A rakshasa is a demon or unrighteous spirit in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Rakshasas are also called cannibals.
According to the Ramayana, rakshasas were created from Brahma's foot; other sources claim they are descended from Pulastya, or from Khasa, or from Nirriti and Nirrita. Legend has it that many rakshasas were particularly wicked humans in previous incarnations. Rakshasas are notorious for disturbing sacrifices, desecrating graves, harassing priests, possessing human beings, and so on. Their fingernails are venomous, and they feed on human flesh and spoiled food. They are shapeshifters, illusionists and magicians. Ravana is said to be the king of rakshasas.
In Japan, the rakshasa is known as Rasetsu, and in Shingon is identified as the lord of demons (Rasetsuten) and guardian of the southwest. It is depicted as horse-headed. Taraka is said to be a Rakshasa.
"Origin: India. A demon that appears on moonless nights. They live in corpses and are horrifically deformed, but can shapeshift at will. They have eyes like fire and a long tongue, and prey on children and pregnant women. In Buddhism, they are known as Rasetsu, and are again regarded as evil beings."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS Dictionary
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Rakshasa appeared in Nocturne in name only, as the incorrect name of Vetala in the English version.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
"Evil spirits that battle the gods in Hindu lore. They also attack humans. Their hideous appearance symbolizes their evil nature, but they can also change shape to fool humans."
"Evil spirits that battle the gods in Hindu lore. They also attack humans. Their hideous appearance symbolizes their evil nature, but they can also change shape to fool humans."
—Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers 3DS Compendium
Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Lone Marebito
Rakshasa is one of the minions of Abe Seimei and faces off against Raidou. Later on he is mutated and eaten by Shouten, a comrade who had also been mutated.
Persona 3 FES
Rakshasa is one of the new Personas added in Persona 3 FES.
Persona 4 The Animation
Rakshasa first appears in the fight against Shadow Kanji and his cronies, Tough Guy and Nice Guy. He was used to switch with a suffocating Izanagi by the hugs of Tough Guy or Nice Guy. Unfortunately, Rakshasa was also caught in a bind, this time, not being able to escape due to Yu and Yosuke being "Poisoned". Rakshasa also makes a brief reappearance in the fight against Shadow Mitsuo. He was used to break down Blocks used to attack Yu and his friends. Rakshasa represents the bond between Yu, Kou Ichijo, and Daisuke Nagase in Persona 4 The Animation.
In the True Ending special, Rakshasa appears to defend Yu from Margaret'sYoshitsune and bring a message of support from Kou and Daisuke.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner
Rakshasa appear as enemies in the lower levels of the Karma Temple. Sera also has a Rakshasa as an escort by the time she reaches the top of the tower. She tries to use it to threaten to kill herself unless Angel agrees to leave the Junkyard alone, but Angel simply dispels it.
Devil Survivor 2
"Evil spirits that battle the gods in Hindu lore. They also attack humans. Their hideous appearance symbolizes their evil nature, but they can also change shape to fool humans."