Author: Naganathan, G

In the Rg-veda the word asura is frequently used as an epithet for various deities. However in later sanskrit it is used instead for a class of demons who are enemies of the gods. In this book the Vedic passages containing the word asura are examined to see how such a remarkable shift in meaning could occur. Every verse in the Samhitas containing the word asura or a derivative or a compound of it is quoted, translated, and discussed.