Tamil Nadu Temple Welcomes 'Corona Devi' Idol

A temple in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu welcomed a "Corona Devi" deity with the belief that it will protect people from the COVID-19 virus.

The state which is responsible for the possession of other such divinities like the Plague Mariamman Temple recently embraced a temple, dedicated to the COVID-19 goddess, Corona Devi.

As stated by the Temple in charge-Sivalingeswarar, the practice of creating deities and idolising calamities has been an old practice for the state and it aims to protect people from plagues and illnesses.

Corona Devi Temple: Yagya For 48 Days

The idol, made of granite, will be honoured in a series of 48 days long Yagya( worshipping around fire). The 7 week long Yagya is made with a belief that "the Goddess helps people avoid fear and discrimination against coronavirus victims".

Special prayers and hymns will be held as part of the worshipping ritual. However, the entire process will be held in private and any kind of public gathering will be prohibited. Moreover, the public will not be allowed to even pay a visit to the 'holy place'. As reported by a temple official, only temple staff can attend the Maha Yagya.

Sivalingeswarar said, "Today, human life has been disrupted by the coronavirus. History has records, many people lost their lives when measles and cholera struck the country. Mariamman, Magaliamman, and Karumariamman have worshiped in the villages with a faith that the deity is the helper of the helpless."

It has been reported that the entire process will be held keeping in mind the COVID-19 protocols.

The Adhinam, a hindu monetary,  is responsible for a regular distribution of Kabasura drink, masks, and lunch among the villagers. Thses procedures are mainteained on behalf of the World Peace Divine Council. They believe in the practise of "helping those who do not have it".