( If any link brings you here, it means that that link is the name of a demon. The name and other details of that demon can be seen here. )
By the word demons in this document, we mean all varieties of Raakshasas viz Dythyas, Daanavas, Asuras etc. In our literature, all these words i.e. Dythyas, Daanavas, Asuras etc are used as synonymous, both in singular and plural number, refering to the class as a whole in general. But, Dythya were born to Kashyapa and Dithi, Daanavas were born to Kashyapa and Danu.
though the demons and gods are cousins or half-brothers, they fought with each other. Demons are generally treated as arrogant, ignorant and infested with pride and superiority feelings. Yet, many of them were described as pious, noble and full of high qualities. Demons are generally devotees of Lord Shiva.
Usually, it falls upon Vishnu to kill the mighty demons. Madhu, Kytabha,Hayagreeva,Naraka,Mura,Raavana,Kumbhakarna,Hiranyakashipu,Hiranyaaksha, Somaka etc form the big list of his victims. To get rid of each troublemaking demon, Vishnu devises a plan and acquires a form of his choice.
In Mahaabhaaratham, many demons by their individual names are mentioned. Various sects of the demons are frequently mantioned.
The notable demons mentioned in Mahaabhaaratham are Bali, Virochana,Prahlaada,Namuchi,shambara,Vrithra,Bala,Puloma,Viprachiththi,Paaka etc of ancient times and Baka, Kimmeera,Jata,alambusa,Alaayudha, Ghatothkacha etc belonging to the time of Mahaabhaaratham. Minor references were Shruthasree, Shruthasena, Vivasvaan, Rochanaamukha, Prasritha,Kaalakaaksha etc.
Mahaabhaagavatham gives more names of demons and Raamaayanam exclusively deals with demons under Raavana.
Mahaabhaaratham mentions the following sects of various demons as groups.
Some demons were mentioned by name with and without their details. For example,
- Mada - a demon created by sage Chyavana to attack Indra. Mentioned in Ashvamedha parva, while Agni talked to Indra about Maruththa.
- Dundhu - Another demon mentioned in Mahaabhaaratham in the Aaranya parva.
- Jata - was a demon mentioned in Aaranya parva. He tried to abduct Yudhishthira in the forest.
- Namuchi - was a demon killed by Indra.
- Bala - was a demon killed by Indra.
- Vrithra - was a demon killed by Indra.
- Prahlaada - was a demon but a devotee of Vishnu. He was one of the sons of Hiranyakashipu. Bhaagavatham deals with his life in detail.
- Mada - was a demon when the latter objected the sage's offering of soma to the Ashvis.
- Keshi - was a demon. He assumed the form of a horse and attacked young Krishna. Krishna himself mentioned at the time of Pareekshith's birth, about Killing Keshi.
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