A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.376

c5.376

CHĀRVĀKA. 1. A Rākshasa, and friend of Dur-yodhana, who disguised himself as a Brāhman and reproached Yudhishthira for his crimes, when he entered Hastinā-pura in triumph after the great battle. The Brāhmans discovered the imposture and reduced Chārvāka to ashes with the fire of their eyes. 2. A sceptical philosopher who advocated materialistic doctrines. He probably lived before the composition of the Rāmāyana, and is perhaps identical with the Chārvāka of the Mahā-bhārata. His followers are called by his name.