VETALA - India's original Dracula

Vetala

In Hinduism, Vetala (Betal) is a powerful semi-demonic creature. Vetal is also venerated in some temples and can resurrect dead people. They take control of the cremation ground's corpse and act via it. According to certain Hindu religion academics, he is a favoured deity of tantriks and black magic practitioners.

Vetalas, according to Hindu mythology, are the companions of Virabhadra, Shiva’s ferocious creation. They have a wide range of magical abilities. Vetalas are also thought to be servants of Hindu gods such as Goddess Kali, Hanuman, Ganesha, and Virabhadra.

Vetala is one of the Shiva Ganas in the epics and Puranic literature. According to a narrative in the Shiva Purana, he is an incarnation of Bhairava himself.

According to the Shiva Purana, Goddess Girija and Shiva were enjoying each other's company in the solitude of their dwelling, one day when Bhairava was delegated to guard its entrance. Goddess Girija came out of her dwelling as she was on Shiva’s command. Bhairava was enamoured with her beauty, yet he refused to let her go outside. Angry Girija condemned him to reincarnate as a Vetala on Earth. Shiva incarnated on earth as Mahesha for the sake of his favourite gana, and Girija became Parvati after him.

According to another mythology described in the Kalika Purana’s 46th canto, two of Shiva’s attendants, Mahakala and Bhringi, were cursed by Gauri and took birth on Earth as Bhairava and Vetala, respectively.

Even though the Vetala is said to be an incarnation of Bhairava in the Shiva Purana, the religions exist in parallel and have different followers. Vetala is mentioned in Hindu scriptures.

Vetala has been known from ancient times as a member of the Shiva family. A large army of Skanda, son of Shiva, is described in the 45th canto of the Mahabharata’s Shalya Parva. Vetala, also known as Vaitali, is one of the fighters in this army. The name of a mother deity named Vetala-Janani appears in the next canto in the same manner. Vetala’s and his mother’s worship and cult appear to be as old as the Mahabharata.

According to some texts, Vetalas fought the demons alongside Mother Goddess Durga. They assist the Goddess Shakti’s many incarnations in their battles with demons. 

According to the Bhagavata Purana (10.63.10), when Krishna fought Banasur and Shiva near Pragjyotishpur, Shiva's army included Vetalas, Bhutas, Pramathas, Guhyakas, Dakinis, mother goddesses, Pishachas, and Kushmandas.

A description of dreadful war gods and demons fighting each other can be found in the Matsya Purana (149.7-16). The battlefield was drenched in blood and became a haven for flesh-eaters, as well as Vetalas' playground due to the abundance of dead victims. Vetala was said to like drinking human blood and consuming human flesh, based on this description.

People’s Common Perceptions of Vetala

In some parts of the country, such as Maharashtra, the Vetala cult is still alive and well. Stone or wood are used to make the Vetala murtis. In some groups, it is customary to worship Vetal by remaining naked and offering him a sheep sacrifice.

There is a mantra mentioned in the Kathasaritasagara that can be used to regulate Vetala. Vetalas are thought to live in corpses and are fed wine, meat, and other such foods.

Some people pray to Vetala to help them locate hidden wealth and harm their adversaries. Vetalas are said to be capable of finding valuables as well as possessing a person’s mind and body and causing damage.

Vikram-Betal stories 

The Pancavismati Katha — stories of Vikramaditya and Betal – contains the most popular stories of Vetala. Vetala is clever being in these legends.

Vetal tells twenty-five stories to King Trivikramsen, who is also known by the popular short-form Vikram. Vetala-Panchvimshati is the name given to this collection of 25 stories. The format of the stories is intriguing. At the end of the story, Vetal gives the king a riddle to answer. Vetala admires the intelligent king because he offers proper answers.

Temples of the Vetal

A well-known Vetal Temple may be seen in Pune’s Guruwar Peth. One of the Maratha Peshwas is supposed to have delivered his plea to him. As a result of the deity’s command, he presented a big bell to the temple.

In Bhubaneshwar, there is another notable temple named after Vetal. It was said to have been constructed in the eighth century AD.