Rakshasas in Hinduism are fierce beings with magical powers
that harass all living beings. There are three types of Rakshas – one which
attacks saints, human beings, animals and other living beings. The second type
of Rakshasas are constantly in war with the Devas. There are also Rakshasas who
attack both living beings and Devas (celestial beings).
As per Ramayana and Vishnu Purana, Rakshasas were created by
Brahma to protect the waters.
Some Puranas also suggest that they are the descendants of
Sage Kashyapa and Khasa, one of the daughters of Daksha Prajapati through their
son Rakshas.
Rakshasas can take any form. They can enter a dead body and
give it life. They take all forms to cheat and attack other living beings. They
also eat human beings.
As per Atharva Veda, Rakshasas generally have the form of
human beings. Some have numerous heads and limbs. The skin color is green, blue
or yellow. Some have deformities like backward feet or backward looking head.
In the Ramayana, Rakshasas are constantly mentioned as
attacking the pujas and yajngas of saints. They are vanquished by Sri Ram and
Lakshman.
Not all Rakshasas are of evil nature, there are several
instances in scriptures when humans have taken the help of Rakshasas. Like
Gahatokacha in the Mahabharata.
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