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A large group of men sit closely packed in a ritual gathering, most bare-chested and wearing white dhotis with white sacred thread across their torsos and rudraksha-style beads on necks. Many have white ash or vibhuti markings on foreheads, arms and chests. Several hold thin wooden sticks or palm-leaf pieces in their hands, appearing to take part in a deeksha initiation. The setting is dense with participants, and a plain yellow-brown mat lies beneath them. No individual is clearly identifiable as a person in this crowd of initiates.

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Dense group of bare-chested men seated cross-legged on mats during a Shiva Deeksha initiation at Nithyananda Peetham. Many have white sacred ash markings on their chests, arms and foreheads, white sacred threads over their shoulders and pendant necklaces, and wear white dhotis. Several hold thin wooden sticks or implements in their hands and look downward in concentration. Participants are seated in rows, and the scene conveys a collective ritual sitting.2017-02-22February 22 20172017-02-22February 22 20172017-02-22February 22 20172017-02-22 +1 copiesA large group of men seated cross-legged on an orange cloth at night, bare-chested, wearing white dhotis with gold borders and rudraksha malas, many with white forehead markings, eyes closed in meditation or chanting. Several have hands folded in anjali, and one in front holds his hands together while another reads or gestures. Behind them stand more devotees and illuminated ritual decorations, with a golden ornate structure visible at the upper right. No individual is singled out as a person; the attendees appear to be devotees and priests in ritual dress.2017-09-26 +1 copiesA large group of bare-chested men seated closely on the floor in a hall, many with white sacred ash smeared across their foreheads and shoulders and white sacred threads over their chests. In the foreground a man with greying hair and a red bindi holds his palms pressed together in anjali mudra while speaking, with a white thread across his bare chest. Beside him a bearded man in white dhoti-style cloth holds his palms together, and a bald man at the lower left wears a rudraksha mala and reddish sandal marks. Some devotees sit with eyes closed in prayer, and the background is softly blurred with more seated participants.2017-12-24A large indoor gathering of seated men, most bare-chested in white dhoti-style cloth, many with white and ochre forehead markings and rudraksha or bead necklaces. Foreground figures sit close to the camera, some with hands folded and others looking toward the front of the hall. Behind them, rows of similarly dressed devotees fill the room, with a few saffron-clad figures visible further back and a wooden door and carved panel on the right wall.2015-11-24June 08 20172017-06-08February 22 20172017-02-22May 26 20172017-05-26A large seated congregation of men in a hall during a ceremony. In the foreground, several bare-chested men sit cross-legged on a mat, their torsos and arms marked with white ash (vibhuti) stripes and horizontal forehead tilak. Some wear white dhotis, pendant necklaces and beaded malas; one front man wears a red wrist thread. Behind them, many more devotees sit in white and cream clothing. A framed picture of a deity in red and orange hangs on the upper right wall, and a large mirror reflects the room. The men appear attentive, facing forward.2016-03-06 +1 copiesNight outdoor ceremony where a large crowd of devotees sit cross-legged in rows, most bare-chested with white dhoti cloths, sacred ash or white marks on their bodies, and rudraksha or gold necklaces. Many have hands pressed together in prayer or hold small items. In the foreground at right, a young man wears an orange-saffron turban, a rudraksha mala, and white body markings, seated with palms joined. Bright lights overhead illuminate the scene, with a red-and-white striped ritual enclosure behind the rows and a decorative backdrop at top right.2017-08-21