RAKSHASA, rnuk'sh5-sa (Skt. raksas, rah• soaa, demon, probably from ralQ:, to injure, hard ly from rak5., to protect, word off). in Hindu mythology, the name of the principal class of demons. The Rakshasas play an important part in the religion of India from the Vedic period to the present time. They may assume various shapes at will, as of dogs, vultures, owls, and other ill-omened creatures, or of human beings. When they assume human form, they are occa sionally beautiful. especially as women. but more often they are hideously malformed, with three head., five feet, monstrous bellies. projecting teeth, crooked thighs, or with feet turned backward. Their special object of malef icence next to children is sacrificial worship, al though they ever lurk to destroy the pious, espe cially by entering his body together with his food. The post-Vedic texts abound in tales of these demons, who there assume the vampire type. They are essentially nocturnal fiends. devourers
of corpses, and haunters of graveyards. Among themselves the Rakshasas have kingdoms and enormous wealth which they bestow generously on those who win their favor. They are, there fore, regarded as the attendants of Kubera. They are constantly at war with the gods, but are routed by Vishnu (q.v.). Like many devils, they are extremely stupid, and may easily be cheated by their intended victims. The origin of these demons is uncertain. Some texts say they were either created by Brahma to guard the waters, or were born from his foot, while other accounts call them the children of Pulastya, or of Rakshas, son of liasyapa. Consult: Muir, Original Sanskrit Texts (London. 1868-74) ; Crooke, Popular Re ligion and Polk-Lore of Northern India (2d ed.. ib., 1896) ; Maedonell. Fedie Mythology (Strass burg, 1S97) ; Wilkins, Hindu Mythology (Lon don, 1900).