Astronomy:Danava (Hinduism)
In Vedic mythology, the Danavas (Balinese Hinduism Dewi Danu) were a race descending from Daksha.
The Danavas were the sons of Danu, who in turn was a daughter of Daksha. Danu is connected with the waters of heavens and she is probably associated with the formless, primordial waters that existed prior to the creation. The name is connected with the PIE root *danu, "river" or "any flowing liquid" and is associated with the Danu (Asura). Under the leadership of Bali[1] and others, the Danavas revolted against the Devatas (Devas).[2] Despite initial successes, the Danava were defeated by the god Vamana who in dwarf form deceived their leader Bali.[3] The Danavas were not universally considered to be evil, individual Danava could be classified as good or bad.
See also
- Asura
- Daitya
- Rakshasa
- Kalakeyas
- List of Asuras
- Nivatakavacha
- Nāga
- Bhagavata Purana
- Denyen
- Tuatha Dé Danann
- Danube River Danu-be
- Tribe of Dan
- Exotic tribes of ancient India
- Kukulkan
Notes
- ↑ Rose, Carol (2000) Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth ABC-CLIO, Santa Barbara, CA, p. 94 ISBN:0-87436-988-6;
- ↑ Monro, W. D. (1911). Stories of Indian Gods & Heroes. London: Harrap (Unwin). p. ?. http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015083385156.
- ↑ Williams, George Mason (2003). Handbook of Hindu Mythology. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. p. 73. ISBN 978-1-57607-106-9.
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