Significance of Devas and Asuras
Devas and Asuras in Hindu mythology serve as representations of divine and demonic forces, respectively. Devas are viewed as celestial beings associated with goodness, while Asuras often embody evil or adversarial qualities. These entities are frequently depicted in conflict, highlighting the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Notably, they participated together in significant events, such as the churning of the ocean, illustrating their complex interactions within the spiritual narratives and emphasizing the duality of existence in both cosmic and human contexts.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Devas and Asuras'
In Buddhism, Devas symbolize good entities, while Asuras represent evil. Their conflict serves as a metaphor for spiritual struggles, illustrating the duality of existence within Buddhist cosmology and highlighting the path toward enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Entities in Buddhist cosmology, where the devas represent the good and the asuras symbolize the evil; their conflict is used as a metaphor in the conversion story.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Devas and Asuras'
In Hinduism, Devas and Asuras symbolize the duality of good and evil, representing divine beings and demons. They embody cosmic struggles, often contending against each other and reflecting human inclinations towards light and darkness.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The celestial beings and demons who participated in the churning of the ocean to obtain Amrita.[2] (2) Devas refer to divine beings, while Asuras are their demonic counterparts, highlighting the conflict in the narrative.[3] (3) Two opposing factions in the battle, with Devas representing divine beings and Asuras representing demonic entities.[4] (4) The heavenly beings and demons, respectively, involved in the celestial power struggle over the heavenly nectar.[5] (5) The divine beings and demons that sought help from Brahma and Vishnu against the challenge presented by Parvati's penance.[6]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) Divine beings with significant height differences as remembered by persons born in the Kali age.[7] (2) Two opposing groups within Hindu mythology, representing the forces of good (Devas) and evil (Asuras).[8] (3) Divine beings and demons, respectively, engaged in the churning of the ocean and resulting in the emergence of the Kalakuta poison.[9] (4) Two opposing groups in Hindu mythology; Devas are celestial beings while Asuras are often depicted as demons.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Two classes of divine or supernatural beings paying homage to the Sun.[11] (2) Divine beings and demons engaged in conflicts, referenced in the context of the wars that Dasaratha participated in.[12] (3) Heavenly and demonic beings who are unperceived by Ahalya at the time of her curse.[13]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Representations of the divine and demonic forces within the narrative, emphasizing the timeless conflict between good and evil.[14] (2) Two factions of divine beings and demons, engaged in cosmic struggles narrated throughout the story.[15]
From: The Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Divine beings and their counterparts in Hindu mythology, involved in conflicts and worship, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the spiritual realm.[16] (2) The celestial beings (Devas) and the demons (Asuras) that engaged in a terrible battle, with the Devas unable to conquer the Danavas.[17]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) Celestial beings and demigods in Hindu mythology, often in opposition to each other.[18] (2) Divine beings in Hindu mythology, with Devas representing the gods and Asuras representing forces that oppose divine order.[19]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) Divine beings and demons in Hindu mythology; the text discusses the relationship between Narasimha and these entities.[20] (2) The term refers to the divine and demonic beings, both of which, along with humans, are supported by the sun.[21]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) The divine beings and demons that were created and populated the universe.[22]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) Celestial beings and demons, used metaphorically to describe the epic nature of the battle between the two armies.[23]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The divine beings (Devas) and their opposing counterparts (Asuras) in the Hindu cosmology.[24]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Divine beings and demons in Hindu mythology, representing the duality of creation and cosmic struggle.[25]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Representations of spiritual forces in nature, with Devas associated with light and positivity, and Asuras with darkness and negativity.[26]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The celestial beings and demons, respectively, who embark on the search for the Self as guided by Prajapati.[27] (2) The Devas, derived from the root ‘div’ meaning to shine, represent those functions of the sense-organs illuminated by scriptures, while Asuras, indicated as 'delighting in their own natural life', represent functions that partake of darkness or ignorance.[28] (3) Two categories of beings; Devas represent divine beings, while Asuras represent demoniacal beings, with differences in their understanding of the Self.[29]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The celestial beings (Devas) and their cosmic adversaries (Asuras) engaged in a battle for the preservation of the world.[30] (2) Divine beings (Devas) and demons (Asuras) mentioned in the context of not wanting to be disgraced by false notions.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Classes of beings in Hindu mythology; devas are gods, while Asuras typically represent non-divine or demonic entities.[32]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Divine and demonic entities that represent the good and evil inclinations within humans.[33]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Mythological beings in Hindu tradition; Devas are considered gods while Asuras are often viewed as demons or anti-gods, who participated together in the churning of the ocean.[34] (2) Denotes the divine beings (Devas) and the demon-like beings (Asuras), representing the conflict in Hindu mythology.[35] (3) Devas are celestial beings who seek refuge in the Lord when tormented by Asuras, the deadly opponents of the Devas.[36] (4) Divine beings and demons involved in the churning of the Milky ocean, with the Devas receiving the nectar.[37] (5) The divine beings and demons involved in the churning process, indicating the need for divine intervention.[38]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) These are entities that reside at different parts of the elephant's tusks, with Devas representing gods at the root, Asuras representing demons in the middle, and Naras representing men at the end.[39]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Types of beings mentioned as part of the created existence, representing divine and demonic entities, respectively.[40]
Jain concept of 'Devas and Asuras'
In Jainism, Devas and Asuras are viewed as spiritual and supernatural beings responsible for significant actions, like creating clouds, differentiating them from nagas, who lack such capabilities. Their role includes performing specific actions within the worlds.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Spiritual beings that are credited with actions such as creating great clouds, contrasting with nagas who do not.[41] (2) Supernatural beings referenced in the context of who performs certain actions under the worlds.[42]