Suvīra. A Deva. Once, when the Asuras marched against the Devas, Sakka sent for Suvīra and asked him to fight the Asuras. Suvīra agreed to do this, but was very lazy about it. This happened three times. Sakka admonished him after the third time on the evils of laziness.

The Buddha related the story to the monks to show them the value of exertion and energy. S.i.216f.

Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, G P Malalasekera (1899-1973), which is available as printed version from

○vī́ra mf(ā)n. very manly, heroic, warlike RV. AV. VS
• rich in men or heroes, having or containing or consisting in excellent offspring or heroes or retainers ib. TS. ŚāṅkhGṛ
• m. a hero, warrior RV
• m. the jujube tree L
• another tree (= eka-viira) L
• N. of Skanda MBh
• of Śiva Śivag
• of a son of Śiva MW
• of various kings, (esp.) of a son of Dyutimat MBh
• of a son of Kshemya Hariv
• of a son of Śibi (ancestor of the Suviiras) ib
• of a son of Deva-śravas BhP
• n. = _ next L
• -ja n. sulphuret of antimony L
• -tā (○rá-), f. abundance of heroes or warriors AV. TS
• ○râmla n. sour rice gruel L

Sanskrit-English Dictionary, by M. Monier William