Orthodoxy and heresy in Hinduism

Abstract

This article looks into the use of three terms used frequently – and for centuries- by brahmanical authors in some literary genres for designating heretics. The words are nāstika, asura and pāṣaṇḍa. In order to see how they are employed in specific circumstances, some examples are given, drawn mainly from Puranic and Sanskrit epic narratives. Mention is also made of their use by some Buddhist authors.