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Betal (Devanagari:बेताळ) is a popular folk deity in Goa, Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra and Karwar of Karnataka in India.Images of Betal are stark naked with an emaciated belly, most of the sculptures of Betal are depicted with sword in one hand and in another hand bowl is shown.
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History
As per historians Betal is a deity of aboriginal tribes of Konkan who were of Proto-Australoid origin and worshiped demigods and spirits.The word Betal though sanskritised as Vetāla(Devanagari:वेताल), is believed to have roots in Austric languages. Betal being the Gramadevata is the guardian of the village.
Tradition
According to the tradition he moves throughout the village at night and keeps vigil on the property of the devotees.Cult of Betal has been very prominent in Goa,blood sacrifices are made to Betal in most places. Betal is also known as Vetoba in Sindhudurg.Agyo Betal is another form of Betal found in Goa. In Poinguinim village of Goa when wishes are fulfilled the offering is made in the form of leather chappals.It is believed that Betal wears the chappals and roam around the village. When you visit the temple, you can see the chappals are worn out.