[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Dictionary of Pali Proper Names](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937) › v1.c6.3461 # Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c6.3461 Dictionary of Pāli Proper Names v1.c6.3461 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c6.3461](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.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. - [Previous: v1.c6.3460](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v1.c6.3460) - [Next: v1.c6.3462](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v1.c6.3462) - [Up: v1.c6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v1.c6) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v1.c6.3461](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v1.c6.3461) · Pramāṇa