Skip to content
Nithyanandapedia
A homa or fire ritual in an open-air ashram hall at dusk. A small fire burns on a stone platform in front of a decorated deity murti framed by garlands of marigolds and flowers, with a red cloth draped below and a rainbow-striped arch above. Seated rows of devotees face the fire, most in white clothes with red shawls and some with long braids. On the right, a standing figure in a saffron-orange robe and a beaded necklace holds a book, beside a decorated throne. Two seated priests in white dhotis perform the rites on the left, and a row of fans and a red-and-gold drum stand in the background.

More like this

Open the gallery
July 17 20132013-07-17July 09 20132013-07-09Outdoor temple courtyard ritual with a sacred fire pit in front of a decorated deity murti garlanded with bright flower necklaces and draped in red and orange fabric, flanked by two stone figures. Seated devotees in white and orange-red garments, with red shoulder cloths, face the fire. A shirtless priest in white dhoti at left tends the fire with a long ladle. At right, a bald man with ash markings on his forehead, wearing a rudraksha mala and ornate orange cloth, sits on a striped mat holding a microphone beside an empty red and gold throne. Other people in white and pastel clothing sit in the foreground. Several people are visible; the total is in the 21-100 range.2013-07-17Evening ritual in a temple-style hall. Several priests in white dhotis and bare upper bodies stand at left, one lifting a lit lamp and a plate of offerings before a decorated deity murti garlanded with flowers. A fire burns in a raised stone homa or puja pit in front of the shrine. Devotees sit on the floor facing the altar, mostly women in white clothes with red-orange shawls. A figure in a golden ornamented throne chair at right, dressed in orange and gold, observes the ceremony beside electric fans. The room has a red wall and an arched shrine frame.2013-07-17July 09 20132013-07-09July 09 20132013-07-09July 04 20132013-07-04A photograph of an outdoor ritual hall with a fire pit at centre where a flame burns and smoke rises. Behind it, a decorated deity murti stands on a red platform, garlanded with flowers and framed by a golden arch. At right, a man in saffron robes with a white forehead mark and long rudraksha-style beads sits on a red throne-like seat, a person, with a microphone before him. At left, drummers in white dhotis with bare upper bodies play drums. Dozens of devotees in white clothes with red sashes sit on the floor facing the fire, with several women in orange saris. Two stone statues flank the arch.2013-07-17July 09 20132013-07-09July 09 20132013-07-09July 09 20132013-07-09Night photo of an outdoor fire ritual. Several priests in white dhotis, some bare-chested, stand near a raised platform with a burning fire pit and oil lamps. Behind them, a decorated deity murti is adorned with garlands of marigolds and tulsi-like leaves, with a red cloth backdrop. On the right, a figure in red and gold sits on an ornate gold-trimmed throne beside two fans. In the foreground, rows of seated devotees in white clothing with red shawls face the ritual, some with hands folded in prayer. The scene suggests a homa or puja. A small corner logo appears in the upper left.2013-07-17