A fire-walking ritual in south India went awry after a Hindu priest fell on a bed of hot coals.

The priest has been identified as Dodda Swamappa, 55, who works at a temple in Gudisaragur village at Channapatna taluk in the state of Karnataka.

Though experienced at the ritual of fire-walking, he lost balance and stumbled during a fair on February 21.

However the devotees present at the spot rushed to rescue him, and he suffered only light injuries on his legs thanks to the timely help. He was given first aid at the village itself.

A firewalking ritual went awry after a Hindu priest fell on the bed of hot coals. But the devotees who were present at the spot rushed to rescue him. The priest has been identified as Dodda Swamappa, 55, who works at a temple in Gudisaragur village at Channapatna taluk in the state of Karnataka. Though experienced at the ritual of firewalking he lost balance and stumbled during a fair on February 21. He suffered only light injuries on his legs thanks to the timely help. He was given first aid at the village itself.