Skip to content
Nithyanandapedia
Night photograph of a homa fire pit lined with bricks, with a bright flame burning inside and offerings on the surrounding ledge. Dozens of saffron-robed ascetics sit in rows behind it, many wearing rudraksha malas and gold pendants, some with shaved heads. On the right, a figure with long swept-back dark hair, a saffron cloth and layered beaded necklaces sits on a raised cushioned seat beside a silver-framed backrest, with a pedestal fan beside him. In front, women in red and saffron garments with long hair sit on the floor facing the fire, and a row of brass lamps and cups is arranged near the pit. Several spectators are visible in the background.

More like this

Open the gallery
Night homa at an outdoor ritual site: a brick fire pit with bright flames sits in the foreground, surrounded by devotees in saffron and orange robes. Shaved-headed monks in orange dhotis and saffron shawls, many wearing rudraksha malas and gold-coloured necklaces, sit in rows behind the fire. Women in red and orange saris with tilak on their foreheads sit near the pit, some holding small brass vessels, and a woman at right drinks from a water bottle. A large pedestal fan stands in the middle ground, and a golden deity murti or decorated backdrop appears at the top left. Plain saffron-clad figures and a seated figure at right with long hair and ornate gold jewellery in orange clothing are visible. Two people appear in the foreground at left, partly visible.2013-03-10March 10 20132013-03-10A photograph of a night homa or yagna at an ashram. A square fire pit with bright flames sits on a white platform in the centre, with small brass bowls and offering dishes around its edge. A woman seated on a raised wooden stool at the back wears an orange robe, a rudraksha mala and ornate gold necklaces, with a silver-framed backdrop behind her. Around the fire, dozens of men in saffron and orange robes sit cross-legged, many shaved-headed and wearing beaded malas. Women in red and orange saris with gold borders sit in the foreground, one with a white tilak, some holding small items. A standing fan and seated devotees appear in the background.2013-03-10A photograph of a large outdoor homa or yagna at night, with a square fire pit filled with smoke and offerings. Around it sit many devotees in saffron and orange clothing, mostly shaved-headed men and women in red and orange saris with gold borders, wearing rudraksha malas and marigold garlands. A seated figure on a raised golden throne with a leopard-print cushion, wearing long dark hair, orange garments and ornate gold necklaces, is at the centre-back, with a golden deity murti or ornate golden panel behind him. A brass fan and metal vessels stand by the fire pit. Standing devotees and onlookers in white line the background under the night sky.2013-03-10A homa is performed beside a square fire pit with visible flames. Saffron-robed men with shaved heads and rudraksha malas sit in rows on the left, clapping or holding ritual items. On the right, a man with long dark hair, a gold-and-beaded garland and an orange robe sits on a raised platform with ritual vessels and brass plates before him. Women in orange and red saris with garlands sit in the foreground facing the fire, their long hair in braids. Offering plates with flowers and kumkum rest on the platform, and a mirror stands in the background. The gathering looks like a fire ritual with about 40 people visible.2013-03-10March 18 20132013-03-18March 18 20132013-03-18Night photograph of a homa or fire ritual at an ashram courtyard. A long-haired figure in orange robes and rudraksha malas sits on an ornate silver-backed throne above a brick fire pit with a bright flame. Around them, rows of orange- and saffron-clad sannyasis, many shaved-headed and wearing beaded malas, sit cross-legged on the ground, and women in orange and gold-bordered saris and red blouses sit with garlands. Brass vessels and offering plates line the ritual area, and a few people stand in the background under the courtyard lights. Three women with dark hair are seen from behind in the foreground.2013-03-10March 10 20132013-03-10March 10 20132013-03-10A smoky fire ritual in a dim hall, centred on a rectangular stone homa pit with a small flame and offerings of sticks and brass vessels. A figure in orange robes and rudraksha malas sits on a low wooden seat behind the pit, with an ornate gold-framed throne back behind him, and a probable Swamiji identity cue from his long swept-back hair and layered ceremonial necklaces. Around him, rows of shaven-headed men in saffron shawls with beads sit cross-legged, and women in orange saris with gold borders and rudraksha necklaces kneel or stand with hands folded, some holding small offering dishes. A ceiling fan and coloured string lights appear in the background, and the setting suggests a homa ritual during satsang.2013-03-10March 10 20132013-03-10