The Sacred Fire of Beheram
In a temple in the secluded village of Ocdwada, India, there burns a fire which was kindled about one thousand two hundred years ago, and has been burning continuously ever since. It is the sacred fire of Beheram, consecrated by the ancient Parsees in commemoration of the voyage they had just safely completed in their migration from Persia to India. The fire is kept going in fulfilment of a vow. It is fed at five stated times during the day. The fuel is composed of sandal-wood, benzine, and other odorous material, each of which is first subjected to a peculiar form of religious ceremony. During certain months of the year, especially allotted to the worship of the genius of fire, the little village of Ocdwada is the Mecca of thousands of pilgrims.—Savannah News.