A Brahmadaitya is the ghost of a dead brahmin man. He usually appears wearing wooden shoes and a white dhoti, with a sacred thread across its chest.

Apart from this physical description, not many generalizations can be made. Some Brahmadaityas are kindly spirits, while others are vindictive and murderous. Some are known for obnoxiously showing off their knowledge of Sanskrit. Others are content to let the living alone unless their tree of residence is disturbed.

Some say Brahmadaityas are the ghosts of brahmins who died without ever marrying. Others say they are the ghosts of brahmins who were murdered or died unnatural deaths. Still others use the word as a synonym of Munjya, meaning the ghost of a brahmin who died shortly after the ceremonial tying of his sacred thread.

One well-known tale tells of a poor brahmin (a still-alive one) who is on the verge of starvation when he hears about a haunted vakula tree (Mimusops elengi). The tree is known to be home to a legion of evil ghosts who attack anyone who approaches. The zamindar of the area has offered a huge plot of land to anyone brave enough to cut a branch from the tree.

The brahmin, who figures he has nothing to lose, decides to take up the challenge, and walks bravely towards the tree. One hundred evil ghosts advance towards him menacingly; but among them is a brahmadaitya, who speaks kindly to the poor brahmin. They become friends. The other ghosts, following the Brahmadaitya’s instructions, cut a branch from the tree and give it to the poor brahmin.

The brahmin presents the branch to the zamindar, who recognizes that it really has come from the haunted tree. So the brahmin claims the land as his reward, and proceeds to plow and plant it.