Churel

A churel is in India, the evil ghost of a woman who died in childbirth or ceremonial impurity. Originally, churels were ghosts of low-caste persons, whose corpses were buried face down to prevent the ghosts from escaping. Churels have reversed feet and no mouths. They haunt squalid places. In the shape of a beautiful young woman, they ensnare young men and hold them captive until they are old. Areas believed to be haunted by churels are given exorcisms.

SEE ALSO:

• Ghost Miscellaneous
• Ghosts

SOURCE:

The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits – Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley  – September 1, 2007