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A photograph inside a small temple shrine at dusk, with stone pillars carved with figures on either side and a bell hanging at left. Ornate deity murtis of Shiva and Parvati stand behind a dense arch of marigold and yellow flower garlands. In front, a central figure with a tall black swept-back hair crown, a gold ceremonial necklace, a yellow-and-green flower garland, and a dark reddish-brown shawl stands at a stone platform, the tall stone abhishekam area, with his hands raised in a ritual action. Around him, devotees in white dhotis and orange-saffron robes with white tilaka marks, plus women in saris, gather closely. Several attendants in saffron and orange robes stand behind, one holding a metal kalasha vessel, while a metal pot and offerings sit on the platform. This appears to be a puja or abhishekam at the shrine, with devotees pressing forward.

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A photograph of a ritual at a shrine with stone pillars and carved reliefs. At the centre, a figure with a tall dark swept-back hairstyle and a white forehead band wears a red-and-brown garment and a long garland of red and yellow flowers, holding a silver tray or vessel. Behind, men in saffron-orange dhotis and white-marked bodies attend a large deity murti with decorated garlands and a silver backdrop. Devotees in red, maroon and white clothing crowd the foreground, some with white ash marks and rudraksha beads. Flower petals and offerings are scattered on the floor, with a bell hanging on the left side.2016-03-07March 07 20162016-03-07March 07 20162016-03-07A photograph of a temple shrine interior during a pada puja ritual. A central figure with a tall, swept-up dark hairstyle and a white-smeared forehead wears a red-and-gold cloth, a gold necklace and a long marigold garland in yellow and orange, seated before a stone base and pouring or offering white substance. Around them devotees in orange and white dress, some with white forehead markings and rudraksha malas, stand and kneel with hands pressed together. Behind, ornate shrine figures are decorated with floral garlands, and several priests in saffron-orange dhotis attend the murti area with a brass vessel and a metal plate. Stone pillars carved with figures frame the structure at dusk.2016-03-07A temple shrine interior with a golden-lit stone doorway and carved pillars. In the centre, a figure in an ornate black turban and a red-and-gold garment with a yellow marigold garland and a heavy ornamental necklace stands before a shrine altar, with hands extended toward a silver vessel. Behind, a deity murti with a crown and a yellow-and-white garland stands in front of a decorated arch, flanked by orange-robed attendants. Around the figure, devotees in white dhotis and red-bordered shawls with sandalwood marks on their foreheads kneel and touch the altar, while women in red saris and white garments join in. Flower petals and marigolds are scattered on the stone floor. The scene suggests a Mahashivaratri pada puja at a temple. Probable Swamiji is the turbaned central figure, identified by the black turban, the flower garland and the rudraksha-style ornamentation; appearance is consistent but not certain.2016-03-07A photo of a temple shrine during a ritual. At the centre, a man with a dark turban and a long garland of yellow, orange and red flowers sits on a raised platform, his body smeared with white paste and his hands covered in it. Around him, devotees in white and orange clothing crowd close, several with white markings on their foreheads and bodies. Behind him, orange-robed priests pour from a brass vessel and hold a tray, in front of a deity murti of Shiva and Parvati adorned with flower garlands and a shrine arch of marigolds. Oil lamps, a brass pot and offerings sit on the platform. A framed portrait stands at the left.2016-03-07March 07 20162016-03-07Photograph inside a stone temple shrine at dusk, with a seated central figure in a red-and-gold garment and a large garland of yellow and orange flowers draped over the shoulders, wearing a tall dark ornate headdress and a gold necklace. He sits before a deity murti with a golden face and crown, framed by a colourful floral arch of marigolds and garlands. Around him, several people in saffron, orange and red clothes with white forehead markings and ash-smeared faces stand and kneel, one in an orange robe holding a bell, others with white dhotis and bare upper bodies, plus a woman in red with a rudraksha mala. Fruit offerings and a brass vessel sit on the ground, and a crowd of devotees gathers in the foreground.2016-03-07Photo of a temple shrine during a Mahashivaratri puja at Bengaluru Aadheenam. Ornate stone pillars frame a sanctum with deity murtis draped in garlands of orange and yellow flowers. A central figure wears a dark tall headdress, an orange-and-white garland of marigolds, and white ceremonial cloth, standing before a raised platform while assistants in saffron and orange clothing attend him. Nearby, a priest in white with a red shawl and a shaved head holds a ritual vessel. Devotees in red and maroon saris and dhotis surround the shrine, some with white forehead markings. A brass pot sits at the left edge of the platform, and red offerings lie on the stone.2016-03-07March 07 20162016-03-07March 07 20162016-03-07March 07 20162016-03-07