Dozens of Indian women desperate to get pregnant allowed 'God-men' to trample over them for an age-old traditional ritual.

Tribal women in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, have performed this ritual for generations during the annual festival of Ekadashi, during the month of July.

Women, who are unable to have children visit the Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple, in Anantapur district.

When they arrive, they take part in the the bizarre practice in a desperate bid to have a child of their own.

Tribal women in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, have performed this ritual for generations during the annual festival of Ekadashi, during the month of July

Women, who are unable to have children visit the Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple, in Anantapur district

When they arrive, they take part in the the bizarre practice in a desperate bid to have a child of their own

They lie down in a line on the ground and wait for a God-man to walk over their backs, as hundreds of locals look on.

Many claim the practice has worked and say it has fulfilled the wishes of countless women to become mothers.

Harilal Nayak, executive magistrate of Manaksira town, in Andhra Pradesh, said: ‘This ritual has been going on for generations.

They lie down in a line on the ground and wait for a God-man to walk over their backs, as hundreds of locals look on

Many claim the practice has worked and say it has fulfilled the wishes of countless women to become mothers

‘It’s clear being walked over by a God-man doesn’t make a woman pregnant but while they believe it does, they’ll do it’ said Harilal Nayak, executive magistrate of Manaksira town

'People hold a strong belief in this practice and numerous women take part thinking it works.

'People will continue to do it as long as the belief is there.

‘It’s clear being walked over by a God-man doesn’t make a woman pregnant but while they believe it does, they’ll do it.’