Faced with increasing competition and dwindling returns, self-styled godmen from neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra are flocking to Kerala's Nilambur to learn magical tricks to woo more followers.

With growing demand from such enterprising godmen to learn magical tricks, many "coaching classes" have sprouted in Nilambur village in Kerala's Malappuram district, renowned for magic, said R K Malayath, a professional magician, who has put in over 40 years in the field.

According to Malayath, at first when such godmen came to him for being tutored, he did not encourage them. "But they were so desperate that they approached some quacks who charged them hefty fees. This forced me to accept their plea to hold classes," he said.

"They willingly undertake a three-day crash course for a fee of Rs 5000. They want to learn how 'vibuti' (holy ash), 'kumkum' and 'laddus' (sweets) are taken from thin air and 'shivalingam' from the mouth," Malayath, who runs the Malayath Magical Enterprises, said.

Kerala had launched a clean up drive against spiritual fraudsters few months ago following the arrest of Santosh Madhavan alias Amrita chaitanya, a self-styled godman, who is behind bars for allegedly raping some minor girls of an orphanage.

After Chaitanya's arrest, it was hard time for many such fake sages in the state. However, many of those who were arrested are now out on bail and are happily pursuing their old vocation—playing godman.

'Madhathipathis', 'swamis' and even 'mullahs' flock to this remote village to learn the tricks, he said.

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