A
Rakshasa is a demonic being from
Hindu mythology. As mythology made its way into other religions, the rakshasa was later incorporated into
Buddhism. Rakshasas are also called maneaters (
Nri-chakshas,
Kravyads). A female rakshasa is known as a
Rakshasi. A female Rakshasa in human form is a
Manushya-Rakshasi. The terms
Asura and Rakshasa are sometimes used interchangeably.