rákṣas mfn. guarding, watching ( pathir○)

• n. 'anything to be guarded against or warded off', harm, injury, damage RV.

• (in RV. and AV. also rakṣás, m.) an evil being or demon, a Rākshasa (q.v

• in VP. identified with Nirṛiti or Nairṛita) RV. &c. &c• pl. N. of a warlike race, g. parśv-ādi