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)

[«previous next»] — Narakasura in Purana glossary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

Narakāsura (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.
Purana book cover
context information

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.

Discover the meaning of narakasura in the context of Purana from relevant books on Exotic India

General definition (in Hinduism)

[«previous next»] — Narakasura in Hinduism glossary
Source: Apam Napat: Indian Mythology

Narakasura 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.

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