Does anger have a place in Hinduism?

Anger is a very strong emotion that all people have felt, some of us more than others. We are often advised by some well-meaning persons to never get angry. But is there really no place for anger? Is this emotion supposed to be completely suppressed? In an age where violence against innocent people has become so common, and anger against these injustices so prevalent, it might be a good idea for us to look into Hindu scripture and see what it has to tell us about anger. While Hinduism does teach intuitive lessons about avoiding anger, it also teaches us that there is a place for anger in our lives.

Before we can discuss the role of anger in Hinduism, we must think about the concept of Brahman, the all-pervading force of existence that is present in every place and every action. If Hinduism teaches a more or less monistic doctrine where all things are the product of one reality (rather than a dualistic doctrine where good and evil are separate powers) than it can't really be said that anger does not have its place in the cosmos.? Indeed, from the Varaha, Kurma and Vishnu Purana we learn that anger can be a creative force; the gods Agni, Shiva and Rudra are said to have been manifested from anger. This would make sense since Agni is the god of fire (burning) and Shiva is the god of necessary destruction. If the feeling of anger is only part of the one reality and it was the life spring of such noble and useful devas than surely it cannot be said that anger on the whole is a negative emotion or idea. However, we will soon see that Hinduism does advise us to keep this emotion in check and to hold it in its place.

Agni Is Born Of Brahma's Anger 

“When Agni manifested himself from Brahma’s anger, he requested him (Brahma) to assign an auspicious day to him for his worship. Lord Brahma said- ‘Since you have manifested first of all the deities, therefore the first day (pratipada) will be reserved for your worship. One who performs havan on pratipada would be blessed.” - Varaha Purana, International Gita Society 

Shiva Emerges From Vishnu's Anger 

Vishnu said that before creation began, there was only water in the universe and Vishnu slept on these waters. When it was time for creation to begin, Brahma emerged from Vishnu’s body. And Shiva emerged from Vishnu’s anger. Lakshmi too was created from Vishnu’s body and took her place by Vishnu’s side. - Kurma Purana, International Gita Society 

Rudra Is Born Of Brahma's Anger 

When initially produced sons of Brahma took to asceticism, He got very much infuriated. His anger was enough to burn all the three worlds. From this anger, Rudra originated who was shining like the Sun. - Vishnu Purana, International Gita Society 

Before we look at what Hindu scripture has to say about containing our anger, we need to see why anger exists in the first place and why it is so associated with the devas. According to the Vedas, anger and wisdom often go together. Wise gods are easily angered (due to their quick intelligence they are impatient). While gentle gods are here to give wisdom to simple persons, it is the wise gods who bring us riches and power. Wise gods such as Indra are resistless in their anger and use their rage to be victorious over demonic forces, winning well-earned treasures. It is by accompanying anger with wisdom that the gods are able to defeat their foes, anger gives them the stamina and motivation to accomplish such feats. The usefulness of anger to the gods becomes apparent in the Shiva Purana when the goddess Kaushiki is about to be abducted but is able to free herself after becoming angry enough to severely resist her kidnappers. It is likely because the gods are so easily angered that we find often in the Vedas prayers beseeching the gods not to become angry and destroy the mortals for their lack of knowledge and virtue. Yet, the Vedas make it clear that anger is not only for the gods and their victories, we are extolled to praise the anger of our ancestors, obviously because this anger gave them victories over elements and enemies, these victories provided us with the modern comforts we have today. Because of the victory giving power of anger, it is little wonder why the Vedic heroes prayed to the gods to not only give them wealth and power, but also anger, as it is an aid to triumph.

Wise Gods Are Easily Angered 

Slave like may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger. This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God leads on the wise to riches. - Rig Veda 7.86.7 

Wise Gods Are Resistless In Their Anger 

Most wise is he, rejoicing in libations, splendid as day, resistless in his anger. He only doth great deeds, the only Hero, sole Vrtra-slayer he, with none beside him - Rig Veda 8.85.19 

Lord Indra Is Victorious With Wild Anger 

Piercing the cow-stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra, the pitiless Hero, wild with anger, Victor in fight, unshaken and resistless,may he protect our armies in our battles. - Rig Veda 10.103.7 

Vedic Heroes Pray To Subdue Those Who Anger Them 

Subduing those who rival us, subduing all malignities, Withstand the man who menaces, withstand the man who angers us. - Rig Veda 10.174.2 

The God?s Win Contest By Anger And Wisdom 

By power (indriy), by anger, by wisdom, one wins a contest. Verily he has recourse to Indra, the angry, the wise, with his own share; verily he bestows on him power, anger, wisdom; he wins that contest.- Yajur Veda 2.1.3 Mantra 3 

Rudra Is Angry Like A Tiger, Homage Sooths Him 

Agni is Rudra; just as a tiger stands in anger, so he also (stands); when piled with these he reverences him; verily with homage he soothes him. - Yajur Veda .5.5.7 Mantra 7 

The Vedic Heroes Are Advised Not To Anger The God Agni 

Anger not him who is our guest! He is the bright God Agni, praised by many a man, God Hotar, skilled in sacrifice. - Sama Veda 1.2.1.2 Dasati 

Indra's Anger Is Resistless 

The choirs have established Indra King for ever for victory him, whose anger is resistless: And for the bays’ Lord strengthened those he loveth. - Sama Veda 2.9.1.11Khanda (Segment) 11 Indra 

Indra's Anger Is Unbounded 

Piercing with conquering strength the cow-stalls, Indra, pitiless hero with unbounded anger, Victor in fight, unshaken and resistless–may he protect our armies in our battles! - Sama Veda 2.9.3.3 Khanda (Segment) 3 - Indra, Brhaspati 

The Goddess Kaushiki Becomes Angry To Save Herself From Abduction 

Both the demons were enraged. They sent a huge army to bring Kaushiki forcible, under the commandership of Dhumralochan. When Dhumralochan reached there, he told her about his master’s command. Kaushiki gave the some reply that only such a person can become her master, who defeats her in a battle. Dhumralochan then tried to abduct her forcibly. Kaushiki gave a loud roar in her anger as a result of which Dhumralochan was burnt to death. The whole army was annihilated by her vehicle-lion. - Shiva Purana, International Gita Society 

The Anger Of Fathers Is Something To Homage 

O fathers; homage to your anger, O fathers; homage to your terrors, O fathers; O fathers, homage to you - Yajur Veda 3.2.5 Mantra 5 

Vedic Heroes Pray For Anger, Spirit and Victorious Power 

May for me pre-eminence, overlordship, spirit, anger, violence, impetuosity, victorious power, greatness, breadth, extent, greatness, length, growth, growing, truth, faith, world [1], wealth, power, radiance, play, delight, what is born, what is to be born, good words, good deeds, finding, what there is to find, what has been, what will be, easy road, good way, prosperity, prospering, agreement, agreeing, thought, good thought (prosper through the sacrifice). – Yajur Veda 4.7.2 Mantra 2

While anger is an obvious part of the natural order, and it has its place in helping us gain victories over evils, Hindu scriptures do insist that we curb our anger in general due to some of its more malefic effects. Now even under certain circumstances it is appropriate for people to become angry and take retaliation. According to the Vishnu Purana, there was a sage named Vashishta who became very angry and cursed a king after he was almost tricked into eating human flesh after the king allowed himself to be deceived by a demon. Sometimes our ignorance and stupidity does need to be punished for us to learn a lesson. However, in general, Vedic literature stresses that under usual circumstances anger is a sin that can destroy our lives. The scriptures are full of prayers and incantations to keep anger away from devotees, both the anger of others and their own anger. According to the Vishnu Purana, anger is a primitive emotion and it disturbs our ability to do penance, it also robs us of virtue and decreases our intelligence (when not used properly). Yogis and sages are advised to avoid anger as it will interrupt with their spiritual practice, austerities can only be effective when accompanied by a lack of anger. But anger should not just be avoided for Yogis, it can also negatively affect our health as well as our marriage and family life, we are also advised to avoid anger during festivals. The Bhagavat Purana states then when the gods do punish us, they do not do it out of anger but because they want to teach us a lesson for our own good. Finally, according to the Kurma Purana, anger does not exist during the Satya Yuga (era of virtue) but only increases as human civilization declines into the Kali Yuga (age of vice), but this is only because there are almost no reason to become angry during the Satya Yuga due to the fact that life and people are so pleasant.

Sages Become Angered After Being Fed Human Flesh And Curse Their Host 

In due course, King Saudas organised a Yagya in the auspices of sage Vashishta. Towards the end of Yagya, sage Vashishta went away to take bath. Meanwhile the same demon arrived there in the guise of Vashishta and expressed his desire to eat non-vegetarian food. Then the demon arrived before the king in the guise of the cook. The king ordered him to cook meat for the sage. The cook cooked human flesh and served it before the sage. Sage Vashishta knew that the food contained human flesh. He cursed the king in anger to be a demon. Within three days, King Saudas became a demon and began to roam in the forests. Since then he ate the humans only. - Vishnu Purana, International Gita Society 

Anger Is Listed As A Sin  

Lord! I am not in control of myself and that is the reason I have been a sinner. Alcohol, anger, gambling, and ignorance have led me into the wrong path. Even in dreams am I not free of sin. - Rig Veda 7.86.6 

Anger Leaves Us With Age (Wisdom) 

Even now he breathed: these days hath he remembered. Concealed, he sucked the bosom of his Mother. Yet in his youth old age hath come upon him: he hath grown gracious, good, and free from anger. - Rig Veda 10.32.8 

Devotees Pray To Keep Anger Away 

On him shall no fierce anger fall, no sore distress shall visit him, To whom, Adityas, ye have lent your shelter that extendeth far - Rig Veda 8.47.7 

Prayers Against Anger 

1. As the bowstring from the bow, thus do I take off thy anger from thy heart, so that, having become of the same mind, we shall associate like friends! 2. Like friends we shall associate-I take off thy anger. Under a stone that is heavy do we cast thy anger. 3. I step upon thy anger with my heel and my fore-foot, so that, bereft of will, thou shalt not speak, shalt come up to my wish! - Artha Veda 6.42 Sukta 42 - Charm to appease Anger 

Prayers Against Anger 

1. This darbha-grass removes the anger of both kinsman and of stranger. And this remover of wrath, ‘appeaser of wrath’ it is called. 2. This darbha-grass of many roots, that reaches down into the ocean, having risen from the earth, ‘appeaser of wrath’ it is called. 3. Away we take the offensiveness that is in thy jaw, away (the offensiveness) in thy mouth, so that, bereft of will, thou shalt not speak, shalt come up to my wish! - Artha Veda 4.6.43 Sukta 43 - Charm to appease Anger 

Anger Distracts Us From Penance 

Everyone was alarmed at the effects of the Prachetas anger. The moon-god Soma (or Chandra) came to the Prachetas with a beautiful woman and said, “Prachetas, please control your anger. You need someone to rule over the world so that you can concentrate on your tapasya. This woman is named Marisha. Her son will rule over the world - Brahma Purana, International Gita Society

Too Much Anger Is Not Good, Destroys Virtue  

Parashar says: “Maitreya, you have reminded me today of the description once made by my grandfather Vashishta. When I learnt that the monster, which was created by Vishwamitra, had devoured my father, I grew quite angry and started a Yagya to destroy all the monsters. The Yagya destroyed such a large number of monsters that the whole race began to face the fear of extinction. My grandfather consoled me that too much anger was not good and that all the monsters could not be blamed for my father’s death. According to my grandfather my father was sure to face such a fate ultimately. Only the fools get angry. A human being bears the fruit of his deeds himself. O son! Anger destroys all the virtues of penance. Hence, ascetics always shun anger. Hence, stop this Yagya for forgiving has always been the virtue of ascetics.” Thus, convinced by my grandfather, I stopped the Yagya. At the same time, Brahma’s son, Pulastya, arrived there and said- “Despite your anger, you forgave the monsters when convinced by your grandfather Vashishta. You will learn all the scriptures and give commentaries on Puranas. You will also learn the real appearance of the gods”. Vashishta also endorsed these words of Pulastya. - Vishnu Purana, All 18 Major Puranas 

Anger Is A Primitive Emotion 

As soon as Brahma thought of creation, Tamoguni (full of darkness) creatures were the first to appear. Absence of knowledge and presence of evils like attachment, anger etc. were the main virtues of these creatures. These creatures include lower organisms, trees, shrubs, creepers, plants and grasses. These together constitute the primitive world. Their creation was followed by the appearance of animals and birds, which are devoid of wisdom and are full of ego. They are also unaware of the nature of another organism of their status. - Vishnu Purana, International Gita Society 

Anger Is Forbidden During Feasts 

After the feast, the Brahmins should be seen off with respect. The host should then take food along with his family. Anger over enthusiasm and walking on the street is forbidden for the host during oblation period. - Vishnu Purana, International Gita Society 

Shiva Devotees Are Encouraged To Drop The Vice Of Anger 

A devotee who has taken the vow of listening to the Katha of Shiva Mahapurana, should follow a celibate life. He should sleep on the floor and should have only fruits in the diet. He can have his normal dinner only after the completion of the Katha. The diet should be fresh and pure. He should also try to avoid sinful tendencies like lust, anger, greed, attachment and condemning other, etc. Making donations of even meager things give undiminishing virtues. - Shiva Purana, International Gita Society 

Anger Can Make Us Make Mistakes, Cursing Our Own Children 

Bali felt sorry for hurting Prahlada’s feelings. He said- “Dear grandfather! My intelligence has been overshadowed by my arrogant attitude. You have done the right thing by cursing me. I am not scared of losing all my prosperity and splendour but your anger is unbearable for me.” Now even Prahlada realised that he had committed a mistake by cursing his own son. He said- “Unable to control my anger, I cursed you but now nothing can be done and my words will definitely come true. But don’t worry as my blessings would help you to become a supreme devotee of Hari and you would be protected by him.” - Vamana Purana, International Gita Society 

Anger Negates The Virtues Of Penance 

He also told them about the futility of their penance as they were still under the influence of anger and lust. “You cannot attain perfection until your flaws are removed”, said Lord Brahma. - Vamana Purana, International Gita Society 

Anger Destroys Knowledge 

As soon as Vighnaraj entered Harishchandra’s body, Harishchandra lost his temper and began to abuse Vishwamitra, which enraged him. His anger destroyed all the knowledge, he had acquired due to his severe penance. Seeing the angry Vishwamitra, King Harishchandra began to shiver. With folded hands, he begged Vishwamitra’s pardon. He said- ‘O great sage! It is my duty to protect the subjects. Kindly forgive me. Your wrath could greatly affect the performance of my duties as a king. - Markandeya Pura, International Gita Society 

Yogis Are Instructed To Control Their Anger 

Control of senses and greed, celibacy, renunciation and non-violence are the five resolutions of a Yogi. Control of anger, service to the Guru, sanctity, eating less and studying Vedas regularly are the five norms for a Yogi. A Yogi must practice meditation at a desolate place, forest, cave or peak of a mountain. A true celibate has full control over his speech, mind and action. Iron and gold have equal worth in his eye; he loves no one and hates no one. . - Markandeya Pura, International Gita Society  

Anger Negatively Effects The Sense Organs And Intelligence‘Mrityu’s wife- Nirriti is also known by the name of Alakshmi. Altogether fourteen sons were born to them. All these fourteen sons of Mrityu dwell in the organs of human beings, during the time of destruction. Out of these fourteen sons, ten dwell in the sense organs of human beings and the eleventh son dwells in the mind. They influence the sense organs and the mind of a man in a negative way by means of attachment and anger. - Markandeya Pura, International Gita Society 

Anger Can Be Produced From A Life Of Stasis 

Bhramani causes restlessness and anger in the heart of a man living at one place for a long time.- Markandeya Pura, International Gita Society 

Anger Does Not Exist During The Satya Yuga, Only Appears In The Lower Yugas 

In Satya Yuga, water was always freely available. This was no longer the case in Treta Yuga. Water only became available when it rained. Rain was unknown earlier. And as it rained, trees began to grow. People lived on these trees. The fruit from these trees provided the sustenance required to make a living. But gradually, anger and jealousy came to be known and many of the wonderful trees disappeared as mankind picked up evils ways. However, enough trees were left to ensure that people did not die of starvation. They lived on honey gathered from the trees. Although men looked on Satya Yuga with nostalgia, ill-health and disease continued to be unknown even in Treta Yuga. But towards the end of Treta Yuga, people became really sinful. All the trees disappeared. To make a living, mankind had to resort to agriculture and animal husbandry. The weather became inclement and seasons like summer, monsoon and winter led to hardship. Notions of property were also introduced. Individuals appropriated mountains, rivers, land, trees and herbs as their own. To instil righteousness in the minds of people, the principles of varna ashrama dharma were set out towards the end of Treta Yuga. In Dvapara Yuga, hatred, anger and jealousy became much more common. Fighting started. It was then that Veda Vyasa spread amongst ordinary people, the knowledge that was in the Vedas, by dividing them. Drought, death and disease came to be known in Dvapara Yuga. In Kali Yuga, fraudulence is the norm. There are severe droughts and famines. Revolutions take place. People are liars and sinners. They are easily angered. They d not respect the brahmanas. The brahmanas, on their part, forget all about the Vedas and yajnas. Shudras become kings and oppress the brahmanas. Some Shudras shave off their heads and wear saffron clothes. They pretend to be religious teachers. And horror of horrors, people start to believe in these fraudulent teachers. Women wear hairpins in their hair. As if this alone were not enough, they refuse to obey their husbands. Thieves are everywhere. The only redeeming feature of Kali Yuga is the fact that even if one worships Shiva just a little bit in Kali Yuga, one attains undying punya (store of merit).- Kurma Purana, International Gita Society 

The Gods Do No Punish In Anger But For One?s Own Good 

God has no ego like ordinary beings, because He is the supreme soul and ultimate. If He punishes someone it is for one’s benefit and not for any anger or jealousy. Therefore one must concentrate his mind in God no matter what his feelings are- enmity, devotion, fear, affection. - Bhagavat Purana, International Gita Society 

Austerities Must Be Accompanied By Avoiding Anger 

This austerity stresses the importance of purity: both of the body as well as of the mind. It comprises of the following activities: bathing daily, contemplation, observing fast, performing oblations, self study, abstinence, penance, avoiding anger, being respectful towards teacher and purity.- Garuda Purana, International Gita Society 

Anger Can Interrupt With Daily Life Such As Marriage And Family 

Please restarin your anger,? he said. ?It is time for you to devote attention to getting married and having children so that the world might be populated. I have with me a woman named Marisha, a daughter of the trees. Please accept her as your wife. - Vayu Purana, International Gita Society

So is anger a complete and total evil that needs to be avoided at all times? Absolutely not! Anger was actually the creative source which produced many of the gods. The gods and heroes often use their anger to defeat enemy forces, this would be a positive use of this energy. Anger can also be a sign of wisdom, since oftentimes wise people become upset with foolishness. However, anger in general is a primitive emotion that needs to be kept strongly in check. While it can be used for an appropriate reason, if not harnessed properly it has the ability to negatively affect our health, destroy our virtue and rob us of our intelligence, it also can get in the way of our spiritual practices. And so we can say that the general rule of thumb in Hinduism is that anger is something that needs to be monitored with great intensity, but never should we seek to stamp it out completely, lest we lose our ability to fight for righteousness.