andhakāri

 Andhakāri is a Sanskrit epithet of Śiva, meaning “enemy/slayer of the Asura Andhaka,” formed from andhaka (the demon) + ari (“enemy”).

Core Meaning

• Multiple authoritative Sanskrit dictionaries define Andhakāri as “enemy of the Asura Andhaka”, explicitly identifying it as a name of Śiva

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• It is a masculine Sanskrit compound (tatpuruṣa) combining andhaka (a demon in Hindu mythology) and ari (“foe, slayer”)

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Mythological Background

• In Hindu mythology, Andhaka is a powerful Asura who becomes arrogant and destructive.
• Śiva defeats Andhaka, and therefore gains epithets such as Andhakāri, Andhakaripu, Andhakaśatru, Andhakaghāti, and Andhakāsuhṛd

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• These names appear in traditional Sanskrit lexicons and in Śiva’s name-lists (e.g., Śiva-sahasranāma)

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Linguistic and Cultural Context

• Sanskrit usage: The term appears in classical Sanskrit dictionaries and texts as a standard epithet of Śiva

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• Pali usage: A related Pali form andhakārī exists, though in Pali it can also carry meanings related to “causing darkness” or “acting in ignorance,” depending on context

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• Metaphorical usage: Some modern interpretive sources note that andhakāri can be used metaphorically to describe someone who “spreads ignorance or darkness,” extending the literal sense of “one who brings darkness” or “one who opposes darkness” depending on context

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Etymology

• andhaka — the name of the demon Andhaka.
• ari — “enemy,” “foe,” or “slayer.”
• Together: Andhakāri = ‘the enemy/slayer of Andhaka’

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Summary

Andhakāri is primarily a theological and mythological title of Śiva, rooted in the story of his defeat of the Asura Andhaka. It is a well-attested Sanskrit compound with related synonyms and occasional metaphorical extensions in philosophical or devotional contexts.