Pishacha

For the language group, see Pishacha languages. For the type of Hindu marriage, see Paishacha marriage.

Pishachas (Sanskrit: पिशाच, piśāca) are flesh-eating demons in Indian religions, appearing in Hindu and Buddhist mythologies. A pishacha is a malevolent being that has often been referred to as the very manifestation of evil.^[1]

Mythology

The Mahabharata states that the original pishachas was the creation of Brahma. The epic offers various interpretations of the being, including its residence in the court of Kubera or Brahma and worshipping the deities of its residence, and its worship of Shiva and Parvati. The pishachas are described as having fought on the side of Ghatotkacha against Karna. But they are also said to have served the Kauravas, acting as the horses of the chariot of Alambusha.^[1]

Other legends describe them as the sons of either Krodha (figuratively "Anger") or as Dakṣa’s daughter Pishacha. They have been described as having bulging veins and protruding red eyes. They are believed to have their own languages, known as Paiśāci.

According to one legend, they are sons of Kashyapa and Krodhavasa, one of the daughters of Prajapati Daksha. The Nilamata Purana of the 7th century says the valley of Kashmir was inhabited by two tribes: the Nagas and the Pishachas.

Pishachas like darkness and traditionally are depicted as haunting cremation grounds along with other monsters like bhutas and vetālas. Pishachas are supposed to possess the ability to shapeshift and assume any form at will, and may also become invisible. They also feed on human energy. Sometimes, they possess human beings and alter their thoughts, and the victims are afflicted with a variety of maladies and abnormalities like insanity. Certain mantras 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 his Aṣṭādhyāyi, described the pishacha as a "warrior clan".^{[This quote needs a citation]} In the ancient literature, the Dardic people in the north of Kashmir were referred to as "Pishacha" and Dardic languages were called Paiśāci.^[2] They are said to have been descendants of Prajāpati Kaśyapa.^[3]

Thailand

According to the Royal Institute Dictionary, the Thai term "ปิศาจ" (pisat), from Sanskrit, pishacha, is defined as "ghost" (ผี).^[4] Although not strictly Thai ghosts, the Pishacha appear in some stories in Thai folklore. They are among the spirits from the Hindu-Buddhist tradition in Thailand and are also represented in some Buddhist temple paintings.

See also

• Yakshi, related class of beings in Indian religions
• Vetala, related class of beings in Indian mythology
• Kanjirottu Yakshi, vampiric figure in Indian folklore
• Pisaj (2004), Thai film about a pishacha
• Pisaasu (2014), Indian horror film based on pishachas
• Pishachini (2022), Indian TV series about a female pishacha
• It Lives Inside (2023), Indian-American horror film featuring a pishacha