ásura mfn. (√2. as Uṇ.), spiritual, incorporeal, divine RV. AV. VS

• m. a spirit, good spirit, supreme spirit (said of Varuṇa) RV. VS

• the chief of the evil spirits RV. ii, 30, 4 and vii, 99, 5

• an evil spirit, demon, ghost, opponent of the gods RV. viii, 96, 9

• x AV. &c. [these Asuras are often regarded as the children of Diti by Kaśyapa, daitya

• as such they are demons of the first order in perpetual hostility with the gods, and must not be confounded with the Rākshasas or imps who animate dead bodies and disturb sacrifices]

• a N. of Rāhu VarBṛS. &c

• the sun L

• a cloud Naigh. (cf. RV. v, 83, 6)

• (ās), m. pl., N. of a warrior-tribe, (g. parśv-ādi, q.v.)

• of a Vedic school

• (ā), f. night L

• a zodiacal sign L

• (ī), f. a female demon, the wife of an Asura, KaushBr. (cf. āsurī and mahâsurī)

• the plant Sinapis Ramosa Roxb. L. [In later Sanskṛit sura has been formed from asura, as sita from asita, q.v.]

ásura ásu