What are Pisachas, the Demons of Possession and Decay?

Pisachas are evil, flesh-eating spirits found in Hindu and Vedic mythology. They are considered lower-level supernatural beings and are often mentioned with Rakshasas and Bhutas. Pisachas are known for haunting cremation grounds and taking control of people’s minds.

Pisachas also appear in Buddhist traditions as one of the eight groups of non-human beings (Ashtagatayah). If you want to learn about their role in the Pali Canon or Mahayana texts, you should check the Buddhist Demons category.

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Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Names	Pisacha, Pishacha, Peesacha, Pisaca
Title	Flesh-eaters, Eaters of Raw Flesh (Kravyada), Night-stalkers
Gender	Male and Female (Pisachi)
Role	Possession of humans, scavengers of the dead, spreaders of disease
Clan	Descendants of Kashyapa or Krodha; often grouped with Pretas
Followers	Lesser spirits, ghosts, and those who died violent deaths
Powers	Invisibility, shape-shifting, mental manipulation, inducing insanity
Appearance	Dark-skinned, bulging veins, protruding red eyes, emaciated limbs
Etymology	Likely derived from ‘pis’ (to adorn or mold) or ‘pish’ (to grind/crush)
Associated Figures	Kashyapa, Krodhasha, Kubera, Shiva
Weaknesses	Mantra recitations, iron, certain herbs, lamps (light)
Opposing Deva/Avatar	Shiva (as Lord of Ghosts), Agni, Indra
Pantheon	Hindu (Vedic and Puranic)
Primary Sources	Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Garuda Purana

Who or What is Pisacha?

Pisachas are considered the lowest and most unpleasant of all demonic spirits. Unlike powerful Asuras who fight for control in cosmic battles, Pisachas stay close to the earth and feed on impurity. Stories say they were created from darkness or from leftover negative human karma.

People fear Pisachas because they can take over a person’s mind or body, especially when someone is weak or vulnerable. They live in empty places, such as abandoned houses, forests, and cremation grounds. Pisachas are said to feed on human flesh and the life force of people they make sick or drive mad.

Pisacha Meaning

The origin of the word Pisacha is debated in Sanskrit literature. Most experts think it comes from the Sanskrit word ‘pish,’ meaning ‘to crush,’ ‘to grind,’ or ‘to mold.’ This fits their reputation for crushing the life out of victims or eating the remains of the dead.

Another theory links the name to ‘pishita,’ which means ‘flesh.’ So, Pisacha can also mean ‘flesh-eater.’ In early Vedic times, the word described spirits that stole the essence from offerings.

Over time, the word Pisacha was also used to name a Prakrit language called Paishaci, known as the ‘language of the ghosts.’ This dialect was used in ancient India, especially in the lost epic Brihatkatha. The term Pisacha may have also referred to some marginalized tribes in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.

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How to Pronounce “Pisacha” in English

Pisacha is pronounced as pi-SHAA-chuh. The first part sounds like ‘pin,’ the second part is stressed with a long ‘a’ as in ‘father,’ and the last part has a soft ‘ch’ as in ‘church.’

What Does a Pisacha Look Like?

Pisachas are described as frightening and ugly. They are usually shown as very thin, with skin stretched over their bones, and their color is as dark as burnt wood or night clouds. Their veins stand out all over their bodies, making them look unnatural.

Pisachas are known for their blood-red, bulging eyes that glow in the dark. Their hair is messy, rough, and often sticks up or is reddish-brown. They have long, sharp claws and jagged, stained teeth. Many stories say they can change shape, but in their true form, they smell like rotting meat.

Unlike the more royal-looking Rakshasas, Pisachas do not wear jewelry or proper clothes. They are usually naked or wear only the torn cloth from funeral shrouds.

Origins

Pisachas are mentioned in the oldest Hindu scriptures, showing they have been part of religious stories since the Vedic period. They are often called the ‘refuse’ of creation, appearing after the Devas and Asuras.

