Virochana, in Hindu mythology, was an asura, grandson of Hiranyakashipu, son of Prahlada and father of Bali. In the Atharvaveda (VIII.10.22) he was mentioned as the son of Prahlada. According to the Chandogya Upanishad (VIII.7.2-8.5), he and Indra went to Prajapati to learn about the atman (self) and lived there, practising brahmacharya for thirty-two years. But at the end, he misunderstood Prajapati's teachings and preached the asuras to worship the sharira (body) as the atman. Thus, asuras started adorning the body of a deceased with perfumes, garlands and ornaments. The son of Virochana was Bana.