Firewalking Event A Test Of Faith

Hindu devotees had a chance to test their faith when the annual firewalking ceremony at Verata Wailevu’s Rishi Kapoor Temple ended 10 days of fasting.

Hundreds gathered at the temple to watch the annual event performed by the descendents of the South Indian community to praise the Hindu goddess Mariamman.

High priest Rishi Kapoor Sharma said the ceremony also sought to bring blessings to the devotees.

“To be able to participate in the fire walking ceremonies, devotees fast for 10 days. In the days leading up to the event we eat vegetarian meals and pray for blessings. Devotees are whipped before and during the ceremony and pain will not be felt if they have a strong focus and believe in the goddess,” he said.

“The devotees then test their faith by walking barefoot three times in a pit of hot charcoal.”

Edited by Epineri Vula

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