Significance of Daityas and Danava
Daityas and Danava are mythical beings in Hindu mythology often depicted as demons and adversaries of the gods. These classes, identified as descendants of Diti and Danu, engage in significant conflict with divine entities, showcasing the eternal struggle between good and evil. They play crucial roles in various narratives, often opposing the Devas, engaging in battles, and embodying chaos. The stories surrounding them detail their attempts to disrupt cosmic order while also exploring themes of strength and the opposition to divine forces.
Synonyms: Asura, Demon, Giant, Titan, Evil spirit
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Daityas and Danava'
Daityas and Danava in Hinduism denote demonic classes associated with chaos, often opposing the divine beings. They are powerful adversaries of the gods, descending from Diti and Danu, engaged in mythological conflicts throughout the narratives.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Mythical beings symbolizing strength and bravado, compared to the heroes in battle.[1] (2) Referring to the races of demonic beings that embody chaos and challenge the order maintained by the gods.[2] (3) Mythological beings that worship the city of Patalam and are part of the narrative surrounding the Nagas.[3] (4) Groups of demons in Hindu mythology, often enemies of the gods and divine beings.[4] (5) Mythical beings who are shown to be concerned about Duryodhana's fate and aim to summon him from the world of the living.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Two types of powerful supernatural beings often mentioned together as adversaries of the Suras.[6] (2) Types of supernatural beings, including Karnataka, who were notorious for their malevolent conduct.[7] (3) Refers to different groups of beings, often at the forefront of the battles in the narrative.[8] (4) Powerful beings who opposed each other and engaged in battles, contributing to the chaos in the universe.[9] (5) Classes of demons; the Daityas are descendants of Diti and the Danavas are descendants of Danu, both often adversaries of the Devas.[10]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The races of powerful beings born from Diti and Danu, often considered as antagonistic forces in the cosmos.[11] (2) The collective term referring to the demonical warriors aligned against celestial beings, including Pradyumna.[12] (3) Refers to classes of powerful beings or demons opposed to the gods, specifically those that have been vanquished and are reborn in human forms to continue their oppression.[13] (4) A group mentioned that began making preparations for war upon hearing of fear from Vishnu.[14] (5) Classes of demons that are often in opposition to the deities and associated with causing obstacles.[15]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The Daityas and Danavas were agitated by Anasuya's brilliance, keeping away as one would from a blazing fire.[16] (2) Mythical beings residing in the nether worlds associated with both lineage and power, who are part of the realm's ecosystem.[17] (3) Terms used to refer to demon races within the text, indicating Andhaka's lineage and his kinship with other beings characterized by pride and strength.[18] (4) Two groups of beings, often described as demons in Hindu mythology, known for their power and sometimes adversarial roles against the gods.[19]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Demons who excel in strength and have taken the shares of sacrifices from Aditi's sons.[20] (2) The demonic beings that engaged in conflict with the gods.[21] (3) The demon races that compete against the gods, often representing chaos and evil.[22] (4) Refers to the demons and malevolent beings in the conflict against the gods.[23]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Mythical demons and beings who are part of the narrative, who emerged from the oceans to join the battle.[24] (2) Powerful enemies of the gods characterized as troublesome beings born from different divine ancestors.[25] (3) The classes of demons who opposed gods during the events surrounding the churning of the ocean.[26]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Mythical beings in Hindu mythology, often portrayed as antagonistic towards the gods.[27] (2) Demonic beings that are favored by time and suggested to be allied with the gods.[28] (3) Constituents of the inhabitants of the subterranean regions, known for their wealth and luxurious lives.[29]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Two types of demons in Hindu mythology; Daityas are considered descendants of Diti, while Danavas are related to Danu.[30] (2) Mythical races of demons in Hindu mythology often mentioned in tales of conflict with the Devas.[31] (3) Daityas and Danavas refer to distinct classes of Asuras, with the Daityas recognized as Soma drinkers.[32]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Classes of beings within Hindu mythology, often referred to as demons, representing the forces of chaos and opposition to the divine order.[33] (2) Classes of demons that stood against deities, also the targets of Vishnu's various incarnations.[34] (3) Cosmic beings born from Diti and Danu, often portrayed as powerful adversaries of the Devas.[35]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Mythical beings in Hindu texts that are equal to the formidable warriors being described.[36] (2) Groups of beings often described as enemies of the gods, including the demonic entities.[37]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Mythical beings often depicted as antagonists to the gods, represented in this narrative as opposing forces that engage in conflict with the deities.[38] (2) Mythical beings who inhabit Patala and are known for their strength and splendor.[39]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Terms used to describe the demon-like beings who were powerful adversaries of the Devas, often engaging in penance and prayer for boons.[40] (2) Types of beings associated with the homeland of the mountain Shveta.[41]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Powerful adversaries of the gods that are defeated in the narrative, showcasing the conflict between good and evil.[42] (2) Two groups that opposed the son of Atri, questioning Indra's presence on Earth.[43]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Types of demon-like entities in Hindu mythology that pose threats to the Devas and creation.[44] (2) Types of demons that live in Rasatala and are known for their strength.[45]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) The demons who fought against their cousins, the Devas, in a thousand-year war.[46]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Factions of demonic beings opposing the Devas, engaged in conflict over supremacy and the nectar.[47]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Mythical beings often depicted as demons or antagonists of the divine.[48] (2) Mythological demons in Hindu texts who are often depicted as enemies of the gods and are countered by divine weapons like the Sudarshana cakra.[49]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The entities that were defeated in battle, symbolizing forces of darkness or chaos.[50] (2) The beings that Brahman conquered, signifying obstacles or adversaries to the Devas that require overcoming.[51]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Types of beings mentioned in scriptures, though often not worthy of mention, included here for the purpose of laudatory description.[52]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Classes of demonic beings involved in supporting Suryaprabha, representing the antagonist forces in the celestial hierarchy.[53]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) Classes that are to be represented beautifully, especially their wives, as noted in the Vishnudharmottarapurana.[54]