Fire walking is the major event of the Theemidhi Festival, which takes place close to the start of Deepavali, the Festival of Lights. Barefoot Hindus walk across white-hot embers at the Sri Mariamman Temple in honour of the goddess Draupadi.
Draupadi is a heroine of the epic poem Mahabharata, a princess who was the subject of her husband's wager in a game of dice he played with his cousin, Duryodhana, and lost. That was not her only hardship; indeed she epitomises harsh treatment of women by men. It is in honour of Draupadi's courage that devotees subject themselves to a test of faith by walking barefoot across a four-metre pit of red-hot coals. In defiance of the intense heat, firewalkers focus in deep concentration to complete the challenge miraculously unscathed. Fire walking is also regarded as a test of purity for Draupadi's devotees. It is said that if a devotee is not pure, he or she will fail the test and be burnt.
The ceremony starts at 1am, so get there early for a good viewing spot. Please note that temple etiquette requires visitors to be dressed appropriately (knees or shoulders should be covered) and shoes should be removed at the door.
The ceremony starts at 1am, so get there early for a good viewing spot. Please note that temple etiquette requires visitors to be dressed appropriately (knees or shoulders should be covered) and shoes should be removed at the door.
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