Narakasura, Narakāsura: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Narakasura means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana IndexNarakāsura (नरकासुर).—(Naraka Bhauma); Born of Hari in his Boar manifestation when he touched and raised the Earth,1 hence son of Earth,2 an asura friend of Kaṃsa;3 a friend of the Vānara Dvivida;4 ran away with the umbrella of Varuṇa, Kuṇḍala of Aditi and contested the position of Indra.5 Fought with Sanaiścara in the Devāsura war;6 finding Mura and his sons dead, came out with elephants, which were all killed by Garuḍa; fought with Kṛṣṇa till his head was cut off and the ladies of his harem married by Him (Kṛṣṇa);7 lost his kingdom through pride of power.8
- 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa X. 59. 30[1]; [65 (v) 1].
- 2) Ib. X. 59. 59. [1] and 2.
- 3) Ib. X. 2. 2; 36. 36.
- 4) Ib. X. 67. 2; 69. [3] 1.
- 5) Ib. X. 59. [1] and 2.
- 6) Ib. X. 73. 20; 83. 40; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 6. 15; 73. 102; IV. 29. 125.
- 7) Bhāgavata-purāṇa VIII. 10. 33.
- 8) Ib. X. 59. 14-22; 37. 16; I. 10. 29.

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
General definition (in Hinduism)
Source: Apam Napat: Indian MythologyNarakasura was the son of Goddess earth, (referred to as Dharthi), by Lord Vishnu himself during his Varaha (boar) avatar. It was foretold that he would be destroyed by a later incarnation of Vishnu. His mother, the earth, sought the boon from Vishnu that her son should have a long life, and that he should be all powerful. Vishnu readily granted these boons.
Narakasura became evil, in association with another Asura named Bana. Drunk with power, as he knew himself to be unrivalled in prowess, he brought all the kingdoms on earth under his control. Next he turned his eyes towards Swargaloka. Even the mighty Indra could not withstand the assault of this son of Vishnu and had to flee the heavens. Now Narakasura had become the overlord of both the heavens and earth. His reign of oppression was in full swing.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Narakacuran, Narakasuradhvamsa, Narakasuravadha, Narakasuravijaya, Narakasuravyayoga.
Full-text (+2): Narakasuravijaya, Narakasuradhvamsa, Narakasuravyayoga, Nabhasvan, Kasheru, Pragjyotisha, Narakacuran, Pauman, Naraka, Maniparvata, Bhauma, Audaka, Mahija, Kalaka, Maru, Bhumi, Deepavali Pandigai, Shani, Aruna, Nishumbha.
Relevant text
Search found 23 books and stories containing Narakasura, Narakāsura; (plurals include: Narakasuras, Narakāsuras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Puranic encyclopaedia (by Vettam Mani)
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verse 1.6.56 < [Chapter 6 - Description of Kaṃsa’s Strength]
Verse 1.7.41 < [Chapter 7 - Description of the Conquest of All Directions]
Verse 1.7.27 < [Chapter 7 - Description of the Conquest of All Directions]
Brahma Purana (critical study) (by Surabhi H. Trivedi)
33. Description of Aditi < [Mythology]
8. War and Weapons < [Chapter 11 - Political Structure]
39. Attitude towards Women captives < [Marriage, Family and Position of Women]
Discovery of Sanskrit Treasures (seven volumes) (by Satya Vrat Shastri)
1.2. Introduction to Hindu Festivals < [Volume 7 - Society and Culture]
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)
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