Rakshasi
/ˈrɑːk.ʃə.si/noun
A female demon or ogress in Hindu and South Asian mythology.
Did you know?Rakshasi is the feminine form of Sanskrit rakṣas, a mythic class of beings whose name is linked to the root meaning “to guard/protect,” showing how ancient words can hold both protector and predator in the same shadow.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reg-
“to move in a straight line; to direct, rule, or guide”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣ-
“to guard, protect”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣas
“a demon, hostile spirit, or supernatural being”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣasī
“a female demon or ogress”
Modern English
English
rakshasi
“a female demon or ogress in Hindu mythology”