"Blind faith scalds temple priest running over burning coals in India"

Blind faith scalds temple priest running over burning coals in India

Story by Sumesh Rajan

Mumbai: April 30, 2018

A priest was badly burned when he tripped while running across hot coals during a temple mahotsav (festival) ritual.

Vijay Kumar (35), stumbled and fell in the burning hot coal pit while taking part in the annual mahotsav of Sri Revanasiddeshwara temple located in SRS Betta in Ramanagara district of Karnataka, India, on April 28.

Terrifying footage shows that Kumar started running at speed down the path of fiery coals, which is prepared a day earlier by burning wooden logs.

But, mid-way he loses his footing and falls headlong into the pit. Immediately, two other priests – Rudresh and Manjunath -- waiting at the end of the pit rush in to help him. They jump into the pit, lift Kumar and take him out to safety as the devotees gathered around look aghast.

All three of them are rushed to a nearby government hospital, and from there shifted to St. John’s Medical College Hospital in Bengaluru, the state capital 65 kilometers away.

While Kumar sustained about 60% burns on his legs and hands, Rudresh and Manjunath sustained 15 to 20% leg burns. 

Sri Revanasiddeshwara temple, located atop a hill about 3000 feet above sea level, is an abode of a form of Lord Shiva and is considered sacred by Shaiva followers. 

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LONDON



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5673857/Priest-suffers-60-cent-burns-fall-running-hot-coals-Indian-festival.html



https://www.unilad.co.uk/health/priest-suffers-horrific-burns-after-hot-coal-ritual-goes-very-wrong/



USA



http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/04/30/priest-suffers-severe-burns-after-fall-while-running-across-hot-coals-in-india.html