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Churel
A woman who dies in childbirth returns as a vengeful ghost. Her feet are backwards. She seduces men, draining their life. The Churel of South Asian folklore is not easily escaped.
Ancient - Present
South Asia
1000+ witnesses
The Churel (or Chudail) is a vengeful female ghost from South Asian folklore, the spirit of a woman who died during childbirth or pregnancy.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Churel:
- Is the ghost of a woman
- Who died in childbirth
- Or during pregnancy
- Who suffered at the hands of family
- Returns for revenge
Description
The Churel appears as:
- A beautiful woman
- With feet facing backward
- Long black hair
- Sometimes pig-faced when revealed
- Wearing white
Behavior
The Churel:
- Seduces young men
- Drains their vitality
- Ages them rapidly
- Returns to kill family
- Cannot rest until avenged
Becoming a Churel
A woman becomes a Churel if:
- She dies in childbirth
- She is mistreated by in-laws
- Her body is not properly cremated
- She has unfulfilled desires
Protection
To avoid the Churel:
- Proper funeral rites
- Treat pregnant women well
- Carry iron
- Prayers and rituals
- Avoid lonely roads at night
Cultural Impact
The Churel:
- Reflects treatment of women
- Appears in Bollywood films
- Part of everyday superstition
- Warning against mistreating women