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A large black Shiva lingam stands on a raised flower-decorated platform in a reflecting pool, wrapped in garlands of orange, yellow, white and purple marigolds. A long yellow-garlanded walkway leads down to the water, and saffron-robed monks in orange garments walk along it toward the lingam. Beyond, rows of people in white clothing sit on red steps under white umbrellas and a decorated ratha-style canopy, with a seated figure in saffron at the centre. Abhishekam is being performed on the lingam.

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A large outdoor ritual at a water tank: a huge black shivalinga stands on a red-and-white platform in the water, draped in marigold garlands and multicolored bunting. A yellow-and-orange garlanded walkway leads down into the pool, where saffron-robed monks wade toward the lingam. A white-clad devotee kneels at the water's edge. Above, a tiered stone terrace holds rows of white-clad devotees, orange-robed figures seated on red chairs, and white parasols. A decorated ratha stands on the upper right. Dozens of people are visible.2013-12-27A photo of a large outdoor abhishekam at a water tank. A tall black Shivalinga stands on a square platform in the water, draped with a colourful garland of marigolds and striped flower bands in orange, yellow, green and purple. Saffron-robed sadhus climb a long staircase lined with yellow marigold garlands and wade toward the lingam. Behind them, rows of seated devotees in white clothes fill tiered stands, with orange-robed figures on a raised dais under white umbrellas. A decorated golden palanquin stands at the upper right, and a figure in white bows at the water's edge.2013-12-27December 27 20132013-12-27A large grey stone Shiva lingam stands in water at an outdoor ceremony, with water streaming down its surface during abhishekam. Its base is wrapped in bands of marigold garlands in orange, yellow, purple, white and green. Along the right, a raised platform and a yellow-and-orange garland-draped staircase lead up to seated figures in saffron and orange robes. Below, rows of people in white clothes sit on tiered steps facing the lingam, with white umbrellas and a decorated canopy in the background. Several figures in orange and saffron stand near the platform. The upper figures are seated in saffron and orange robes, and the one on the right with long hair appears to match the appearance-based cues for a person, though this is uncertain. The scene is a rudrabhishekam at an open-air venue with a palm-lined backdrop.2013-12-27December 27 20132013-12-27A large dark grey Shiva lingam stands on a square platform in a water tank, dressed with bands of marigold garlands in orange, yellow, white and purple, with a garland draped over its top. Yellow marigold garlands also wrap the railing of a metal staircase leading up to the platform. On the stepped stone seating behind, several saffron-robed monks stand near the top, and a large seated audience in white and red clothing fills the terraces, with two saffron-robed figures seated in orange chairs on the left side near umbrellas. Mirrored water reflects the scene at the base. The setting suggests an abhishekam ceremony, with a decorated kalasha-like arrangement and banners visible in the background.2013-12-27A large black Shiva lingam stands on a flower-decorated base wrapped in bands of marigold garlands in orange, yellow, white and magenta, with a rudraksha-style garland draped down its side. Saffron-robed priests stand on a raised steel platform beside it, pouring liquid over the lingam during an abhishekam, while a yellow-garlanded railing leads up to them. Below, a tiered red-stepped ghat faces a pool, where many people in white clothes sit in rows, and a few saffron-robed figures sit on the steps. An orange-and-yellow decorated arch and a pair of umbrellas frame the scene.2013-12-27December 27 20132013-12-27A large dark grey Shiva lingam stands on a tiered base wrapped in garlands of marigolds in orange, yellow, purple and white, while white liquid pours down over it during a rudrabhishekam. Several saffron-robed priests stand on an elevated platform and staircase beside the lingam, one in red and gold dress near the top, with a figure in white at the upper step. Below, rows of white-clad devotees sit on red steps under umbrellas, and a golden canopy decorated with flowers stands at the upper left. The setting is an outdoor pool-side ritual ground with palms behind.2013-12-27December 27 20132013-12-27Outdoor ceremony at a large black stone lingam on a square base wrapped in a band of marigold garlands in orange, yellow, white, green and purple, with a golden garland rope along the stairs. Two priests in orange and red robes stand atop the lingam platform, one raising a hand in blessing, with a flow of liquid running down the lingam, consistent with abhishekam. Hundreds of seated devotees in white clothes fill tiered stone steps on the left, with orange-robed sannyasis seated near the front. On the right, rows of orange-robed monks sit beneath white umbrellas. A golden temple tower stands in the background among palm trees, and a water tank surrounds the platform.2013-12-27December 27 20132013-12-27