Unity Avenue in New Modder was transformed into a flood of colour when devotees of the Arulmighu Shri Anantha Muthumariamman Temple embarked on their first Aadi Maasam Amman Theemithi Thiruvizha, a fire walking festival, on July 23.
Under the watchful eye of Shri Anantha Muthumariamman, the Hindu goddess of the universe and healing, thousands of revellers took to the street in traditional attire, carrying depictions of the deity and offerings.
It was the first festival hosted at the temple since it opened its doors at the start of the year.
“Firewalking is an important ritual practised by Shakti Agama and sees devotees walking over a bed of coals,” explained the founder and spiritual head, Gurrukal Vishendrin Vijay Kumar, who has served in the community for 12 years.
“The ritual is known as Thee Meethi Thimithi and is dedicated to the goddess Shakthi.
“It is an act of self-purification because it represents the Angikesam, the fire which burns behind the goddess Mariamman, where devotees vow to walk on fire in exchange for a wish or blessing granted by the cosmic mother.”
It was the first time this festival was held in New Modder, but it promised to be the first of many under the guidance of the guru and the temple’s devotees.
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