Rakshasa

Race in Hindu mythology / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:

Can you list the top facts and stats about Rakshasa?

Summarize this article for a 10 years old

SHOW ALL QUESTIONS

Rakshasas (Sanskrit: राक्षस, IAST: rākṣasa; IPA: [rɐkʂɐsɐ] Pali: rakkhasa; lit.'preservers'[1]) are a race of usually malevolent beings prominently featured in Hindu mythology. They reside on Earth but possess supernatural powers, which they usually use for evil acts such as disrupting Vedic sacrifices or eating humans.[2][3]

Quick facts: Grouping, Other name(s), Country...
Rakshasa
Demon_Yakshagana.jpg
Rakshasa as depicted in Yakshagana, an art form of Uttara Kannada. Artist: Krishna Hasyagar, Karki
GroupingDemigod
Other name(s)
  • Nri-chakshas
  • Nishacharas
  • Kravyads
  • Rakshasi
  • Manushya-rakshasi
  • Asura
CountryIndia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia
Close

They are offered a distinction from yakshas, their cousins who are depicted to be forces of destruction. The term is also used to describe asuras, a class of power-seeking beings that oppose the benevolent devas. They are often depicted as antagonists in Hindu scriptures, as well as in Buddhism and Jainism. The female form of rakshasa is rakshasi.[4]