Poo Mithi Thiruvizha - Salem

The Arulmigu Kottai Mariamman Temple is located on the banks of the River Tirumanimuttharu. The presiding deity of this temple is Goddess Kottai Mariamman an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. During the Tamil calendar month of Aadi(inbetween July and August), the temple commemorates a grand celebration known as “Poo Mithi Thiruvizha”- a ritual involving the devotees to walk on fire. In the thee mithi ritual, the devotees walk across the fire pit while pleading to the Goddess to grant their wishes. The devotees dress up in traditional clothing and smear turmeric on their faces during this festival.The night before the festival day, the fire pit is created, and it is maintained to remain fuming hot throughout the ceremony. Some devotees also carry Paal Kudam (carrying of milk pots on their heads). Some of the offerings during this festival include Raagi Koozh(a porridge made up of ragi flour, rice and curd) along with “Ulundhu kali” (a rice ball made up of urad rice and pepper). Devotees all accross the state gather at this temple to celebrate the "Poo Mithi Thiruvizha" to seek blessings from the Goddess.