In Hindu cosmology, Pisachas represent the tamasic, or dark and ignorant, aspect of nature. They represent people’s fears of the night and the unknown parts of death.

Birth

Different Puranas tell different stories about how the Pisachas were born. The Mahabharata and some Puranas say they are the children of the ancient sage Kashyapa and his wife Krodhasha, whose name means ‘anger.’

Other stories, such as those in the Padma Purana, say that Brahma created Pisachas from the unstable parts of his shadow during creation. No matter the version, their birth is always tied to impurity or anger, showing they live outside normal society and rules.

Family

Pisachas are seen as part of a bigger group of ‘night-stalkers.’ Their closest relatives are Rakshasas (demons) and Yaksas (nature spirits). In Puranic stories, they are listed with the Asuras but have a much lower status.

Relationship	Entity
Parents	Kashyapa (Father) and Krodhasha or Arishta (Mother)
Siblings	Rakshasas, Vanaras, and various classes of Asuras
Spouse	Pisachi (Female counterparts)
Children	Lesser malevolent spirits and goblins

Asura-Deva Conflicts

Pisachas do not usually lead big battles against the Devas. Still, they serve as the ‘infantry of darkness’ in cosmic fights. In major battles from the Puranas, they follow orders from more powerful Asuras. After the fighting ends, Pisachas are known to feed on the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Pisachas mainly clash with the Devas by trying to steal sacrificial offerings. Vedic hymns often call on gods like Indra and Agni to keep Pisachas away from sacred fires or from taking the Soma juice meant for the gods.

Role in Hindu Cosmology

In Hindu cosmology, Pisachas are at the lowest level of sentient beings. They stand for Tamas, which means darkness and laziness. Their existence warns people against unrighteous acts, as some believe that those who steal, overeat, or skip funeral rites may be reborn as Pisachas.

Pisachas are controlled by Lord Shiva, who is called Bhutanatha, or Lord of Spirits. By living on the edge of the living world, they help keep balance by cleaning up both physical and spiritual waste.

Was Pisacha Ever Mentioned in Vedic Texts?

Yes, Pisachas are clearly mentioned in the Vedas, especially in the Atharva Veda, where they are portrayed as a serious threat to people’s health and homes.

Source	Quote
Rig Veda 1.133.5	“Burn the Pisachas, O Maghavan, with the heat of thy bolt; destroy the race of every Rakshasa.”
Atharva Veda 4.36.8	“The Pisachas that have entered this man, the eaters of raw flesh, those I drive away.”

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Pisacha in Epics and Puranas

In the Mahabharata, Pisachas serve as part of the armies of various kings and sometimes serve Kubera, the god of wealth. They are often grouped with Bhutas and Pretas.

Source	Quote
Mahabharata 2.10	“And many Rakshasas and Pisachas… waited upon the lord of treasures (Kubera).”
Garuda Purana 2.22.13	“Those who die by suicide or accident, without the performance of rites, become Pisachas.”

Powers and Abilities

Pisachas have powers that affect the mind more than the body. They do not have the huge powers of demon kings like Ravana. Still, ordinary people cannot easily see or defeat them without spiritual help.

• Possession (Avesha): The ability to enter the human body and control its actions, often causing the victim to speak in strange tongues or act violently.
• Mental Affliction: They can induce Unmada (insanity), depression, and intense anxiety in their targets.
• Metamorphosis: They can take the form of animals or even deceased relatives to lure victims into secluded areas.
• Invisibility: They remain unseen to the human eye, manifesting only as shadows or sudden temperature drops.
• Disease Projection: They are said to carry “spiritual pathogens” that manifest as physical wasting diseases.

Pisacha Myths, Legends, and Stories

The Possession of the Brahmana in the Garuda Purana

In the Garuda Purana, there is a narrative concerning a learned Brahmana who neglected his daily prayers and purity rituals. Because of his negligence, a Pisacha found an entry point into his aura.

