Ghosts

Popular Hindu culture generally accepts
the existence of ghosts and spirits, particularly of people who have died a violent or untimely death. Despite the
virtually universal belief in reincarnation (samsara), it is generally accepted
that the spirits of people who have died
such deaths linger near where they lived
during their lives. Ghosts will usually
reveal themselves through disturbances,
misfortunes, or by appearing to family
members in visions or dreams. The family
will then take measures to appease
the spirit. Sometimes this is done by
sponsoring rituals or ceremonies. Other
times a family may prepare a shrine for
the ghost to inhabit. Such ghosts are
usually believed to have unsatisfied
desires—either they died prior to getting
married or having children, or they
started major enterprises they were
unable to finish. People who have lived
long lives and fulfilled all the major
human goals will not become ghosts.