Sanskrit: पिशाच, Piśāca) are flesh-eatingHindu mythology. Their origin is obscure, although some believe that they were created byBrahma. Another legend describes them as the sons of either Krodha (figuratively "Anger") or asDakṣa’s daughter Piśāca. They have been described to have a dark complexion with bulging veins and protruding, red eyes. They are believed to have their own languages, known asAccording to one legend, they are sons ofKashyapa and Krodhavasa, one of the daughters ofDaksha. The Nilamat Puran of the 7th century mentions the valley of Kashmir being inhabited by two tribes: the Nagas and the Pisachas. Piśācas like darkness and traditionally are depicted as haunting cremation grounds along with other monsters likevetālas. Piśācas have the power to assume different forms at will, and may also become invisible. They feed on human energies. 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 Piśāca which may be possessing that particular human being. In order to keep the Piśāca away, they are given their share of offerings during certain religious functions and festivals. The origin of Piśāca is unknown, although it may be thepersonification of thePāṇini, in hisAṣṭādhyāyi, described the Piśāca as a "warrior clan". In theMahābhārata, the "Piśāca people" (equivalent to the modern dayNuristani people) are said to live in Northwest India and they are descendants of