Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c6.3461

v1.c6.3461

In Buddhaghosa's time, the bygone lustre of the word Asura (as equivalent to Ahura) seems to have faded. His explanation²³ of the name is interesting. When Sakka was born with his followers in the Asura-world (which later became Tāvatiṃsa) the Asuras prepared a drink called gaṇḍapāna. Sakka warned his companions not to drink it, but the Asuras became drunk and were thrown down Sineru. Halfway down they regained consciousness and made a vow never to drink intoxicants (surā) again; hence their name Asura.