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A photograph of a ritual scene at a temple altar. In the foreground, a bare-backed priest wearing an orange-saffron dhoti with the cloth draped over one shoulder stands at left, holding a brass vessel. At centre, a fire burns beside an ornate golden deity murti or peetha decorated with yellow and white marigold garlands and small purple flowers. Behind it, a seated figure in a maroon robe with gold trim and a gold necklace is partially visible, with a garland of yellow flowers draped over the altar. Brass lamps and metal vessels sit on the altar, and a pink-and-gold fan-like object is at upper left. This appears to be a homa or puja offering.

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August 25 20172017-08-25August 25 20172017-08-25A photograph of a homa ritual at dusk-lit temple setting with a large fire burning in the lower left. A man on the left wears orange-red ochre cloth wrapped around his body and a rudraksha mala, and his arm reaches toward the flames and offerings. In the centre, a golden deity murti is draped in yellow and white flower garlands with red blossoms, seated before a golden yellow silk backdrop. Brass oil lamps and a decorated altar with yellow marigold garlands surround the scene. Only the one physical person is visible.2017-08-25February 16 20162016-02-16A photograph of a deity murti seated within an ornate gilded arched shrine with a red backdrop, adorned with white and orange flower garlands and draped flowers. A bright fire burns in a brass vessel at the base of the murti, with brass oil lamps and bowls on a stone platform in front. Lit oil lamps stand at the left, and a partially visible person in dark clothing is at the right edge. Behind the shrine are painted green and blue figures and decorated white lace-like borders.2016-10-10Night photograph, rotated sideways, of a decorated ceremonial vehicle with a carved wooden structure draped in yellow, orange and red marigold and rose garlands. A large open flame burns at left, and a person in orange robes stands at upper left, holding a brass item near the garlanded structure. Carved animal figures decorate the sides of the vehicle, and a brass lamp stand with flames is visible at lower left. The setting is dark with trees behind.2016-02-16February 16 20162016-02-16Night ritual scene at a temple-like shrine. A priest in an orange-saffron dhoti stands at left beside a burning fire pit with flames rising, tending a homa or yagna with a brass lamp nearby. A shirtless young attendant in a white dhoti and beaded necklace stands at centre. At right, a seated man in a brown-maroon dhoti with folded hands, a flower garland and flowers in his hair sits on a gold-finished chair with a sunburst backrest before a gilded shrine arch with red drapery. Inside the arch is a deity murti adorned with a large garland of white and yellow flowers, and marigold petals are scattered on the ground. A decorated kalasha stands at left and a red-and-gold canopy overhead.2016-02-16February 16 20162016-02-16February 16 20162016-02-16 +1 copiesA photograph of a ritual inside an indoor hall at a temple setting. A bearded man in a long saffron-orange dhoti and matching shawl, with a thick white and red marigold garland around his neck and a gold chain, stands barefoot before a bright open fire in a flat brass-rimmed tray of marigold petals, while another hand holds a plate. Beside him a younger attendant in orange cloth and a beaded necklace stands near a copper vessel. To the right, a decorated deity murti is draped in red, yellow and white flower garlands and a gold-embroidered cloth, seated on a silver pedestal. Behind them a large gold throne with red cushions and a tiger-skin cover, and a brass oil lamp stand before a green backdrop. Small floral offerings sit on trays at left.2017-06-10A photo of a ritual fire offering inside a hall decorated with garlands. A man in a saffron-orange robe with a long rudraksha-style white and red garland stands bending over a flaming fire pit set in a flower-rimmed dish, holding a stick toward the fire. A second robed man in orange kneels beside him at the fire. Behind them stand a golden throne-like seat and a tall brass oil lamp, and to the right a large deity murti is draped in red, yellow and white marigold garlands with a crown and silver adornment. Trays of flower petals sit on the floor. A homa-style fire offering is taking place.2017-06-10