Dayan (witch)

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Daayan, Ḍāin or Ḍāini is often mistakenly regarded as a rendering for a witch (human female practitioner of black magic) in Indian folklore, the term has been derived from the Sanskrit word dakini, which refers to a female paranormal entity from patala (the netherworld). Dakinis have been described in medieval Hindu texts such as the Bhagavata Purana, Brahma Purana, Markandeya Purana and Kathasaritsagara as female fiendish spirits in the train of Kali who feed on human flesh.^[1]

Daayans are comparable to malevolent female spirits such as the succubi of Western folklore, they also resemble vampiresses by their alleged feeding behaviours that requires the blood or life-force of their victims. It is also said that powerful and older daayan is also referred to as ekayan. The primary source of a daayan's power is her unusually long braids (choti) that is used as an additional limb, it can be flexed, stretched retracted and regenerated to do whatever the daayan pleases. The daayan is also described as having long and monstrous black nails, and feet that face backwards. It is said that once a daayan lays her evil eye on someone, it is a bad omen for the whole household of that person. She is regarded as the most powerful paranormal being.^[2]