# asura

**Pronunciation:** /ˈəˌsʊərə/ · uh-SOO-ruh

**Part of speech:** noun

## Meaning

A class of divine beings or demigods in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cosmology, often characterized as powerful, sometimes malevolent, and perpetually in conflict with the devas.

## Examples

- The ancient texts describe a fierce war between the devas and the asura over the nectar of immortality.
- In many Buddhist depictions, the asura are portrayed as beings driven by intense jealousy and pride.
- The sculpture depicts an asura with multiple arms, symbolizing his immense strength and supernatural capabilities.

## Synonyms

- demon — A general term for an evil spirit or monster.
- titan — Refers to a giant, powerful being from Greek mythology.
- demigod — A being with partial divine status.
- antagonist — Used in a literary sense to describe a cosmic opponent.

## Antonyms

- deva — The direct divine counterpart or god in Indian mythology.

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