May
7
2009
Firewalking in Mauritius
Author: SamGiven the range of beliefs and customs in Mauritius, hardly a week goes by without a celebration. One not to miss is the Teemeedee, the Tamil, Hindu, fire walking ceremony. It is held throughout the year to honor to the various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. For the most part the ceremonies are held in December and January. The devotees prepare themselves for this horrifying ordeal by fasting, bathing and praying. They then walk across the red hot coals without any injury whatsoever. All the time they are being encouraged to get through the fire. There’s lots of cheering and chanting going on. Although this is a local celebration, the majority of the observers are tourists.
The fiery red embers represent the stretched out sari of the vengeful Hindu Goddess, Draupadi. So why is this Goddess so angry? According to the Hindu religion and the Mahabharata epic, Draupadi was the wife of of a chronic gambler. During a rigged game her husband puts her up as collateral for a bet. He loses. In fact he loses everything he owns ( including his wife). She contests this travesty arguing that no one has a right to own her or use her as payment for a lost bet. Despite her outrage, she’s overpowered and is dealt with swiftly and degradingly. The winner of the bet orders her to strip in front of many others and she refuses. She then loosens her hair and lets it fall down around her to cover her. Attempts are made to disrobe her and her sari keeps unwinding and unwinding. The more its pulled away the longer it becomes. It is for this reason that the Hindu Goddess Draupadi becomes ruthless and unforgiving, hence the burning coals. The Hindu temples in Quatre Bornes and Camp Diable (near Riviere des Anguilles) and the Vale (near Goodlands) are noted for this event.
These places are a bit off the beaten path, so if you’re looking for luxury hotels Mauritius, stick to the areas near the coastline. There isn’t much else to do in these areas.
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