It may be argued that purification and rebirth form the key components of the firewalk. Once one has been purified, one is thus able to accept the protection of Draupadi as one crosses the coals. The successful crossing of the coals represents a physical and spiritual rebirth as one has been cleansed of ones sins. From my observations, it seems that during the 11 days the firewalkers spend in the temple, they slowly undergo a process of purification. I have identified several processes, which lead to their purification
rior to entering the temple:Some of the firewalkers begin their preparations six weeks or more before they enter the temple, whilst others may begin them a few days before. The preparations include:1. dietary change - removing meat products from their diet (though not milk products). Thereby beginning the internal cleansing process and and also beginning to balance the gunas (humors)2. Abstinence - prospective firewalkers sleep separately from their wives. Usually on a thin mat or upon straw on the floor. this begins the transformation from existence in the material world to the life of an ascetic in the spiritual world.3. Abstinence from intoxicants - tobacco, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, kava etc.At the temple:4. The tying of the Kangam on the wrist of the devotees. This is made of turmeric, and as is well known, turmeric acts to purify. It is also a constant reminder of the vow that has been taken. During the tying of the kangam, a mantra is recited, during which the devotee acknowledges the change in his status to that of an initiate.5. Divesting oneself of 'worldly clothings'. The normal clothes belong to the material world, in which the ego is all-powerful. By removing these clothes, one symbolically rejects the material world of fashion and 'appearance', which act to provide a division between people. These clothes are replaced by the simple saffron t-shirt and vaeshti (dhoti or sulu). These confirm the fraternal-bond of the firewalkers, or as they are now known Kangam Bhais. By wearing simple clothes, it is hoped that the ego will diminish and the fraternal bond and sense of common-identity will increase.6. The kangan bhais bathe twice-daily, though they are not supposed to use soaps, scents or oils. There are also two periods of ritual bathing when they march down to the sea, bathe, and then return to the temple as part of a processing. this procession is led by the Shakti kargam and the supram with the deity Mariamman or Draupadi.7.During the puja, the mantras act to purify the mind, and begin the process of mental preparedness to cross the coals. 8. Many of the items used in the puja also act to purify - incense purifies the air, turmeric is applied as a tikka, agni is ever-present in the form of the Hawan. The Hawan continually burns for the duration of the puja, and it is this fire which is transferred to the firewalking pit (gundam).9. ritual whipping is performed during the 11 day period. This acts to focus the mind, but also to cleanse the body of any evil spirits, which have attached themselves to the body.10. The use of limes and neem leaves also protect and purify. These are liberally used during the process. The temple is lined around its circumference with neem leaves. Certain parts of the temple have double or triple layers in order to ensure that ‘evil-spirits’ cannot disrupt the process.11. When the gundam (firepit) is prepared, it is smeared with cow-dung in order to purify it, further a form of mandala is drawn onto the gundam surface. As the pujari draws it, he recites a mantra.12. On the day of the firewalk, the Kangan Bhais bathe in dry turmeric, following their normal water bath.13. the act of crossing the coals are the final major act of purity.This is a significantly abridged list of the various stages of purification (which is not in chronological order). If anyone wants a complete list, please feel free to email me. I am currently trying to locate a copy of the Gini Keliye Vaga, which I understand is the procedure followed during the firewalk process. Once I have a copy I plan to translate it… any help would be appreciated!