Yātudhāna
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Yātudhāna literally means ‘one who nourishes the Rākṣasas[1]’.
The word Yātudhāna has been used in the Rgveda several times.[2] It has been employed in the sense of a Rākṣasa that tries to harm human beings. Yātudhānas are fond of eating flesh and drinking blood of human beings and domestic animals like horses. They can cause serious diseases and even lunacy. They are very active during evenings and nights. They are specially fond of spoiling Vedic sacrifices. However, the deity Agni is powerful enough to destroy them. Hence prayers are specially offered to him.[3]
References[edit]
- ↑ Srimad Bhagavatam 6.8.25 translated by Srila Prabhupada
- ↑ Rgveda 10.87
- ↑ Rgveda 10.87.3, 4, 5, 7
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore