In the Hindu epic the Ramayana, Prahasta was a powerful rakshasa warrior and chief commander of Ravana's army of Lanka.

By other accounts, he was a son of Ravana and Mandodari.

Prahasta leds Ravana's army in the wars against Yama, Kubera and the Devas, and the Asuras and Daityas, through which Ravana establishes his sovereignty over the three worlds. He also leads the initial Lankan response to the invasion led by Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva and the Vanara Army.

Prahasta is slain by Rama during the Ramayana war.

See also

• The Ramayana, Ramesh Menon (2001)