THE LIVING ARCHIVE
About Banasura
He is a son of Mahabali and belongs to Prahlada’s lineage. The Bhagavata describes generosity and firm vows alongside the pride that later drives him toward conflict. His asura ancestry does not prevent the narrative from recognizing devotion and other good qualities.
With his thousand arms he provides music for Shiva’s dance. Pleased, Shiva agrees to protect his city. Bana later complains that he cannot find an opponent strong enough to satisfy him. The same gift that first serves devotion becomes a source of frustration because he wants an occasion to display martial power.
AT A GLANCE
Identity & Context
- Identity
- Asura
- Form
- Daitya / Danava / Asura antagonist
- Tradition
- Vaishnava · Puranic
- Also Known As
- Bana · Bāṇāsura
- World & Associations
- Shonitapura
Family Context
These relationships follow the traditions described here. Some details remain uncertain and should not be treated as a single universal genealogy.
THE STORY
Life & Stories
ROLE & ESSENCE
Attributes & Significance
Bana’s devotion is genuine but does not make every decision wise. The story separates being protected from being exempt from correction. His excessive martial pride is reduced, while his life and relationship with Shiva continue.
TRADITION & MEANING
Traditions & Interpretations
The outcome settles both the public and private conflict. The prisoner is freed, the couple leaves together and the king survives with a more limited power than the one he had wanted to test.
The Bhagavata’s Vaishnava account gives Shiva’s commitment to his devotee an essential part in the ending. The fight does not mean that either divine figure has ceased to care for those seeking protection.
From the Sacred Texts
Explore the sacred texts behind these stories in the Suvarnaveda library.
Artwork & Archive Notes
Objects & Emblems
No named weapon or artifact is specified in this profile’s reference record. This does not establish that the figure never used one.
Visual Identity
Where artwork is shown, it is a contemporary illustrative interpretation. This reference record does not establish a fixed portrait, colour scheme, or complete set of iconographic attributes for this figure.
Tradition Note
The accounts belong to Vaishnava / Puranic. Genealogy, theological interpretation, and portrayal can differ between texts and regional retellings.
FOLLOW THE THREADS
Connected Cards
7 connected profiles. Every path leads to an original record.
Characters & Cosmic Entities5
Mahabali is Bana’s father.
Bana rules Shonitapura and opposes the concealed relationship.
Shiva guards Shonitapura and intercedes for Bana.
Krishna humbles Bana and releases Aniruddha.
Bana imprisons Aniruddha before the final settlement.
