Naraka, also known as Narakasura is a king of asura, which are described as power-seeking clans related to the more benevolent Devas (also known as Suras) in Hinduism.
Once pious, Naraka became evil due to his association with an asura named Banasura, and hence the suffix 'asura’ (demon) was added to his name.
In its Buddhist context, the word ‘asura’ is sometimes translated ‘titan’, ‘demigod’, or ‘antigod’. They are described as creatures obsessed with sensuous aspects of existence, living with jealousy and endlessly engaged in wars against the creatures who are Devas (gods).
‘Narakasura!’ is used as a swear word, in the same way we use ‘Damn!’ or ‘Devil take it!’
“Narakasura!” Takuan swore and immediately regretted it. The monastic curse made his tongue tingle. He walked back down the road, but found neither the coins nor the topaz. “They must have fallen out in the forest,” Takuan realised, and chagrin filled his heart. On the forest path, it would be impossible to recover the loss.
“Narakasura!” the sorcerer released an ancient curse, and reached for the bulb. Not one of the Seven Lucky Gods was willing to help him. The fox cub named Jin grabbed the bulb with his sharp teeth, jumped aside and crouched on the ground, as if teasing the sorcerer.
“Where is my pearl?” Bing Lieu enquired. “And the necklace! Where did you hide them? Speak, otherwise I will hex you, and you will regret that you were born.”
Bricabrac tried to free at least one hand to cast a protective spell, but to no avail. The rope was too tight. He then tried to beg for mercy and found his mouth tightly stuffed with his own handkerchief. He moaned piteously.
“Narakasura!” Bing Lieu cursed.
He only now realised that with a gag in his mouth, Bricabrac would not be able to answer any questions. He pulled the handkerchief out.
“They took it, they took everything,” Bricabrac said in a trembling voice.
His younger brother leaned even more and stared into the darkness of the well as hard as he could. Takuan was just waiting for this. He jumped up to the were-jackal and gave him a good kick under the shaggy tail. The demon rolled over and flew headfirst into the well. A loud slap on the water, and then the clatter of a bucket, convinced Takuan that his plan had succeeded.
“Narakasura!” swore the were-jackal, floundering in the dark water. “Why are you doing this to me, brother Jaguar!”
He decided that it was the other weredemon who kicked him. But the were-jaguar wasn't even aware what had happened.