Priests Smash Coconuts On Devotees' Heads In Weird Ritual

Every year, thousands of devotees travel to a remote village in the
South Indian state of Tamil Nadu to put themselves through a gruesome
ritual that they hope will bring them good health and success. Men,
women and even children willingly permit priests to smash hard
coconuts on their skulls, not minding the risk involved, according to
the Times of India.

Several devotees squat on the floor in a line, waiting patiently as
the temple priests approach with a sack of coconuts. One priest holds
the heads firmly, while the other one brings down the coconuts without
hesitation. The whole process is completed in a matter of minutes.
Some devotees can be seen wincing in pain as the coconuts come
crashing on to their heads. Some massage their heads, while others
promptly collect the broken pieces as holy offerings. Surprisingly,
there are a few who don't flinch at all - these people are often in a
deep meditative state of prayer. Nonetheless, medical staff are always
present to tend to serious injuries.

Doctors warn devotees every year that the practice could actually be
deadly. "There is a certain amount of tolerance for the skull beyond
which it will cause damage," said neurosurgery professor Anil Kumar
Peethambaran. "If the coconut breaks, the energy is dissipated, but
when it doesn't this can cause damage to the skull."

But the staunch devotees don't seem to be worried at all; they're
confident that the deity will protect them. Despite warnings, the
practice has been going on regularly since the 19th century. "My
family has been coming here for years," said one devotee. "Today, four
of us have come for the ritual. The coconuts broke well - we hope it
brings success."