Vasoorimala
വസൂരിമാല
The goddess associated with epidemic disease, worshipped for healing.
- Category
- Goddess
- Associated with
- Smallpox and contagious illness
- Also called
- Companion of Bhadrakali
- People pray for
- Healing and protection from disease
Who is Vasoorimala?
Vasoorimala is a female deity of Kerala and the Kodagu region who is worshipped as a sub-deity in Bhadrakali and Shiva temples. “Vasoori” is the Malayalam word for smallpox, and her name means “garland of pox”. In the old understanding, people honoured the divine forces that brought disease so that they might also take it away.
The story
Folklore from the Aithihyamala tells that Manodari, wife of the demon Darikan, did penance to Shiva when her husband was losing to Bhadrakali. Shiva gave her his sweat with a blessing. In her anger she sprayed it on Bhadrakali, who broke out in pox. Bhadrakali named her Vasoorimala and made her a companion. Another account says she arose from Shiva’s own consciousness when he suffered smallpox.
Hero photo: Akshay Sanjeev, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What you will see
Vasoorimala appears in red attire and a painted face with prominent decoration and a garland around the neck. She appears in the temples of North Kerala, and her ritual is a prayer for the health of the community.
In the tradition
When smallpox spread widely, people began to worship the disease as a Theyyam. Today the Theyyam is held for the cure of illness.
Many devotees come to Vasoorimala with personal prayers. Keep a respectful distance from those seeking her blessing. Photography and video are not allowed at some rituals, so ask your guide first.
Quick answers
Who is Vasoorimala in Theyyam?
Vasoorimala is a female deity of Kerala and the Kodagu region who is worshipped as a sub-deity in Bhadrakali and Shiva temples. “Vasoori” is the Malayalam word for smallpox, and her name means “garland of pox”. In the old understanding, people honoured the divine forces that brought disease so that they might also take it away.
What does Vasoorimala Theyyam look like?
Vasoorimala appears in red attire and a painted face with prominent decoration and a garland around the neck. She appears in the temples of North Kerala, and her ritual is a prayer for the health of the community.
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: Vasoorimala (Wikipedia). Stories vary by shrine, family and teller; this is a general summary, not a definitive version.
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