Skip to content
Nithyanandapedia
Night ritual at an open-sided pavilion with a central fire pit burning in a square stone basin, flames and smoke rising amid scattered marigold and rose petals. Behind the fire stands a gold-framed throne draped in red cloth and garlanded with yellow and orange flowers. To the right, a woman in a red and gold sari with a flower garland sits on an ornate gold throne beneath a colourful umbrella. A shirtless priest in an orange dhoti stands at left beside a flower-decked deity murti and brass lamps, while another person in a saffron cloth stands further back. Offerings of fruit, a metal pot and a tray of rose petals sit near the fire. Homa-style fire ritual.

More like this

Open the gallery
February 16 20162016-02-16 +1 copiesA night-time homa at an outdoor temple-style setting under a corrugated roof. In the centre, a bare-chested priest in an orange dhoti with a green-and-maroon border stands with his back to the camera, hands raised toward a blazing fire pit with offerings. Behind him, a golden gilded throne holds a seated person in a maroon garment with a garland, and a second seated attendant in orange sits nearby. To the left, a deity murti is decorated with yellow and red flower garlands on an ornate stand, with a brass oil lamp beside it. Rose petals and marigold petals scatter the ground, brass vessels and a plate of fruit rest on a low table, and a multicolour umbrella shades the throne on the right.2016-02-16 +1 copiesFebruary 16 20162016-02-16 +1 copiesFebruary 16 20162016-02-16Night outdoor fire ritual. A bright fire burns in a metal homa pit in the foreground, with flower offerings and a small red-cloth bundle placed beside it. A seated figure with a shaved head and bare upper body, wearing a mala, faces the fire from the lower left. On the right, a person in saffron-orange robes with a red-and-white flower garland sits on an ornate gold throne with a carved backrest and a red-and-gold umbrella overhead. Two more saffron-robed attendants stand behind, and marigold petals are scattered on the ground. A large gold-draped throne with a red cloth and garlands stands behind the fire.2016-02-16 +1 copiesFebruary 16 20162016-02-16April 03 20162016-04-03Night ritual outdoors under a corrugated roof beside a large open fire pit. A priest in red dhoti and a red-bordered cloth stands at left holding a flower, with a bare-chested assistant in white behind him. At right, a seated figure in a pink-red robe wears a long orange-and-white garland and sits on a gold-carved throne, with a red cushion at its base. In front of the throne stands a golden deity murti draped in marigold garlands and a large gold necklace, under a multicoloured canopy. Brass plates of flowers, kalasha vessels and a basket of pink petals sit on a striped mat. A tiered decorated shrine stands by the fire.2016-04-03Night ritual under a corrugated metal roof with a fire pit burning at centre, a homa or yagna. A priest standing at left in a red dhoti with a pink cloth and a red-and-white garland holds an offering near the flames. A devotee in a saffron-orange garment with a red mala sits on an ornate gold throne at right, arms resting, with a red cushion beneath the feet. Behind the fire stands a large deity murti or decorated figure draped in yellow and orange marigold garlands, flanked by a multicoloured canopy with fringe. A tiered decorated structure with garlands, brass lamps and flower trays sits at left. Striped woven mats cover the floor, and brass vessels and offerings are arranged in front.2016-04-03Night-time homa ceremony at a temple-style hall with a large open fire burning in a square fire pit at the centre-front, rising flames and smoke. A standing priest bare-chested in white dhoti with a white shoulder cloth and a garland of white beads stands beside the fire. Behind him is a golden ornate seat draped in red cloth and garlanded with yellow and orange marigold and white flower garlands, topped by a golden canopy. On the right, a seated person in a red-saffron robe and red-and-white flower garland sits on an ornate gold throne under a red and multicoloured fringed parasol. At left a decorated shrine with marigold garlands and brass oil lamps, and trays of flowers and offerings in the foreground. Petals scattered on the floor.2016-02-16 +1 copiesNight outdoor ritual at a temple-like courtyard with smoke rising. A priest in an orange dhoti with bare chest and a red offering bowl raised in both hands stands at left beside a brass lamp. In the centre, a fire pit burns with offerings of flowers and fruit around it. Behind it, a deity murti in red cloth sits on a golden throne decorated with yellow and orange marigold garlands and a rudraksha-style necklace. At right, a seated figure in dark red-brown robes wears a flower garland and a rudraksha mala, seated on an ornate golden chair under a striped canopy. Scattered flower petals cover the ground.2016-02-16 +1 copiesFebruary 16 20162016-02-16 +1 copies