A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1468

c5.1468

The Rākshasas have a great many epithets descriptive of their characters and actions. They are called Anusaras, Asaras, and Hanūshas, ‘killers or hurters;’ Ishti-pachas, ‘stealers of offerings;’ Sandhyā-balas, ‘strong in twilight;’ Kshapātas, Naktan-charas, Rātri-charas, and Samanī-shadas, ‘night-walkers;’ Nri-jagdhas or Nri-chakshas, ‘cannibals;’ Palalas, Palādas, Palan-kashas, Kravyāds, ‘carnivorous;’ Asra-pas, Asrik-pas, Kauna-pas, Kilāla-pas, and Rakta-pas, ‘blood-drinkers;’ Dandasukas, ‘biters;’ Praghasas, ‘gluttons;’ Malina-mukhas, ‘black-faced;’ Karbūras, &c. But many of these epithets are not reserved exclusively for Rākshasas.