Vetala

For the deified form of a Hindu god, see Betal.
King Vikramaditya and a vetala in the Vetala Panchavimshati.

A vetala (Sanskrit: वेताल, romanized: vetāla) is a class of beings in Hindu mythology. They are usually defined as a knowledgeable (fortune telling) paranormal entity said to be dwelling at charnel grounds. Reanimated corpses are used as vehicles by these spirits for movement. A vetala may possess and leave a dead body at will.[1]

  1. ^ Dowson, John (2013-11-05). A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History and Literature. Routledge. p. 355. ISBN 978-1-136-39029-6.