Corona Devi

The name of an idol made up of wood or stone set up by Hindu priests to represent the “coronavirus goddess,” whose mercy they pray for to contain the pandemic—food and chant prayers are usually offered before the deity, which is bathed in turmeric water and milk.

Just as there are gods and goddesses for all kinds of diseases and plagues, Corona Devi is the latest virus goddess to be idolized in temples—probably the deadliest deity that demands weeks- or months-long abstinence, fasting, and sacrifice from priests before she showers mercy on them.

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