Wiktionary
n. (context Hinduism English) A malignant demon at war with Rama and Hanuman; a representation of such a demon
Wikipedia
A Rakshasa is a demonic being from Hindu mythology. As mythology made its way into other religions, the rakshasa was later incorporated into Buddhism. Rakshasas are also called maneaters (Nri-chakshas, Kravyads). A female rakshasa is known as a Rakshasi. A female Rakshasa in human form is a Manushya-Rakshasi. The terms Asura and Rakshasa are sometimes used interchangeably.
The term Rakshasa, originally referring to a demon in Hindu mythology, has been used in western and Japanese literature and popular culture. The following are some examples:
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, a rakshasa is a type of evil outsider that is now native to the Material Plane. They are presented as powerful magic users that, although they disdain physical fighting as ignoble, can be dangerous in close combat against player characters.
Rakshasa is a 2005 Indian Kannada language crime thriller film directed by Sadhu Kokila, written by Ranganath and produced by Ramu. The film features Shivarajkumar and Gajala in the lead roles along with Ruthika, Amrutha and Kishore in other pivotal roles.
The film featured original score and soundtrack composed by Sadhu Kokila. Upon release, the film was appreciated for its making style and won numerous awards at the Karnataka State Film Awards for the year 2004-05.
A Rakshasa is a mythological being in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Rakshasa may also refer to:
- Rakshasa (Dungeons & Dragons), creatures in the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons
- Rakshasa (fiction), the use of Rakshasas in fiction
- Rakshasa (film), a 2005 Kannada-language film
- Rakshasa Kingdom, Hindu mythological kingdom
- Rakshasa Rajavu, a 2001 Malayalam film
Usage examples of "rakshasa".
Rakshasas, Danavs, Daityas, Pisacas, Yaksas, and every crossbreed thereof feasted their alien eyes on the goal that had eluded every invading army for a millennium.
It could see the dark, inhuman shapes of rakshasas, Yaksas, Pisacas, Nagas, Uragas, gandharvas, and every other Asura species, crowded on those endless decks, all armed and armored for battle.
He might wish for that life, but like the rakshasas or the vampires of Western lore, he could only observe that happy world, forever apart from it.
Ravana has spies in Ayodhya, and sends a shape-shifting rakshasa to try to kill Rama's father, Dasaratha, the king.