[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c8.2263 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.2263 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c8.2263 - **Language:** English ### [c8.2263](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.2263) 1) Origin. A malevolent being which is the very manifestation of evil. Everybody, everywhere in the world, from the very birth of this universe believed in the presence of such a wicked soul. According to Hindu Purāṇas, Piśāca is a creation of Brahmā. In the beginning Brahmā created the eighteen prajāpatis headed by Dakṣa, the Yakṣas, the Gandharvas and the Piśācas. (Chapter 1, Ādi Parva). This wicked being is called in English a ‘Devil’. This word is derived from the Greek word ‘diabolos’. People of the West and East equally believe that Piśāca (Satan) is an enemy of men and gods alike. - [Previous: c8.2262](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.2262) - [Next: c8.2264](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.2264) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.2263](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.2263) · Pramāṇa