Cheerumba Bhagavathi
ചീരുമ്പ ഭഗവതി
A goddess of disease and healing, regarded as the younger sister of Puthiya Bhagavathi.
- Category
- Goddess
- Regarded as
- Younger sister of Puthiya Bhagavathi
- Linked with
- Smallpox and healing
- Note
- Spellings and stories differ
Who is Cheerumba Bhagavathi?
Cheerumba Bhagavathi is regarded as the younger sister of Puthiya Bhagavathi. The spelling varies, and so do the stories, as we explain below.
The story
One popular account says the Cheerumbas were created by Shiva from his third eye, and that instead of spreading happiness they spread pox, so Shiva called for a sacrificial rite from which Puthiya Bhagavathi emerged. Another page describes the Cheerumbas as Shiva’s daughters who were themselves struck by smallpox, and says Puthiya Bhagavathi agreed not to spread the disease they had sown. The accounts do not agree, and we found no scholarly source.
What you will see
We did not find a published description of her attire, and have no photograph to show.
In the tradition
Like Puthiya Bhagavathi, she is linked with smallpox and its cure.
Ask your guide about the local story at the shrine you visit. Photography and video are not allowed at some rituals, so ask your guide first.
Quick answers
Who is Cheerumba Bhagavathi in Theyyam?
Cheerumba Bhagavathi is regarded as the younger sister of Puthiya Bhagavathi. The spelling varies, and so do the stories, as we explain below.
What does Cheerumba Bhagavathi Theyyam look like?
We did not find a published description of her attire, and have no photograph to show.
Learn about the Theyyams with a local guide
Our guided trips explain each deity’s story as you see it, and are planned with you on enquiry. We never publish ritual dates or venues, and confirm the right nights with you closer to travel.
Enquire about a tripSources and further reading: Theyyam (Wikipedia), Hindu Blog: Puthiya Bhagavathy Theyyam, Kerala Folklore: Puthiya Bhagavathi Theyyam. Stories vary by shrine, family and teller; this is a general summary, not a definitive version.
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