The Sanskrit word for ghost is Bhuta, which roughly translates to both “past” and “being”. The craziest types of Bhutas in Hindu mythology are demons called Rakshasas. #FolkloreThursday (1/11) 
Rakshasas can fly and disappear, like most ghosts. But they also have Maya, which is the power of illusion. Maya is also a Hindu term for everything we perceive, which is ultimately just illusion, according to non-dualistic Vedanta. (2/11)
Using their power of Maya, Rakshasas can change size and assume any form. They can become beautiful temptresses or giant, man-eating monsters. (3/11)
Rakshasas were created from the breath of Brahma (the creator), while he was asleep.
They are God’s nightmares. (4/11)
They are God’s nightmares. (4/11)
As soon as they were created, the Rakshasas start attacking and eating their own creator, Brahma. Brahma is saved by Vishnu, who banishes them to Earth, and now we have to deal with them. (5/11)
Hindu mythology never colors inside the lines; Rakshasas are not always evil. In one example from the Mahabharata, a Rakshasa brother and sister end up fighting each other over a human. (6/11)
The Rakshasa brother, Hidimba, sees a large, strong man resting in the forest. So he sends his sister, Hidimbi, to go seduce him, so that he can devour him when he’s compromised. (7/11)
That man is Bhima, the strongest Pandava warrior in the Mahahbharata. Hidimbi ends up falling in love with Bhima. She takes the form of a beautiful woman and asks Bhima to marry him. (8/11)
Hidimbi is so in love that she is honest about her true form. I love you. Also, I’m a demon, please marry me. Bhima refuses to marry her, and he goes after her brother, Hidimba, and destroys him. (9/11)
Hidimbi goes to Bhima’s mom, Kunti, and tells her how much she loves her son. Kunti orders Bhima to marry Hidimbi. He says yes, but only if I can bounce after I give her a child. Everyone seems to be cool with this agreement. (10/11)
Their son, Ghatotkacha (which means “head like a pot”, which they called him because his bald head resembled…a pot) becomes a great warrior and dies a heroic death in the Mahahbarata war. (11/11)
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