Significance of Demon king
In Dutch: Demonenkoning; In Finnish: Demonikuningas; In Spanish: Rey demonio
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Demon king'
In Buddhism, the "Demon king" symbolizes various negative influences and distractions that threaten spiritual development, depicting spiritual struggles, temptations, and misconceptions that practitioners face on their path to enlightenment and samadhi power.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Representations of external obstacles or distractions that can disrupt a person's practice and clarity of thought.[1] (2) Symbolic representations of distractions or disturbances that can disrupt a person's meditation and spiritual focus.[2] (3) Powerful entities that manifest in various forms and may possess individuals, claiming to have achieved proper knowledge, but are ultimately deceptive and destructive to the dharma.[3] (4) A malevolent entity that possesses individuals to disrupt their spiritual practice and mislead them into believing false teachings.[4] (5) Symbolic representations of negative influences or distractions that can hinder spiritual progress.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Demon king'
In Hinduism, "Demon King" signifies powerful beings opposing the divine, such as Hiranyaksha, Kamsa, and Bali, who embody authority and malevolence, often engaging in battles against gods and divine forces.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A title often used in Hindu mythology that can refer to powerful adversaries with complex roles, as seen with Bali in this narrative.[6] (2) A title for King Bali, who is identified as a powerful being but is eventually commanded by Vishnu to enter the nether world for not fulfilling his promise.[7] (3) A title associated with powerful beings who oppose the divine order, often depicted in Hindu mythology.[8] (4) A reference to an interlocutor in the narrative, who raises doubts about the origin and presence of Gomati.[9]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Refers to Bashkali, who ruled over a realm and showcased virtues amid his powers.[10] (2) Refers to Hiranyaksha, who engaged the gods in battle and attempted to conquer them.[11]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Another reference to the King of the Danavas, highlighting his authoritative position in battle.[12]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Kamsa, the antagonist in the narrative who seeks to eliminate Krishna due to fear of a prophecy.[13]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Shumbha and Nishumbha, the rulers of the asuras.[14]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A title for Hiranyaksha, indicating his power and status among demons.[15]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Refers to Naraka, the antagonist who poses a threat to the gods and humanity.[16]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A powerful king among the demons.[17] (2) A title or description for a character, specifically Kamsa, who is a king among demons.[18] (3) A title referring to Kamsa, highlighting his status and role within the context of the narrative.[19] (4) A ruler or sovereign of demons, embodying evil or malevolent attributes in opposition to divine or heroic forces.[20] (5) Refers to Kamsa, the primary antagonist in the story, who is recognized as the ruler of demons.[21]
The concept of Demon king in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Demon king" pertains to both a complex character who refrained from harming his son, affecting lineage themes, and a strong ruler, Bali, renowned for his sacrificial acts and strength.
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) A character in the narrative who attempted to sacrifice his son but ultimately did not follow through due to pity, thus influencing the lineage discussions.[22]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A powerful and formidable ruler, specifically referring to Bali, who performs a great sacrifice and is known for his might.[23]