Skip to content
Nithyanandapedia
A homa is performed in a hall before a large painted backdrop and a deity murti of a blue-skinned goddess with a crown, multiple arms and a garland of marigolds. A fire burns in a brick-lined fire pit in front of the goddess. Several devotees sit on mats around the fire: a man in a white dhoti with an orange shawl, women in yellow and orange garments, and others in white. A standing young priest in orange robes tends the fire. Brass vessels with banana leaves and offerings sit on the floor, and a colourful painted pillar stands at left.

More like this

Open the gallery
A chandi homa ritual in a hall before a large painted backdrop and a colourful deity murti of Kali-like form with blue skin, a crown and a garland, standing on a white-draped altar. In front, a square brick fire pit burns with flames. A young man in orange robes stands at left, holding a lit oil lamp and a ritual vessel. Five seated participants face the fire: a man in white with an orange shawl, two others in white and orange, a woman in grey with a yellow shawl, and a woman in yellow with hands joined in prayer. Brass pots, banana leaves and offerings surround them, and a tall patterned banner stands at left.2008-10-27October 27 20082008-10-27A photograph of a homa fire ritual in a temple hall. A standing figure in an orange saffron robe with a folded wrap stands at left behind the fire pit, facing the altar. Several seated participants in white and orange sashes or yellow wraps sit in front of a brick-lined fire pit where flames burn. A large deity murti of Kali with a blue body and raised arms stands on a white-draped altar at right, with garlands and offerings. Brass pots with flowers and green leaves sit on the floor, and a patterned cloth covers the ground. The cropped-away standing man's face is not visible in full; his role is a ritual officiant at the homa.2008-10-27A homa ritual in an indoor hall, with a brick fire pit burning in the centre. A standing man in orange robes holds a lit lamp or offering plate over the fire while several seated participants in orange and white clothing, and one in yellow, sit around the pit on mats. A drummer in orange sits at the left edge. On the right, a large statue of a goddess with a crown, blue skin, and garlands stands on a white-draped table, with flower garlands strung across the backdrop. Brass pots with yellow flowers and banana leaves surround the mats. Approximately six to eight physical people are visible.2008-10-27October 27 20082008-10-27October 27 20082008-10-27Indoor homa ritual in a hall with a blue wall and a colourful painted pillar. A standing priest in orange robes holds a ladle and a flame above a brick fire pit, where fire rises. Seated devotees in orange, white and yellow shawls face a large blue-skinned Kali murti with a crown, garland and raised sword, set before a painted mountain backdrop. Kalasha pots with mango leaves and a plate of offerings sit in front of the fire.2008-10-27A homa performed in an indoor hall before a large painted backdrop and a clay statue of a blue-skinned goddess with a red tongue, garlanded with flowers, presumably Kali. A standing priest in orange robes holds a brass lamp over a brick fire pit where flames rise. Around the pit, several seated participants in orange, white and yellow clothes face the fire, with flower-petal and grain offerings on trays and kalasha pots with mango leaves placed on green mats. A drummer in orange sits at the left edge, and a white-clad figure sits near the center. Patterned cloths and a banner hang on the walls.2008-10-27A photograph of a Chandi Homa at AadiKailaasa, Bengaluru. A standing man in orange robes holds a ritual vessel and lamp beside a brick fire pit (homa kund) with flames. Seated devotees in orange, white and yellow clothes face the fire, while a large colourful murti of the goddess Kali with blue skin, a red tongue, a necklace of skulls and a silver crown stands on a white-draped altar against a painted backdrop. Brass pots and offering plates with green leaves are arranged on the floor, and a tall painted banner hangs to the left.2008-10-27October 27 20082008-10-27A photograph of a homa ritual in a temple hall. A standing priest in orange robes holds a lit oil lamp (aarti) near a brick fire pit where flames burn. Seated devotees in white, orange and yellow clothing face the fire, with a woman in yellow pressing her palms together. A large statue of a blue-skinned goddess with a crown, garlands and a trident is on a white-draped stand at right, with a painted backdrop of mountains. A tall decorated banner stands at left, and brass pots and leaf offerings are placed on the floor.2008-10-27October 27 20082008-10-27