Polerammā

Poleramma () is a Hindu goddess of plague and smallpox. She is predominantly worshipped in the villages of Andhra Pradesh, and is regarded as a regional consort of Shiva.

==Description== Poleramma is worshipped as a village goddess whose role is to server as the protector of the village. Her shrine is usually present outside the boundaries of the village, and often appears crudely built with mud and stones and worshipped in the form of a small stone in the form of a Linga. She is considered a goddess of smallpox, and is associated with the goddess Mariamman of Tamil Nadu. She is regarded to oversee cattle disease, drought, and general health welfare. According to Yanadi tradition, the goddess causes smallpox to her adherents when she is not offered veneration. She is venerated by the community on a fixed day in a special hut after they are cured of the disease.