@smurthys@hachyderm.ioSome posts cite Hindu "Mathas" (monasteries) and "Swamijis" ("abbots") with long history, strong societal presence, deep traditions. They're not cults or flimsy outfits. Their commitment to their faith deserves respect even if we disagree with their faith.
So, #ama but please, no disparaging. π
@publicvoit@graz.socialJoin me at my #AMA session about #Fediverse #Mastodon and many tips on how to use this platform in an efficient and easy to consume way at
@smurthys@hachyderm.ioRE: #gratitude #ama #India
@smurthys@hachyderm.ioWonderful #experience yesterday at Mantralaya #India. Skipping personal details, participated in the evening processions (1), then sat mere feet from the "brindaawana" (2, shrine) of Shree Raaghawaendra Swami during final service. πββοΈ
Plus, good food. π
PS: Pic 1 is mine; 2 is official release (not mine)
#travel #ama
@smurthys@hachyderm.ioRE: #India I attended a "Gana Homa" which is an offering into fire to invoke Ganesha to seek his blessings. (Gana β gaNa; see the earlier post. Similarly, Homa β hoama.)
Some pictures and videos from today's hoama. π
(there was also a feast but no pictures).
#photography #ritual #festival #ama
@smurthys@hachyderm.ioToday, the 4th day of Shraawana month in the Hindu lunar calendar, is Naaga Chathurthi; tomorrow Naaga Panchami. Both days honor serpents (and snakes) with prayers made to the lord of serpents.π
In some traditions, women visit brothers on Panchami and get presents.π
#photography #amateur #Hindu #India #snake #serpent #mandala #tradition #ama
@smurthys@hachyderm.ioAn expert in gana homa was the main priest. (A very nice and an exceptionally tall man.) First order of business, he "swore" us in to be the main performers of the homa.
The proportion of fire and smoke changes throughout the ritual depending on what's being added to the fire pit. In these pictures, it's mostly fire, thanks to ghee.
*"Swearing in" is actually done through a process called "sankalpa". #ama
#photography #fire #ritual #Hindu #India
@smurthys@hachyderm.ioMahaa-lakshmee of #Kolhapur, #Maharashtra #India.
I took this picture at Bhandaarakaeri Matha in Udupi (Sep. 29th). The portrait's placement, excess ambient light, and people milling about made it challenging to photograph, but I'm pleased with how it turned out.π±
PS: #Friday is the day for #Lakshmi
#photography #Hindu #ama
@smurthys@hachyderm.ioFeb. 23, 2025: Bhaageerathee (River Ganga, "Ganges"), Udupi Krishna Matha #India. π‘
A most memorable presentation of this idol. It captures a river's flow very well. (My wife and I had offered this cloth for use that day.)
#tbt #throwbackThursday #throwback #photography #India #Ganga #river #memorable #ama
@smurthys@hachyderm.ioRE: #India. It seems this #sculpture has been at this spot forever, but I noticed it only last night. (The wavy light strips behind create a moving effect.) π§ββοΈ
The sculpture is modeled after the main deity of Kaniyooru Matha (which owns the guest house). π
PS: I don't know in which order your client shows the sculpture and the quoted post, but to clarify: The large bronze sculpture under lights is the object of this post (and I took that picture last night). The picture of a similar but much smaller sculpture with red flowers around belongs to the quoted post (which I posted 3 months ago).
#photography #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #art #ama #yoga
@smurthys@hachyderm.io