Fire Walking Ceremony , Theemethi
Just before Aadi month begins, Nageswary Amman Temple at Ampang held Theemeethi festival. It is annual firewalking ceremony which is in form of penance or thanksgiving to the Goddess. It is not as easy as it is. One need to undergo full vegetarianism for atleast 40 days and spirtually divert mind to Goddess. The first 3-4 days before the actual festival is deemed as most crucial days for devotees, some will observe silence or complete fasting. There are speeches by temple priest and devotees will offer free food to the temple.
The firepit is dug during early morning with certain measurement. This firewalking rituals is highly spoken since the age of Mahabharata. (read mahabharata) It is symbolic meaning of victory over war for the pandavas, and one of the most important 18 sacred distinguishable rituals rites in hinduism. The chief priest of the temple will usually starts the firewalking with a karagam ( sacred pot , well decorated which contains holy theertha’s).Some women will walk around the red hot fire beds and others will actually walk on the fire bed and immediately step into pit which contains Milk. This is to cool the devotees feet.
Some photo’s although I could not take all the shots, the location is small and crowded plus some devotees came in trance.
