Mythological Misconceptions: Dark Skinned Deities in Hindu Epics

The concept of skin color being a determinant of beauty or righteousness in Hindu mythology is a common misconception. Ancient texts like the Rig Veda provide clear evidence that notions of skin color are not indicative of moral or physical attributes of deities or asuras.

The Misconception Debunked

Commonly, asuras are depicted in texts as dark skinned, and this has led some to believe that these appearances were reflections of racial bias. However, this is a misunderstanding of the Rig Vedic texts. Asuras are more accurately described as powerful demigods with both positive and negative qualities, similar to the deities or devas.

Asuras and Devas in the Rig Veda

The word 'asura' is not a racial descriptor but rather a title for powerful deities. The Rig Veda describes them as 'light skinned.' In one hymn, Indra is referred to as an asura, emphasizing his power and leadership:

Rig Veda, Mandala 1, Hymn 35, Verse 10

hirayahasto asura sunītha sumīka svavān yātvarvā napasedhan, rakaso yātudhānānasthād deva pratidoa ghāna

May he gold-handed Asura, the kind leader come hither to us with his help and favour, driving off Rakshasas and Yātudhānas, the All-glorious God is present praised in hymns at evening.

Dasyus as Dark Skinned

The Rig Veda also refers to the dasyus as dark skinned, their enemies or non-Aryan tribes. Here is an example from Rig Veda, Book 1, Hymn 100, Verse 18:

dasyūchimyūca puruhūta evairhatvā pthivyā arvā ni barhīt

The mighty Thunderer with his fair-complexioned friends won the land, the sunlight and the waters.

Post-Vedic Texts and Racial Discrimination

Post-Vedic texts contributed to a more demonized depiction of asuras, influenced by Zoroastrianism. Zoroaster's teachings promoted a dichotomy where 'asuras' (referring to the Vedic deities) became demons, highlighting a shift in perception rather than an inherent bias. This shift is evident in the depiction of demons like the rakshasas and the danavas.

Were the Verses Racist?

The verses often describe skin color, but this should not be interpreted as racism. They reflect the societal norms and perceptions of that era. For instance, the Rig Veda mentions the rakshasas and dasyus as dark, but these descriptions are part of the narrative rather than a reflection of racial bias.

Dark Skinned Deities in Hindu Epics

Contrary to popular belief, numerous deities in Hindu epics are depicted as dark skinned and considered beautiful. Here are a few examples:

Lord Krishna

Siduri, in the Baal Kand Sri Ramcharitmanas, describes Lord Krishna:

O thou with a complexion dark as the leaves of the blue lotus and with eyes red as the corolla of the lily and attired in yellow robes with besides the bright Kaustubha gem in thy bosom thou art the beginning and the end of creation and the great refuge of all.

Lord Rama

Lord Rama, another incarnation, is similarly described as dark skinned:

The warrior that no one could match in that era. He was powerful, virtuous, and from a very noble family, and was renowned for his war skills. He too is described to be dark complexioned:

dark complexioned.

Draupadi

Described in detail in various texts, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, is considered extraordinarily beautiful and dark skinned:

Her eyes were black and large as lotus-petals, her complexion was dark, and her locks were blue and curly. Her nails were beautifully convex and bright as burnished copper, her eye-brows were fair, and her bosom was deep. Indeed she resembled the veritable daughter of a celestial born among men.

Devi Parvati

Devi Parvati, another dark-skinned deity, is described as:

The beauty of Jag Janani Mata Parvati can't be described with even from millions of faces. Even Vedas Shesh and Saraswati feel shrunk while doing so. She sometimes becomes Mahakali and sometimes Mahagauri! But during her birth, she was described to be dusky complexioned and even Hamacala ji named her Kali due to her complexion.

Conclusion

It is crucial to understand that skin color does not define the attributes or beauty of deities in Hindu mythology. Rather, it reflects the societal norms and narrative choices of ancient texts. Dark skin, in these texts, is often associated with strength, beauty, and power, challenging the assumption of racial bias in ancient texts.