The entity did not kill him but instead drove him to perform acts contrary to his nature, such as eating meat and frequenting impure places. The story is a didactic tool to highlight the protective power of the Sandhyavandanam (twilight prayers), which acts as a barrier against such entities.

The Pisacha in the Story of the Brihatkatha

There is a legend about the poet Gunadhya and the Pisacha race. The story says Gunadhya learned the ‘language of the Pisachas’ (Paishaci) while living in the forest with them. He used this language to write the Brihatkatha, a huge collection of stories.

According to legend, only the Pisachas could truly appreciate the work, showing a rare cultural side to their story.

Pisacha vs Other Asuras

Asura Name	Associated Trait	Clan/Origin	Key Traits/Powers
Ravana	Conquest/Ego	Rakshasa	Ten heads, invincibility boon
Mahishasura	Stubbornness	Asura	Shape-shifting (Buffalo)
Hiranyakashipu	Tyranny	Daitya	Near-immortality
Bahasura	Gluttony	Rakshasa	Immense physical strength
Vritra	Drought	Asura	Blocking the cosmic waters
Andhaka	Blind Passion	Asura	Multiplying from blood drops
Tarakasura	Ambition	Daitya	Boon of death only by a child
Madhu	Chaos	Asura	Born from Vishnu’s earwax
Kaitabha	Chaos	Asura	Born from Vishnu’s earwax
Bali	Sacrifice/Pride	Daitya	Ruler of the three worlds

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Rank Among Asuras

Pisachas are at the bottom of the Asura and Rakshasa ranks. Even other demons see them as ‘unclean.’ While Daityas can be generals or kings, Pisachas are more like scavengers or minor troublemakers. Because they are closer to the human world, people worry about them more often than about the powerful Asuras who live in the lower realms.

Mystical Correspondences

Attribute	Details
Planet	Rahu (North Node of the Moon)
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio (Sign of secrets and death)
Element	Earth (Impure/Low vibrations)
Direction	South-West (Nairitya)
Color	Charcoal Black or Muddy Brown
Number	8 (Associated with Rahu and suffering)
Crystal/Mineral	Hessonite (Gomed)
Metal	Lead
Herb/Plant	Mustard Seeds (used to drive them away)
Animal	Hyena or Vulture
Trait/Role	Possession and Consumption

Pisachas are linked to the planet Rahu, which is said to control illusions, addictions, and sudden mental problems. This connection explains their effect on the human mind.

Since Rahu is a shadow planet, Pisachas are said to thrive in dark places, especially when the moon is not visible. They are also linked to the South-West direction, which is connected to Nirriti, the goddess of decay. This makes them symbols of bad luck and decay.

Pisachas are connected to the heavy side of the earth element. Unlike the Devas, who are linked to purifying fire, Pisachas are tied to damp grave soil or the stale air of ruins.

Pisachas are symbolized by the colors black and brown, which stand for darkness and decay. In exorcism rituals, people use mustard seeds and lead to hold down or drive away the spirit, helping to remove it from a person’s body.

Pisacha’s Symbols

Pisacha symbols include the Kapaala (skull-cup) and the Shakti-trika (a broken or upside-down trident).

Unlike the Devas, who have clean weapons, the Pisachas are shown with severed limbs or torn shrouds. In tantric art, a special yantra with intersecting triangles is used to protect against them by trapping their energy.

Worship and Boons

Pisachas are not usually worshipped in mainstream Hinduism. Instead, people try to appease them so they will go away. In some Tantric and folk traditions, especially in Kerala and Bengal, people leave small offerings of meat or alcohol at crossroads to appease Pisachas.

Pisachas rarely give out boons. Instead, they usually receive boons from Shiva or Brahma that allow them to exist until the end of an age. People do not ask Pisachas for favors, since any ‘gift’ from them is thought to be a hidden curse.