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The river boiled, its temperature spiking as the Aghori spoke the ancient words. Steam rose as cold rain hit the waves and mist made it harder to see in the semi-darkness. Screams of agony rang through the air and those in deeper waters scrambled for the shore, pushing others under in their haste to get out. But there were so many people crushed into every inch of water that they were trapped as the panic widened.
The faithful crumpled into the waves as their flesh boiled, the animal cries of the dying echoing above the pilgrim throng. In the confusion, those on the shore were pushed towards the boiling waters by those behind. The Aghori held the sculpture to his chest and his chant intensified. Then he cupped his hands as if to push the energy from him and shouted his mantra to the s
