Skip to content
Nithyanandapedia
Overhead view of an outdoor ritual yard shaded by palm fronds, with a row of red-rimmed square fire pits or homa trays on a white-tiled ground. Many people stand and move among them: men in white dhotis and shirts, several bare-chested men in white dhotis, and saffron-clad men in orange robes, plus women in saris and a girl in pink. Small bundles of sticks are set in the trays, and a red-and-yellow decorated umbrella stands at left beside red plastic chairs. Paper banners and green leaf garlands hang on the blue-white wall behind.

More like this

Open the gallery
January 12 20092009-01-12Elevated view of an outdoor courtyard with many people gathered among rows of red-rimmed wooden trays holding small heaps of offerings, possibly sticks or grains, set on mats and tiled ground. Men in white dhotis and shirts, women in saris and salwars, and several children move between the trays, some standing in line and others crouched or bowing. Red plastic chairs line the left wall beneath a coconut palm, a white sculpted deity figure with flower garlands stands at the right edge, and a few flags hang overhead. The scene suggests a communal ritual, though no a person figure is clearly identifiable.2009-01-12Outdoor ceremony on sandy ground under coconut palms. On the left, a decorated palanquin with red-and-white canopies and garlands of yellow and orange flowers stands beside a white-draped platform. In the centre, a man with long dark hair wears an orange robe, a beaded rudraksha-style necklace and a gold chain, standing beside a white-covered seat. Rows of people in white clothes sit on the ground to the right, many with folded hands, and brass oil lamps, a kalasha-style vessel and a lit brass lamp rest on cloth mats in front. A man in orange stands at the right edge holding an orange cloth. Hundreds of people in white attire fill the background. A microphone stands on the left.2006-07-11January 12 20092009-01-12Outdoor ritual yagna under a corrugated shelter with palm trees and red and pink draped cloth behind. A square fire pit with a sacred fire sits on a mat at the centre, flanked by a silver kalasha and small brass lamps. Numerous men in white dhotis and shirts stand with palms joined in prayer among rows of white stone platforms holding offerings. On the right, a figure in orange robes with a white flower garland stands at the pit, and several people in saffron-orange robes stand beside an ornate peetha-style seat with a decorative backrest. Festive flags and small canopies line the background. The scene appears to be a homa or puja during a brahmotsavam-type celebration.2006-12-25August 09 20072007-08-09A photograph of an open-sided pavilion under a corrugated roof, lined with palm trees, where a large homa or yagna is being performed. Rows of white square fire pits or altars stand on bare earth, with a striped mat laid in front of one. At left, a deity murti or decorated figure sits on a white-draped platform beneath garlands, with a gold cloth draped over a table. Pink and red draped fabric frames the pavilion walls, and orange flags line the back. A standing figure in an orange robe at right holds a ritual implement, while a figure in white stands nearby. A crowd of people in white, orange and pink clothing stands in a long line behind a rope, watching the rite.2006-12-26Large outdoor ritual gathering on red carpeting under a red-roofed open pavilion decorated with striped and patterned draped cloth, garlands and white sculptured figures. Many devotees sit in rows before red plastic trays holding offerings, leaves and grains, with some men in white dhotis and shirts and women in colourful saris. A woman with grey hair in a blue sari sits in the foreground. Palm trees and a painted wall with figures stand behind the pavilion. No clearly identifiable a person is visible in the scene.2009-01-12 +1 copiesA large outdoor photograph of a Sri Nithyananda temple courtyard at dusk. Rows of red wooden boxes filled with firewood sit on the ground, each with banana leaf plates of offerings, fruit, and coconut, laid on woven mats. Devotees in white and cream clothes stand with folded hands along the rows. In the foreground, several saffron-robed sannyasis walk in procession; one tall man in front wears a rudraksha mala and orange robe. Behind them, a white temple building with a decorated entrance displays a deity murti and garlands, and a banner reading Sri Nithyananda Temple. A large banner at right reads Sadhukkal Sangam with a portrait of a woman. A black stone statue of a seated figure with flower garlands is at left.2009-12-30A photograph of an outdoor ritual yagna under a corrugated metal shelter with palm fronds and coconut palms. Rows of white concrete blocks form a fire-altar layout on the ground, covered with woven mats and scattered offerings. On the left, a pink and gold draped canopy frames a decorated altar with garlands, a deity murti and a gold cloth on a low table. Several people in white garments stand behind a cord along the back of the altar area. On the right, a man in an orange robe and two men in white and orange stand near the fire pit, with saffron flags along the edge. Baskets of fruit and coconuts sit in the foreground. Exact count of visible people is approximate, with roughly twenty to thirty standing around the ritual area.2006-12-26July 11 20062006-07-11February 11 20072007-02-11