Pishachas (Sanskrit:पिशाच,piśāca) are flesh-eatingdemons inIndian religions, appearing inHindu andBuddhist mythologies. A pishacha is a malevolent being that has often been referred to as the very manifestation of evil.[1]
TheMahabharata states that the original pishachas was the creation ofBrahma. The epic offers various interpretations of the being, including its residence in the court ofKubera or Brahma and worshipping the deities of its residence, and its worship ofShiva andParvati. The pishachas are described as having fought on the side ofGhatotkacha againstKarna. But they are also said to have served theKauravas, acting as the horses of the chariot of Alambusha.[1]
Other legends describe them as the sons of either Krodha (figuratively "Anger") or asDakṣa’s daughterPishacha. They have been described as having bulging veins and protruding red eyes. They are believed to have their own languages, known asPaiśāci.
According to one legend, they are sons ofKashyapa and Krodhavasa, one of the daughters ofPrajapatiDaksha. TheNilamata Purana of the 7th century says the valley of Kashmir was inhabited by two tribes: theNagas and the Pishachas.
Pishachas like darkness and traditionally are depicted as haunting cremation grounds along with other monsters likebhutas andvetālas. Pishachas are supposed to possess the ability toshapeshift and assume any form at will, and may also become invisible. They also feed on humanenergy. Sometimes, they possess human beings and alter their thoughts, and the victims are afflicted with a variety of maladies and abnormalities like insanity. Certainmantras are supposed to cure such afflicted persons and drive away the pishacha possessing that particular human being. In order to keep the pishacha away, they are given their share of offerings during certain religious functions and festivals.
When burials are not performed properly, the deceased person may be unable to escape the dead body for indefined time, whereby turning into a Pishacha. It loses its ability to eat and drink, turns blind and suffers immensively. However, instinctively crave for the living, and sense their smell and presence, and may assault them.[a]
Pāṇini, in hisAṣṭādhyāyi, described the pishacha as a "warrior clan".[This quote needs a citation] In the ancient literature, theDardic people in the north of Kashmir were referred to as "Pishacha" and Dardic languages were calledPaiśāci.[2] They are said to have been descendants ofPrajāpatiKaśyapa.[3]
According to theRoyal Institute Dictionary, the Thai term "ปิศาจ" (pisat), from Sanskrit,pishacha, is defined as "ghost" (ผี).[4] Although not strictlyThai ghosts, the Pishacha appear in some stories inThai folklore. They are among the spirits from the Hindu-Buddhist tradition inThailand and are also represented in someBuddhist temple paintings.
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