A short walk through villages a few kilometers outside Puri there's a pair of twin temples to Shiva & Parvati; Temples are situated in the midst of a giant banyan tree. Every Tuesday & Saturday, priests acquire a trance state by means of intoxicating drugs in the sanctum sanctorum of the small temple, to the accompaniment of drums and musical instruments, bell ringing and much smoke. When they emerge from the Parvati temple interior they’re escorted to the large lion statues flanking the entrance.  Attendants hand them flaming flowers or leaves which they take into their mouths, quashing the flame, then toss the smouldering leaf into the crowd. Whoever catches it can ask a question; or sometimes, the shaman proceeds to tell them the answer to their question before they can make the initial inquiry.

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