Rakshasa(罗刹):
In Chinese, it is pronounced as: luó chà，Written as:

A Rakshasa, originating from Indian mythology and Buddhist traditions, is a mysterious and terrifying spirit or Yaoguai. The image of the Rakshasa has evolved with cultural transmission and religious transformations, presenting a complex variety in different regions and contexts.
In Sanskrit, Rakshasa means “guardian” or “protector,” but in ancient Indian mythology, it gradually became a symbol of evil. Originally, Rakshasas were spiritual beings created by Brahmin mythology, considered embodiments of destruction and terror.
In Hinduism, a Rakshasa is a ghostly being, typically depicted as a malevolent demon or Yaoguai that disrupts the lives of humans and Immortals. The earliest Rakshasas were said to be created by Brahma, described as powerful and fierce, sometimes even possessing intelligence and magical abilities. They are often confused with Asura and Yakṣa among Deities and Demons but are fundamentally more malevolent.
In Buddhism, Rakshasas are considered spirits living in hell or unfavorable realms, with a fierce nature and a diet of human flesh. Buddhist scriptures note that Rakshasas frequently appear in wilderness or seas, attacking lost travelers or ships. However, some “benevolent Rakshasas” exist, such as those who have converted to Buddha dharma.
Rakshasas are typically portrayed with a frightening appearance: grotesque faces, glaring eyes, huge bodies with dark or red skin, sharp fangs, and claws, and sometimes multiple heads or arms. Female Rakshasas (Rakshasis) are sometimes depicted as both beautiful and eerie, often used to beguile travelers.
After the introduction of Buddhism to China, Rakshasa merged with traditional Ghost folklore and gradually evolved into a regional Yaoguai. In “Journey to the West,” the Rakshasa realm becomes a fictional territory symbolizing a land of Deities and Demons. The Rakshasi, such as Rakshasi (like the Iron Fan Princess), becomes a specific image, combining eeriness with humanization.
When Rakshasa entered Japan, it merged with the Ghost culture and was called “Rakshasa Ghost.” In many Japanese artistic works, Rakshasas are seen as representatives of evil spirits or ghosts.
As symbols of horror and exoticism, Rakshasas frequently appear in fantasy novels, films, and comics. In “Journey to the West,” the story of the Iron Fan Princess and the Bull Demon King exemplifies Rakshasa culture. As powerful monsters or evil spirits, Rakshasas commonly appear in various games and animations, such as “Final Fantasy” and “Onmyoji,” where they are often designed as formidable enemies or characters with special skills.
In modern contexts, “Rakshasa” is sometimes used as a metaphor for evil or ominousness but can also symbolize immense power or exploration of the unknown.