Astronomy:Daitya

In Hinduism, the Daityas (Sanskrit: दैत्य) are a clan or race of Asura as are the Danavas. They were the children of Diti and sage Kashyapa. They fought against the Devas because of their jealousy towards their half-brothers. Manu Smriti (XII - 48) classifies the Daityas as good, yet placing them at a lower level than the Devas: "Hermits, ascetics, Brahmanas, the crowds of the Vaimanika deities, the lunar mansions, and the Daityas (form) the first (and lowest rank of the) existences caused by Goodness."

List of daityas

Some of the notable daityas mentioned in the Indian mythology include:

• Hiranyakashipu - eldest son of Kashyapa and Diti
• Hiranyaksha - second son of Kashyapa and Diti
• Holika - daughter of Kashyapa and Diti
• Simhika - daughter of Hiranyakashipu
• Prahlada - son of Hiranyakashipu
• Virochana - son of Prahlada, father of Bali
• Devamba - mother of Bali
• Bali - son of Virochana
• Banasura - son of Bali
• Kaikesi - mother of Ravana
• Andhakasura - son of Hiranyaksha
• Mahiranga Danav

See also

• Danavas
• Kalakeyas
• Nivatakavacha
• Asura
• List of Asuras
• Exotic tribes of ancient India

References

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN:0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola

External links

•  "Daitya". New International Encyclopedia. 1905.