“Bounteous are these rays like fire - priests, multicolored and offsprings of cosmic vital energies. They provide hundredfold treasures to the friends of mankind and prolong their life through countless precious rewards.” - Rig Veda
Udappu is a traditional Tamil fishing hamlet, 150kms North of Colombo. This village has a population of 15,000 and is situated in the North West Province-Puttlam district. It is situated about six kilometers off the Colombo-Puttlam main highway, on a trip of land between Mundal lake and the sea.
The fishing folk of this pristine coastal village have a different custom compared to the other fisher folk living in rest of the country. Devotees flock here during this time of the year, to attend the festivals of Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam.
Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam's annual fire walking ceremony was held on August 13th 2008. The annual festival of the temple is 18 day long.
Devotees call Poo Mithippu (flower walking) instead of Thee Mithippu (fire walking). Male devotees walk barefoot on orange colour fire. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness this rare event. The f ire walking ceremony continues till late night. Fire walking at Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam is considered the largest in the Island. Thiraupathai is the virgin wife of Pancha Pandavar (five Pandava Princes).
The male devotees have gathered at the temple at dawn to prepare the bed of fire for fire walking. The tamarind logs were taken away at dusk, and the bed was made. Special poojas were held throughout the day. The Gods were taken on procession after the pooja. They were kept at the main entrance of the temple where the fire walking happens.
With pitch-darkness the silver pot of flags (Karakam) arrives at the venue. No lights were used towards the bed of fire. The devotee who carries the silver pot of flags walks on fire first, followed by the rest of the devotees, while the other devotees chanted "Narayana", "Govintha" and "Arokara". The devotee carries a silver pot of flags continues to walk up and down on sand afterwards till all finish walk on fire. He is described as Thiraupathai Amman, who watches her devotees walk on fire and bless the people and place. Young and old walk barefoot on fire without any fear. Some of the devotees carried their children in their arms, while walking on fire. The female devotees who have attained puberty were not allowed go near the fire or walk on fire, because it's considered impure. The villagers of Udappu believe that, their village is blessed by Thiraupathai Amman after fire walking.
1 A
Idol of Pillaiyar on the left side of the Moolasthanam is decorated with sandalwood
1
Idols are being carried in procession by men on their shoulders
2
Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy are seated on a divine vehicle of snake which is kept in front of the the fire bed
3
Men begin to make the fire bed
4
Fire bed is being made
5
Devotees are seated on sand to watch the fire walikng
6
God Ganesh and God Murugan are seated on a vehicle of mouse is kept in front of the fire bed alongwith other deities
7
Kids enjoy playing in the vicinity
8
Flag is hoisted on the Kodi Thambam
9
Deities are decorated with sandalwood
10
Fire walking is held on the last day of the annual festival of the Rukmani Sathyapama Sametha Sri Paarthasaarathy Thiraupathathevi Devasthanam
11
Devotees from various parts of the country gather annually to witness and participate in fire walking
12
Thiraupathai Amman is kept in front of the fire bed near the main entarnce of the temple
13
Fire walking begins in the night
14
Preparing the fire bed begins at dawn and continues till dusk
15
Nathaswaram musicians continue to play throughout the ceremony
16
Sulaku is used to to reduce the heat of the coal flame
17
Thavil musicians grace the occasion
18
The heat around the fire is enormous
19
People from other communities gathered to witness the rare occasion
20
Devotees have the will power and courages to walk on the hot coal with barefeet
21
A small idol of Thiraupathai Amman is decorated and kept in front of the Kodi Thambam in the temple
22
Feet of Thiraupathai Amman are tied together during the procession, and they are unbound when the deity is placed outside the temple in front of the main entrance, while the fire walking happens
23
Devotees thronged the temple on this special day
24
Devotees believe that they walk on a stretch of hair, which belongs to Thiraupathai Amman
25
Fire builders begin to walk on the fire
26
A section of devotees are watching the fire walking
27
Most of the devotees walk on the fire annually
28
A devotee's hands joined devoutly over his head while crossing the fire
29
Orange coloured flame mingling with waves of smoke with shimmering heat
31
A sculpture above the Moolasthanam
32
Fathers carrying their children while crossing the fire
33
Western view of the "Peace Kopuram" which is being built
34
Sculpture placed on four corners of the temple
35
Men of Udappu and various parts of the country walk on red coal
36
A statue of Prithviraj is kept on the right hand side of the Moolasthanam
37
Residents of Udappu believe that Thiraupathai,the virgin wife of five Pandava Princes safeguards their village and guides them
38
The devotees observe a vegetarian regimen during the temple festival time
39
A statue of Bodhiraj is kept on the left hand side of the Moolasthanam
40
The devotees say that It's like walking on a bed of flowers, and no pain
41
Deities are placed on divine vehicles and kept in front of the bed of fire throughout the ceremony
42
Devotees cleanse themselves with sandalwood before they begin to walk on the fire
45
Men carry limes in the palms while crossing the fire. The limes are thrown in the air after the ceremony draws to an end. It's a sign of success
43
Thirisoolam with three limes on top is laid on the Manavarai, where the deity Thiraupathai Amman is seated
44
Traditional music added rhythm to the ceremony
46
This year 1,000 male devotees walked on the fire in Udappu
47
Holy thread is being tied on the wrist of a devotee by the chief priest of the temple Varatha Saranga Kurukkal from Valvettithurai
48
Tamarind logs are used to make the fire
49
Festival goers in Udappu
50
The Vedas say that the God exists in five primary elements-Earth, Water, Fire, Sky and Air