Rare temples of India

Devaragattu Temple, Andhra Pradesh

 

Another ancient temple of India, Devaragattu Temple at the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is famous for the Bani Festival. Located on the border of Karnataka, every year on Dussehra, devotees from both the states gather in huge number with lathis, to hit each other on the heads till midnight!
Commemorating the slaying of a demon by Mala-Malleswara (Shiva), these men drenched in blood goes on with the celebration throughout the night. This 100-year-old festival was earlier celebrated with axes and spears instead of lathis. In the year 2014, police reported a total causality of 56 people during Bani festival. Medical attendants and police haplessly remain spectators to this extreme frenzy!

Devji Maharaj Mandir, Madhya Pradesh: Venue for the annual “Bhoot Mela”

 

During the full moon every month, the Devji Maharaj Mandir in Madhya Pradesh, is the place where devotees come to rid themselves of ghosts, demons, and evil spirits. As penance, a common practice is lighting camphor tablets on bare palms to scare whatever evil spirit resides within to leave the body. Running around or being smacked by a broom are other options.
But the weirdest tradition is the annual “ bhoot mela” or ghost fair that is held in the temple grounds, to appease evil spirits. One of the unsolvable mysteries of India for sure; warrants a visit?

Mahendipur Balaji Temple, Rajasthan: Exorcise your Demons

 

In the sleepy little Dausa district of Rajasthan, thousands of devotees turn up at Mahendipur Balaji Temple to rid themselves of ghosts, demons and other evil spirits every day. Offering penance in extreme ways, pouring boiling water on oneself, hanging from the ceiling, chaining themselves to walls, and banging their heads against the walls is said to rid a person of all things evil. This temple is also famed for being probably the only place in India where exorcisms by priests are still carried out.
No Prasad is offered at this temple, and it is said that once you leave the temple, you must not turn back to look at it; who knows, evil spirits might take that as an invitation to inhabit your body. Chalk it up to another mystery of Indian temples.