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Nithyanandapedia
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.

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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.2017-02-22February 22 20172017-02-22June 08 20172017-06-08February 22 20172017-02-22February 22 20172017-02-22 +1 copiesFebruary 22 20172017-02-22February 22 20172017-02-22A 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 photograph of a seated group of bare-chested male devotees at a Shiva Deeksha initiation ritual. The central man, in the foreground, has a white sacred thread across his chest and a red-and-gold pendant necklace, and he holds a small green leaf or card while looking down in prayer. Behind and around him, other men with sacred ash marks on their foreheads and bodies sit with hands folded or eyes closed, some wearing white dhotis and beaded rudraksha-style necklaces. The scene has a warm, dim, devotional atmosphere.2017-08-21A 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 copiesApril 08 20172017-04-08July 03 20172017-07-03 +1 copies