asura

• Substantivo que designa uma classe de seres divinos na mitologia indiana; originalmente considerados deuses, mas posteriormente vistos como demônios ou seres que buscam poder, funcionando como equivalente do zoroastriano Ahura.

A noun referring to a class of divine beings in Indian mythology; originally considered gods, they later came to be regarded as demons or power-seeking entities, serving as the counterpart to the Zoroastrian Ahura.

nome próprio

1. Mythological beingC1formal

   In Hindu mythology, a class of divine beings originally considered gods but later depicted as power-seeking demons, often in conflict with the devas.

   Asura

   • The asuras were once celestial beings but lost their divine status.
   • In the Puranas, asuras constantly battle the devas for supremacy.
   • The king of the asuras, Hiranyakashipu, was a powerful figure in Hindu lore.

2. Buddhist conceptC1formal

   In Buddhist cosmology, a type of being or realm characterized by jealousy, anger, and constant conflict, often considered a lower rebirth.

   Asura

   • Asuras are depicted as warlike beings who envy the devas.
   • The asura realm is one of the six realms of samsara in Buddhism.
   • Buddhist texts describe asuras as perpetually fighting for power.

   Sinônimosdemigodtitan

3. Zoroastrian connectionC2formal

   Related to the Zoroastrian concept of Ahura, meaning a wise lord or deity, representing a positive divine force.

   Conexão zoroastriana

   • The term asura is linguistically linked to the Zoroastrian Ahura.
   • In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda is the supreme creator god.
   • The shift from asura as god to demon reflects a cultural divergence between Indian and Iranian traditions.

   Sinônimosahura