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A photograph of a Devi puja at a temple shrine with large painted and sculpted goddess images behind, including a lion-mounted multi-armed Durga figure and a white-clad goddess murti garlanded in yellow flowers. Seated on the floor in the foreground, a bare-chested priest in a white dhoti with a yellow border and gold chains gestures toward brass oil lamps and a stand of offerings. Three young girls in red and maroon saris with jewelry sit beside him, one holding an orange. At right, an older man with white-marked bare torso and a saffron-orange garment performs a gesture near a red-cushioned seat, and a standing figure in orange robes is partly visible at the edge. Scattered flower petals, plates of ash-like material and a silver tray lie on the mat. Four to five visible people, seated devotees and priests in ritual dress.

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October 16 20102010-10-16A temple puja scene before a large multi-armed deity murti of Durga with a red-and-gold figure on a lion-like mount, flanked by additional goddess figures in white and red adornments. In the foreground a shaved-headed priest in white dhoti and white shawl kneels at a low white altar, pouring offerings from a small vessel, with a small silver-and-red decorated image on a peetha. Oil lamps burn on brass stands, and a standing attendant in white dhoti holds a lit lamp. Three young girls in red and maroon saris sit to the right, with garlands of flowers and marigold petals scattered on the altar. Dried twigs and offering plates lie in front.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copiesA night puja at an ashram shrine where a large deity murti stands in front of a white and silver decorated backdrop, with a white umbrella canopy above and flower garlands draped around the figures. On the right, a bearded elderly man with long matted hair, a rudraksha mala, white markings on his chest and arms, and an orange-saffron wrap sits on a white cushion with his hands in anjali. Beside him a younger man in a white turban and white cloth sits on a red-cushioned seat, and in front a shaved-headed man in white dhoti with a yellow border sits with hands joined near a brass lamp and scattered flower petals. Several boys in white clothes sit at the shrine, and an oil lamp and offerings are set on the steps. Coloured bunting and string lights decorate the background.2010-10-16 +2 copiesA Chandi Homa ritual at an ashram shrine before a large deity murti of Durga with multiple arms holding weapons, surrounded by white floral and lace-like decorations. A man in a white dhoti and white cloth at the top of the frame, bare-chested with a thin shawl, stands at left offering a fruit onto a fire-pit or offering table lined with white stone steps, while a young girl in a red and gold dress reaches to place an orange. Another girl in a red outfit sits at right, and a seated priest in white dhoti with a yellow cloth, bare-chested, tends the offerings with dried sticks and flowers in brass plates. Brass oil lamps, flower garlands and marigold petals fill the foreground, and a figure in orange at far right is partly visible.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA photograph of a ritual inside a temple hall before a group of goddess murti images decorated with white floral cutouts, garlands and a lion or tiger mount. In the foreground a bare-chested priest in white dhoti with a red border and gold necklace sits with his back to the camera, near a lit brass oil lamp and flower-strewn steps. Two women seated on a mat in orange and red saris, one with a pink lotus in her hands, are in meditative stillness, while another seated figure in red and orange clothing sits at right. Marigold and rose garlands hang on the deity images, and a decorated umbrella is visible at upper right. The scene appears to be a puja or homa in progress.2010-10-16A night-time homa scene in a decorated hall before a large deity murti of a goddess with many arms, flanked by smaller murtis and garlands of white and tinsel. A white-robed priest with a shaved head sits cross-legged at a square fire pit with flowers, facing the murti. To the right, an older bearded man with long white hair, white tripundra markings on his forehead and arms, rudraksha beads and a saffron-orange robe with gold trim sits with hands folded. Another man in a white cloth and cream turban sits nearby, and several young girls in red and dark dresses sit behind the altar. Lamps and red ceremonial cloth fill the background.2010-10-16Night photograph of a Devi puja at an outdoor stage. A large goddess murti with many arms, dark flowing hair and a lion mount stands at the centre, framed by white floral arches, garlands and a canopy of green leaves. Several smaller murtis flank her. In the foreground a bare-chested priest in white dhoti holds a brass vessel and raises one arm toward the altar. Another white-clad priest kneels at the platform, and a seated man in orange robes with white markings sits to the right, his palms together. Young girls in red and maroon clothes sit among the worshippers, and oil lamps and brass vessels stand on the white platform steps, with flower petals scattered across the cloth.2010-10-16Night photo of a Chandi homa-style puja before a decorated deity murti of a goddess with a lion mount, surrounded by white flower garlands and decorative umbrellas and kalasha-like structures. A bearded elderly sannyasi in saffron-orange robes with a rudraksha mala, white tripundra markings on his arms and chest, and a crown-like gold headdress sits on a red throne on the right with his hands raised in blessing. A young man in white dhoti with a saffron shawl sits nearby holding a small object, while another attendant in white stands beside the throne. A boy in white kneels in prayer in the foreground beside marigold petals and offering trays, with other children in white seated behind. Strings of lights and bunting decorate the background.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night-time photograph of a Navaratri puja at a temple-like stage decorated with green leaf garlands and string lights. A large white-and-silver decorated deity murti of the goddess stands at the back, with a lion mount and a row of smaller decorated figures. In front, a bald priest in a white dhoti and white shawl raises his right arm and holds a brass vessel, while another white-clad attendant in a yellow-trimmed dhoti kneels nearby. A bare-chested man with white-painted markings on his torso sits on the right beside a white armchair, and young girls in red and gold clothes stand in the background. Brass lamps, a bowl and flower petals rest on the white steps of the altar, with a sheet-draped platform in the foreground.2010-10-16Night-time homa at a temple shrine with a large white square fire pit where flames rise from the centre. A shaven-headed priest in white dhoti and gold necklace sits at left with hands pressed together in prayer, beside a brass tray and bowls. Another priest in white dhoti with a yellow cloth sits at right, facing the fire. Several young girls in maroon and red outfits sit around the altar. Behind them stand large white-and-silver decorated murti figures of a goddess with multiple arms holding weapons atop a lion, along with Ganesha and other deities under ornate parasols. Strings of coloured lights glow in the background, and flower petals are scattered on the altar.2010-10-16 +1 copiesIndoor ritual scene at a Chandi Homa with a shrine of deity murtis. A bare-chested priest in white dhoti leans over a white altar-platform, offering a red apple toward a woman in orange sari who kneels and holds a small plate. A woman in white sari stands at the left holding a tray of apples and fruit. Several women in orange and red saris sit around the altar with flower offerings. Behind them stand a pink Ganesha murti garlanded with purple flowers, a white-clad goddess figure with a green and yellow garland, and a large Durga murti with multiple arms holding weapons, riding a lion. Brass oil lamps burn and brass vessels, bells and a pile of dried sticks sit on the altar. A coloured canopy hangs above.2010-10-16