Asura · All traditions · Pan-India

Namuchi

Also called: Namuci

An Asura (the Rigveda also calls him a Dasa) whose head Indra tears off with the foam of the waters (RV 8.14.13). The Shatapatha Brahmana says he robbed the weakened Indra of his strength with sura and was killed at daybreak with foam because of an oath that named day and night, dry and wet. The Mahabharata makes him a friend betrayed, whose severed head follows Indra crying out.

Sources: Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer; The Satapatha-Brahmana, tr. Julius Eggeling (Sacred Books of the East 12, 41); The Mahabharata, tr. K. M. Ganguli (1883-96), sections read for the Vedic layer · see Namuchi's web

Relations 1

Namuchi slain by

Indra (God) · Indra, Namuchi and the foam
With foam of the waters, at daybreak, to get round his oath.

Stories 2

Indra, Namuchi and the foam
Legend · as the Asura who robs him · 4 tellings
Saraswati and the Ashvins heal Indra
Legend · as the Asura who takes Indra's strength · 3 tellings

Cited

Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer § 8.14.13 Primary text (translation)
The Satapatha-Brahmana, tr. Julius Eggeling (Sacred Books of the East 12, 41) § 12.7.3.1-4 Primary text (translation)
The Mahabharata, tr. K. M. Ganguli (1883-96), sections read for the Vedic layer § shalya.43 Primary text (translation)