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{{Short description|Demon in Hindu mythology}}
{{about|the Hindu concept||MADA (disambiguation){{!}}MADA}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Multiple issues|{{original research|date=September 2016}}
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'''Mada''' ({{langx|sa|मद}}) is a term used in both [[Āstika and nāstika|Hindu theology]] and [[Hindu mythology|mythology]]. It is one of the [[Arishadvargas]]. It refers to one of the six enemies of the mind or a vice according to the [[Hindu texts|Hindu scriptures]]. It is the [[Hindus|Hindu]] equivalent of [[Seven deadly sins|Pride]] from the [[seven deadly sins]] from the [[Christian theology|Christian Theology]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mada In Hinduism – Intoxication Of Lust Or Pride |date=13 July 2020 |url=https://www.hindu-blog.com/2020/07/mada-in-hinduism-intoxication-of-lust.html |access-date=2022-10-26}}</ref>

==Hindu theology==
According to the Hindu theology, it signifies negative attributes such as "arrogance, excessive pride, obstinacy, stubborn mindedness".<ref>Shankarcharyara Granthabali, Basumati publication (Kolkata: 1995) volume 3</ref> It is seen as a major obstacle to attaining [[moksha]], or salvation. If one bears ''mada'' towards another person, they cannot attain [[moksha]]. The presence of ''Mada'' in a person leads to ignorance which in turn leads to the corruption of the mind. According to Hindu scriptures, mada is often manifested due to a variety of reasons.  

==Hindu mythology==
In Hindu mythology, Mada is a gigantic [[asura]] (demon) from the [[Hindu mythology|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 [[deva (Hinduism)|deva]]s, [[Indra]]. It has the ability to change its size, able to grow big enough to swallow the entire [[Hindu cosmology|universe]] in one gulp.

When the Ashvins wished to become completely immortal by drinking [[Soma (drink)|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 [[vajra|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 ==
*[[Arishadvargas]], six enemies
* Indra's major adversaries:
** [[Vritra]]
** [[Indrajit]]

== References ==
<references/>

== External links ==
* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm MahaBharat in Sacred Text.com] Book 3 section 124 & book 14 section 9.

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[[Category:Asura]]


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