1. Ravana: The most famous Rakshasa, Ravana is the ten-headed demon king of Lanka from the Ramayana. He is both a feared villain and a learned scholar, known for abducting Sita and provoking his own downfall.
2. Kumbhakarna: Known for his immense size and insatiable hunger, Kumbhakarna is Ravana’s brother who sleeps for six months at a time. Despite his gluttonous nature, he shows loyalty and wisdom.
3. Vibhishana: Ravana’s brother who rejected his family’s malevolence to ally with Rama, ultimately becoming the ruler of Lanka after Ravana’s defeat.
4. Indrajit (Meghanada): The son of Ravana, celebrated as a powerful warrior for defeating the king of the gods, Indra, earning his mighty name.
5. Maricha: An ally of Ravana noted for shapeshifting into a golden deer, aiding in the abduction of Sita by deceiving Rama and Lakshmana.
6. Hidimba: A Rakshasa from the Mahabharata, known for his cannibalistic tendencies, but eventually slain by Bhima.
7. Ghatotkacha: The heroic son of Bhima and Rakshasi Hidimbi, famous for his role in the Kurukshetra War, where he sacrificed himself for his allies.
8. Kirmira: Known for his illusions and malice, Kirmira is Hidimba’s brother, whom Bhima kills in the Mahabharata.
9. Bakasura: This Rakshasa terrorized a kingdom by demanding tributes of food and humans, only to be killed by Bhima.
10. Jatasura: A cunning Rakshasa who posed as a Brahmin to steal from the Pandavas, but was defeated by Bhima.
1. Shurpanakha: Ravana’s sister who attempted to seduce Rama and was disfigured by Lakshmana, sparking events that led to Sita’s abduction.
2. Hidimbi: Known for her transition from a Rakshasi to a devoted wife, Hidimbi married the Pandava Bhima after he killed her brother, Hidimba.
3. Putana: A demoness who attempted to kill baby Krishna with poisoned milk, but was outmatched when Krishna sucked out her life force.
4. Tataka: A formidable demoness terrorizing a forest, she was eventually slain by Rama, showcasing his prowess.
5. Mandodari: The devoted and righteous chief consort of Ravana, often depicted with virtues despite her connection to the demon king.
6. Acala: One of the Ten Rakshasis mentioned in the Lotus Sutra, committed to protecting the teachings of the text.
7. Makuṭadantī: A Rakshasi from Buddhist texts who, like Acala, vows to protect spiritual teachings.
8. Mālādhārī: Mentioned in the Lotus Sutra as a guardian of the faith, showcasing benevolent roles of some Rakshasis.
9. Puṣpadantī: Known from the Lotus Sutra, she is one of the Rakshasis who support and protect dharma practices.
10. Jarā: A Rakshasi who also goes by Barmata or Bandi, embodying the fearsome and mystical nature of these beings.