Use the links above to see more photos.

This God has almost as many names as he has arms: Murugan; Skanda; Kataragama Deviyo - among others. He is considered a diety by the Hindus, Buddhists, Vedda - even the Muslims think he's special. Every year the Festival of Kataragama is held on the full moon in July.

And every year there is the Pada Yatra pilgimage where people, following, they believe, in the footsteps of Murugan, walk from as far away as Jaffna in the north to this site (500 km). And as if that trek weren't enough, some of them then pierce their skin with sharp hooks and dangle from ropes along with the procession that include elephants - all to the accompaniment of drums and music. They then walk on hot coals to the cheers and encouragement of onlookers. Personally, I think these people are out of their f**king minds.

But for those of you who find all this irresistible, this July's full moon is on the 16th.