Introduction

Demons are generally thought of in Hindu mythology as evil, vile creatures who are set on wreaking terror everywhere they go. Just recall the plethora of evil rakshasas and rakshasis that Rama and Lakshmana battled in the Ramayana during their search for Sita. It feels impossible to think that a demon could ever be considered morally righteous. After all, that is how it has always been, right?

As it turns out, there are quite a few notable exceptions. In fact, as you will soon realize, this rule that humans are good and demons are evil isn't really a rule at all. You will often find just as many evil humans as you do evil demons, and vice versa.

The assumption that demons are evil likely stems from the English translation for "rakshasas" and "asuras." Rakshasas and asuras are supernatural creatures who serve as enemies to humans and gods. However, while conflict exists between rakshasas and humans, there is not necessarily a clear distinction of which side is "good" and which side is "bad." Both sides have their moral strengths and weaknesses. Translating "rakshasa" and "asura" to "demon" implies that they are evil spirits, when in fact, they are capable of being both good and bad.

Perhaps one of the most notable examples (who also happens to be my favorite) of a "demon" that is morally righteous is Ghatotkacha, son of Bhima and the rakshasi Hidimbi. Ghatotkacha was born a demon, yet he was a noble warrior who brought great destruction to the evil Kauravas during the Kurukshetra War. One time, Ghatotkacha even disguised himself as a princess so that the real princess could marry the man she loved. We will discuss all of these stories as we explore what makes Ghatotkacha the "good demon."

Now you may be wondering who I am, exactly, and why I know so much about Ghatotkacha. I am Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Here is a picture of me:

Pretty handsome, right? I knew Ghatotkacha very well during the Mahabharata era, and let me just tell you, he was one of the kindest and humblest people you could ever meet. I am truly honored to be recalling his life, and I'm so glad that you're here to learn about the virtues of Ghatotkacha with me.

I know, I know (trust me, I'm Krishna: I know!). You are probably still confused: how can a demon be good?! I'm sure there have been times in your life when you have met people who you initially judged by their appearance to be a certain way, but later when you get to know them, you realize they are VERY different from what you had thought. The best way to understand the true character of Ghatotkacha, despite his demon appearance, is to proceed with an open mind. And always remember this:

And now, without further ado: the Birth of Ghatotkacha!

Image credits:

Banner image: Ghatotkacha in a chariot.jpg by Ramnadayandatta Shastri Pandey. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.

Krishna the narrator: Gopal Krishna - Lord and Protector of Cows.jpg by Infinite Eyes. Retrieved from Flickr.