Priest suffers horrific burns after falling while running on hot coals
A priest has suffered horrendous burns after tripping over while running across hot coals.
Vijay Kumar, 35, had been performing the ritual at a festival in India when he lost his footing and fell front-first into the fiery burning pit.
The festival is one of many across India held as part of a centuries-old tradition.
Kumar tumbled downwards onto the burning coals before two fellow priests standing at the end of the red hot runway jumped in to pull him to safety.
All three were taken to St. John’s Medical College Hospital in Bengaluru, India, where Mr Kumar was treated for 60% burns to his legs.
The two priests who saved his life also suffered between 15 and 20% burns after the accident at Sri Revanasiddeshwara temple in Ramanagara district of Karnataka, India, on April 28.
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Local media reported Kumar had walked across the burning coals four times previously but fell on his fifth attempt.
Kumar suffered 60% burns to his legs.
The path of fiery coals that he tried to run across was prepared the day before the festival, by burning wooden logs.
Walking or running across hot coals is supposed to show dedication to God and is also believed to cure illness.
The temple is located atop a hill about 3,000 ft above sea level and is considered sacred by Shaiva followers.
