his mother, but supported devotedly his father and his family. In the Ramayana, it is Vibhishana, the pure- hearted brother of the evil Ravana, who makes decisive help in Rama's battle. Also the adversary Ravana himself was an educated, cultured king who had many virtues.

Whereabouts

In the systematic mythology the Rakshasas, the world Rakshasaloka is attributed. Accordance with the established notion they often hold off on near cremation places. Also they can live as men among men.