In Hinduism, the Ashuras are the demons who oppose the devas (the Gods). Both the Gods and the demons fought for the Homa, or the Amrta (the sacred drink that gives power). However, God Visnu (The Preserver), incarnated as a beautiful woman (Mohini), and helped the Gods to successfully drink the Amrta and attain power over the demons.

The various classes of Hindu Ashuras (demons) are Nagas (serpent demons); Ahi (the demon of drought); and Kamsa (an archdemon). Demons that afflict men include the Rakshasas, grotesque and hideous beings of various shapes who haunt cemeteries, impel men to perform foolish acts, attack Sadhus (saintly men), and Pisacas, beings who haunt places where violent deaths have occurred.