Rakshasa

A Rakshasa (Sanskrit: rākṣasa) is a demonic being from Hindu mythology. As mythology made its way into other religions, the rakshasa was later incorporated into Buddhism. Rakshasas are also called maneaters (Nri-chakshas, Kravyads). A female rakshasa is known as a Rakshasi. A female Rakshasa in human form is a Manushya-Rakshasi. The terms Asura and Rakshasa are sometimes used interchangeably.

Hindu lore

Vedic and Puranic stories

It is said that Rakshasas were created from the breath of Brahma when he was asleep at the end of the Satya Yuga. As soon as they were created, they were so filled with bloodlust that they started eating Brahma himself. Brahma shouted "Rakshama!" (Sanskrit for "protect me!") and Vishnu came to his aid, banishing to Earth all Rakshasas (thus named after Brahma's cry for help).

Their literary origins can be traced to Vedic sources through Hymn 87 of the tenth mandala of the Rig Veda. Here they are classified amongst the Yatudhanas, demonic creatures who consume the flesh of the humans.

Rakshasa (Dungeons & Dragons)

In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, a rakshasa is a type of evil outsider that is now native to the Material Plane. They are presented as powerful magic users that, although they disdain physical fighting as ignoble, can be dangerous in close combat against player characters.

Publication history

The rakshasa was one of the earliest creatures introduced in the D&D game.

Dungeons & Dragons (1974-1976)

The rakshasa first appeared in the official newsletter of TSR Games, The Strategic Review #5, December 1975.

The rakshasa (demons of India) appeared in Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes (1976).

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition (1977-1988)

The rakshasa appears in the first edition Monster Manual (1977). “Known first in India, these evil spirits encased in flesh are spreading."

The rakshasa lord and the rakshasa knight appeared in Dragon #84 (April 1984).

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition (1989-1999)

The rakshasa appears first in the Monstrous Compendium Volume One (1989), along with the greater rakshasa, the rakshasa maharaja, the rakshasa rajah, and the rakshasa ruhk. The rakshasa and these other variants are reprinted in the Monstrous Manual (1993).

Rakshasa (fiction)

The term Rakshasa, originally referring to a demon in Hindu mythology, has been used in western and Japanese literature and popular culture. The following are some examples:

Books and comics