In Hindu mythology, Mada is a gigantic
asura (demon) from the
Hindu text,
Mahabharata. It is created by sage
Chyavana in response to the
Ashvins returning his youth and vision. Mada's name (मद) means the
intoxicator, his strength being feared by the king of
devas,
Indra. It has the ability to change its size, able to grow big enough to swallow the entire
universe in one gulp. When the Ashvins wished to become completely immortal by drinking
Soma (the elixir of immortality), they were insulted to discover that Indra had not invited them to his party at
Svarga. The twins rushed to speak with Indra, who refused both Soma and access to Svarga, on the basis that they associated with mortals and changed form too freely. Following this, they sought the assistance of the great sage Chyavana. Chyavana started to prepare a sacrifice in the name of the Ashvins. This enraged Indra, who planned to attack Chyavana with a mountain in one hand and a
thunderbolt in the other, refusing to acknowledge the twins as worthy. Upon discovering this, Chyavana retaliated by creating the asura, Mada. Mada was said to have two sets of gigantic teeth and jaws, so enormous that one could engulf the earth while the other swallowed the heavens. Realising Mada was going to swallow the entire universe (including the gods), Indra surrendered and asked the sage to call off the asura. Chyavana agreed, under the condition that the devas allowed the Ashvins to participate in his feast at Svarga, and so gain their rightful place among the devas. == See also ==