anarśani

 In Sanskrit, “Anarśani” (अनर्शनि) refers to a demon slain by Indra, as mentioned in the Ṛg Veda (VIII, 32, 2).

Definition

Anarśani is a masculine proper noun used in the Vedic texts to denote 

a mythological demon. The name is composed as a tatpurusha compound

and may carry a negative connotation, likely derived from the root

“arśani” with the prefix “an-” indicating negation or 

absence 

Wisdom Library+1

.

Vedic Context

The term appears in the Ṛg Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts in

Hinduism, specifically in hymn VIII, 32, verse 2, where Indra—the 

king of the gods—is said to have slain the demon Anarśani. This 

places the term in the rich context of Vedic mythology, where numerous

demons are depicted as obstacles or adversaries to divine forces. 

The slaying of such demons by Indra symbolizes the triumph of 

cosmic order over chaos 

Related Terms

• The term is also transliterated as Anarsani or Anarshani in English
• using the IAST scheme, maintaining the same mythological reference 

  1

  .
• It is related to “arśani”, a root associated with piercing or aggression, 
• though “anarśani” specifically names a demonic figure in 
• the Vedic texts 

  1

  .
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

Summary

• Word: Anarśani (अनर्शनि)
• Type: Proper noun, masculine
• Meaning: Name of a demon slain by Indra
• Source: Ṛg Veda VIII, 32, 2
• Context: Mythological narrative in Vedic literature, highlighting 
• divine victory over evil forces 

  3
• 

  

  3 Sources
• 
  

Thus, “anarśani” is primarily a mythological term in Sanskrit

literature referring to a demon defeated by Indra, reflecting early

Vedic narratives and cosmology.