Roles of Demons & Demonology (In Hinduism & Beyond)
Keywords:
Demonology in Hinduism, Devas and Asuras, Complementarity Principle, Hindu cosmology, Divine avatars, Kalpa-bheda hypothesis, Vishnu, Shiva, Adi ShaktiAbstract
Roles of Demons & Demonology (In Hinduism & Beyond) by Sushil Kumar Srivastava explores the philosophical, spiritual, and symbolic dimensions of demons within Hindu cosmology and beyond. Contrary to the Western notion of demons as accidental creations, Hinduism views them as deliberate manifestations essential for cosmic balance. The book categorizes demons—both internal (emotions, instincts) and external (mythical beings)—tracing their origins, roles, and eventual dissolution through divine intervention. Drawing from epics and Puranic sources, Srivastava examines how gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and Adi Shakti use avatars to neutralize demonic forces, while deities like Ganesh and Indra embody the psychological tools to overcome inner demons. Through concepts like Kalpa-bheda and the microcosmic relationship between humans, devas, and demons, the work presents a unique spiritual framework for understanding duality, self-realization, and the dynamics of good versus evil.
