Source

AMRITSAR, INDIA, May 10, 2004: Their faces are devoid of any expression of pain as they pull a car tethered to hooks which have been pierced into their backs, begins this article. Impassioned devotees with tridents and rods pierced through their cheeks participate in the annual “agni puja” to thank Mahamai Mariaman for granting their wishes. Not a single drop of blood emerges from the wounds caused by the tridents, rods and hooks. Devotees of Mahamai Mariaman, who are members of the South Indian Sewak Sabha and Madrasi Rajput Society, perform these acts of devotion once their wish is granted by the Goddess. Religious fervor was at its peak on Sunday as devotees walked barefoot over smouldering coal. Kuldeep Roy, an ardent devotee of the Goddess, told Times News Network that devotees who participate in the puja are required not to eat anything three days before the puja, perform havanas (fire ceremony), remain celibate, and sleep on the floor.

Post Views: 576