Tarakasura, Tārakāsura, Taraka-asura: 3 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Shilpashastra
2. Purana
See also
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Introduction:

Tarakasura 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

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Wisdom Library: Elements of Hindu Iconograpy

Tārakāsura was the younger brother of Surapadman. He was an adept in in deluding his enemies through his Māyā. When Deva, the chief among the nine heros (nava vīrar) associated with Murukan, entered into the hill region, Tārakāsura mesmerized them and made them to swoon. When Murukan came to know about this magical delusion made by Tāraka, he made his Māyā useless by throwing his Jñāna Vēl and disposed of Tārakāsura once and for all. This is mentioned in the line Kuruku Pēyariya Kunram Konron Murukan. ‘Kuruku’' stands for krauñcam (Skt: 'stork').

Source: Red Zambala: Hindu Icons and Symbols | Inner Circle IV

Tārakāsura means the “demon-of-salvation” and he represents those factors which hinder real progress in both material and spiritual terms. The demon personifies our selfish delusions of what we think is in our own self-interest but is actually not. A person with a migraine headache for example may think it in their best interest to have a hole drilled in their head to relieve the pressure —a misadventure which would surely result in death!!

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Tārakāsura (तारकासुर) or simply Tāraka is the name of an Asura (demon), according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.13 (“Śiva-Pārvatī dialogue”).—Accordingly, after Śiva permitted Pārvatī to stay by his side: “[...] In the mean time Indra, other gods and the sages eagerly sent Kāma there at the bidding of Brahmā. They had been harassed by the demon Tāraka [i.e., tārakāsura—mahāvīryeṇāsureṇa tārakeṇa prapīḍitāḥ]. the demon of great strength. Hence they wanted to unite Pārvatī and Śiva in love. After reaching there Kāma tried all his tricks but Śiva was not at all agitated. He reduced Kāma to ashes. O sage, Pārvatī too was divested of her ego. At his bidding she performed a penance and obtained Him as her husband. Pārvatī and Śiva were very happy. Engrossed in helping others they carried out the work of the gods”.

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.

Relevant text

Search found 16 books and stories containing Tarakasura, Tārakāsura, Taraka-asura, Tāraka-asura; (plurals include: Tarakasuras, Tārakāsuras, asuras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Part 1c - The myth of Śiva-Pārvatī and demon Tārakāsura < [Chapter 3 - Historical aspects in the Matsyapurāṇa]

Part 4 - Imagery in the Matsyapurāṇa < [Chapter 2 - Literary aspect of the Matsyapurāṇa]

Part 5 - Pañca-lakṣaṇa (the five characteristics) and the Matsyapurāṇa < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]

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Story of Ajamukhī

Story of Tripura

Story of Aṅgārakā

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8. Destruction of the three cities < [Chapter 5 - Rudra-Śiva in the Purāṇic Literature]

13. Destruction of Kāmadeva < [Chapter 5 - Rudra-Śiva in the Purāṇic Literature]

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Chapter 48 - Birth of Uma—Her marriage with Siva