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In this verse from Atharva Veda, the "devil" is mentioned:- enter image description here

I'm curious to know about this one from other Vedas or scriptures. So my question is:-

  • Is any other scripture mention the devil?
  • Is there devil exist or is it just a metaphor?

Note: It is not a duplicate of this question.

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  • The passage is quite explicitly identifying passion and pride with dark devil. It is simply a metaphor.
    – Pradip Gangopadhyay
    Commented Oct 27 at 5:33
  • In English language, devil is a common word to describe an evil entity, but it's roots are solidly grounded on the Christian concept of the Devil. There is no mention of any Devil with capital D in any Hindu text. But you can certainly translate evil entities into devil with a small d.
    – অনু
    Commented Oct 30 at 10:20

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The concerned verse is from Atharva Veda 20.137.8.

To understand the context of the verse you need to read the previous and next verse. The concerned verse is highlighted in the context of the answer.

  1. The black drop sank in Ansumati's bosom, advancing with ten thousand round about it.Indra with might longed for it as it panted: the hero-hearted laid aside his weapons.

  2. Saw the drop in the far distance moving, on the slope bank of Ansumati's river, Like a black cloud that sank into the water. Heroes. I send you forth. Go, fight in battle.

  3. And then the drop in Ansumati's bosom, splendid with light, assumed its proper body; And Indra with Brihaspati to aid him, conquered the godless tribes that came against him.

Context:

Black drop - A fast moving Asura in black colour reached river Anusmati with his ten thousand army. Indra who waited for the moment picked his weapons(7). Indra addressing Maruts and Brihaspati to fight against the black demon and his army(8). When Indra and his companions went to fight with the demon it assumed its proper body and later they killed him. Demon is potrayed as godless.

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