Ashrujit Basu
2 min readSep 12, 2023

Facts and debunking myths about God vs Asura:

If you've been keeping an eye on my writing for a while, you probably already know my perspective. It's Asuric!
The time for Durga Puja is approaching, and a group of people will engage in the debate of justice versus injustice, the defeat of Asuric forces versus the victory of the goddess's five powers.

But in my view, whether it's an Asura, a God, a Rakshasa, or any divine power, they all represent different facets of the same design. So, what's the fuss about judging the design again? In the realm of religious texts, those truly knowledgeable understand that the term "Asuric power" doesn't necessarily mean something negative; it's not always positive either, though.

Remember the story of Aniruddha, Krishna's grandson, who was kidnapped by Usha, the daughter of the Asura king Ban? Despite her Asuric lineage, Aniruddha couldn't help but fall in love with her passionately. Yet, love doesn't always conform to categories like Asura or the divine.

People with an average IQ might jest about gods and Asuras sharing power, finding it humorous! Gods and Asuras belong to different tribes or groups. And the difference between them, my dear friend, is akin to the British distinction between deities and Asuras.

I've come across Suraj Kumar Das's writings, where I learned that even though Kali wields a sword and has a fierce demeanor, she belongs to the Asura clan. Still, her devotees worship her as a goddess. The intricate tapestry of mythology!

In the Rigveda, there's a tribe called the Panis, often considered Asuric because they rejected the Vedic gods and engaged in mercantile activities with the Mechkha, people of the sea. The God's tribessociety viewed this as a violation of their religious duties, leading to their derogatory classification as Arya's adversaries.

There's another myth or misconception about Asuras, that they are irreligious and indulge in various forms of sensual pleasure. They are seen as war lovers, but that doesn't necessarily make them irreligious. In the Ramayana, Ravana, performed Vedic hymns with proper rituals and mantra before starting a war, demonstrating his Vedic scholarship. On the other hand, what was Lord Rama doing? He primarily worshipped his bow and arrow.

Before I bombard you with more references and intricacies, I'd suggest taking some time to delve into the Ramayana yourself. Remember, it's not just about references; it's about understanding the nuances of the story.

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Ashrujit Basu

Ashrujit Basu is an intellectual property lawyer turned entrepreneur, folklorist, and fantasy writer.