दैत्य
Daitya (titan, giant, monster, extraordinary)
Daitya Definition
Daityas are a clan of beings, or Asura, that exist within Hindu mythology, often referred to as demons or negative spirits.
The Daityas are described as lower-level giants known for their fight against the Devas, who are the benevolent counterparts to these beings.
The Devas and Daityas are half-brothers, but their ranking in levels of existence are on opposite ends of the spectrum, where Daityas are lower beings, and the Devas exist above them.
The Daityas became jealous of the Devas in Hindu mythology and waged a battle against them.
In the Manusmriti, the Daityas are still considered benevolent beings, but not in as elevated states as the Devas.
Daitya Deep Dive
These powerful beings were created from Diti, the mother of Asuras, and Kashyapa, one of the seven ancient sages in Hinduism. It’s believed that the Daityas were deemed evil beings when they denied the Goddess Varuni and rejected the wine she offered them. Because of this action, Varuni gave them their name, Asuras. The Devas openly accepted Varuni and showed love from the Goddess.
Hiranyakasipu is the first son of Kashyapa and Diti and king of the Daityas. The name Hiranyakasipu means “clothed in gold,” and he is often associated with wealth and the desire to gain abundance.
He has many siblings such as Hiranyaksha and Holika. Kiranyaksipu also has children such as Prahlada and Simhika. Other notable Daiytas are Bali, Virochana, and Banasura.
In the beginning, the Daityas defeated the Devas with the help of Vritra, the dragon serpent. Once defeated, the Devas sought-out council from the powerful God Brahma, who informed them of how to defeat the Daityas.Brahma instructed them to obtain a weapon that was fit to defeat them. They curated this weapon from the bones of Rishi Dadhichi, who willingly allowed them to use him as a vessel to defeat the demon clan. With their demon-slaying weapon, the Devas defeated the Daityas and sent them to live in the kingdom of Patala. There, they would be cast away forever alongside the serpent demons.
Daitya In Your Life
Our own personal demons and attachments can be considered a form of a Daitya. Just as the Devas created a demon-slaying weapon to defeat the Daityas, you have the power within you to overcome these demons.
Negative thoughts, lower-level emotions, and ill intentions can also be looked upon as Daityas. Examine where you may have negative energy lingering within your mind or body in your daily practice. Acknowledge any addictions, attachments, or fears that are draining your energy.
In yoga, you can work on releasing any stagnant energy or stiffness within the body as this allows a steady flow of energy within you. Certain poses, such as child’s pose, can help release stored energy.
Working to release any heaviness within your body helps remove these forms of energy, thoughts, and emotions.
Daityas can manifest as a form of resistance, just as they resisted Varuni’s offering of the wine. If you feel a Daitya appear in your life, try to find where you may be resisting something within your life. Learn to live in a state of flow and ease, keeping yourself open to the universe’s guidance.
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