Worshipping the Small Pox. A temple devoted to Goddess SHITALA MATA worshipped for recovery of Small Pox

AMRITSAR, PUNJAB, INDIA, MARCH 17: Small Pox that was caused by a dreaded virus was eradicated from the world in 1977. The virus used to kill hordes of people and was much feared. In India there were temples dedicated to the Shitala Mata that were havens where people congregated and prayed for recovery. The virus and the disease may have been eradicated but the temples exist and people still offer prayers. These are part of beliefs by the Hindus. Red threads were tied to trees and sacred water was given to pilgrims. (Photo by Pallava Bagla/Corbis via Getty Images)