In Kashmiri legend, Bramrachokh (Kashmiri pronunciation: [bramraːt͡ʃoːkʰ], also written as Bramarācōkh[1] or Rachok[2]) is a demon[1] or mythical creature who inhabits desolate areas and fools travellers by pretending to be a light,[1] in the manner of a will-o'-the-wisp.[3]
Bramrachokh has a pot full of fire balanced on his head, and on his forehead a strong, shining eye. It is said that if a traveller encounters Bramrachokh's light in a remote location, it will lead them to a ditch or a cave,[2] or to their death.[3] Village children who see lights burning and extinguishing in the distance sometimes attribute this to Bramrachokh.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Grierson, George Abraham (1932). "A dictionary of the Kashmiri language". dsal.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ a b c Kalla, Krishan Lal (1985). The Literary Heritage of Kashmir. Mittal Publications. p. 238.
- ^ a b Pandita, Rahul (29 October 2017). Our Moon Has Blood Clots: A Memoir of a Lost Home in Kashmir. Random House India. ISBN 978-81-8400-390-1.