NEWS: PHOTOS OF INDIANS WOMEN WRITHING IN PAIN AS THEY ARE BEING WHIPPED BY PRIESTS IN STRANGE RITUAL TO CURE THEM OF EVIL SPIRITS

Is this strange or what as shocking footage captured bizarre ritual performed by priests in Indian temple where Indian women are being whipped to cure them of evil spirits.

Every year, over 2,000 Indian women queue for 5 straight hours to be lashed in the ancient temple of Achappan in Trichy, South India. When their turn comes, they kneel on the floor to be whipped mercilessly by the temple priests.

This bizarre ritual is not easy for the women as many wince and writhe in pain while their family members watch on, hoping they will be cured.

One teenager who is a school girl with the name Vishakha, was made to sit in the queue by her parents' side, said; ‘My parents think I’m possessed because I show no interest in my studies.

‘Now my friends will laugh at me when they see the whip marks I’ll get after attending a festival to cure mental disorders,’ cried the young girl.

Other teenage girls were brought by their parents for either not yet attaining puberty or having irregular periods. A priest insisted the whipping was not a crime, adding: It is a belief of devotees and the practice is an ancient tradition. We cannot alter.’

Some elderly women agree with the priest and believe the whipping will cure them.

One 60-year-old said: ‘A lash here cures all ills, physical or mental. I have been receiving lashes at the temple for past decade and I have been cured of my illness. I have immense faith in the lashing.’ (DailyMail).

More photos below;