Tootfinder

Working fire at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Hindu temple in Robbinsville NJ
Most of a 2nd alarm on site.
This is a very large hand-built and hand-carved temple. The 2nd largest Hindu temple in the world.
#BAPS #hindu

An illustrative video showing thick smoke during the homa.
The pancha kajjaaya offering to the fire asks Ganesha for "kshipra prasaada" (quick result).
#photography #fire #smoke #ritual #Hindu #India

An illustrative video showing blazing fire during the homa. This was towards the end by when a lot of ghee had been added.
PS: The entire homa is performed *indoors*.
#photography #fire #smoke #ritual #Hindu #India

An 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

No homa is always nice fire (think moisture). At some point, we added a food item called "pancha kajjaaya" [Kannada] to the fire which caused much smoke. Teary eyes and coughs ensued, but everything smelled good.
(We added about 36 bowls of pancha kajjaaya to the fire.)
After the homa, we offered "puje" (service) to a clay idol of Ganesha. The puje was simple; not elaborate as it tends to be in the "plains" part of Karnataka.
Videos 👇
#photography #fire #smoke #ritual #Hindu #India #sculpture

Many in South India dedicate Saturdays to Lord Shreeniwaasa (aka Wenkataesha). They offer special prayers to him at home, visit his temple, sing his praise, take his "prasaada" (blessings).
Alt text has a brief of what's in this picture (taken May 11, 2026 #Bengaluru).
#photography #amateur #tradition #India #Hindu #Saturday

Today is Krishna's birthday on the Hindu calendar. So, if you like Indian food, and don't mind vegan, you should definitely visit a restaurant associated with ISKCON or other such temples/orgs. They will most likely have a special dish or two. 💡😋
#food #vegan #siggestion #psa #Krishna #Hindu

A ceremonial ride. 🌼🌹🌼
Aug. 19, 2026. Krishna Dhaama, Mysore #India. The carriage is made of wood which is then silver clad. The idol nestled inside is of Krishna.
#photography #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #carriage #Hindu #ceremonial

Today is the start of "chaathurmaasa" in the Hindu luni-solar calendar. It's a 4-month period with prescriptions and proscriptions on food to be eaten and rituals to be performed.
On the first day, in addition to fasting, some Waishnawa sects have a tradition of branding their body ("mudraadhaarane") with icons of Wishnu's chakra (disc) and shankha (conch) to show their commitment to the faith:
1. Preparing branding "irons" (at Puthige Matha)
2. Branding a devotee (at Krishna Matha)
3. Chakra (disc) on right arm (a few hours after branding)
4. Shankha (conch) on left arm
Video 👇
#Hindu #tradition #branding #ritual #India

Had the best seat to view the entire 90 mins of the annual ritual bathing of the idols at Kaniyooru Matha #Udupi #India. I chose not to take my own pictures during the ritual so I can be there fully in the moment. I did take some pictures after 👇.
The pictures here are from the matha, just to give an idea.
Video: #Hindu #temple #ritual

Today, 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.🐍
In some traditions, women visit brothers on Panchami and get presents.🎁

#photography #amateur #Hindu #India #snake #serpent #mandala #tradition #ama

Before putting away the main idol, the Swamiji performs on it a "kanakaabhishaeka", which is "bathing" the idol with gold (coins).
"kanaka" in Sanskrit means gold; "abhishaeka" means to bathe or to pour on, specifically as part of a ritual service.
#Hindu #ritual #gold #bathing #Sanskrit #video

Views of the brilliant gilded pavilion and the decorated altar at the end of the Adamaaru main service. The last pic is of the "uthsawa moorthi", the idol used away from the altar. 🛕
Humbly: Such clear, closeup pics of the ritual and the idols are quite rare. 🙇‍♂️
#photography #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #Hindu #ritual #art #sculpture #travel

Threshold symbols in #Udupi (and elsewhere) #India: simple and elaborate versions, both shown as they appear from inside a home. The triangular parts invite in Lakshmee, goddess of prosperity (to place her feet there). The vertical lines prohibit entry to evil.
#art #symbolism #tradition #kolam #rangoli #Hindu

At end of service:
1. The Swamiji holds up each idol for all to see (as someone announces the idol),
2. wraps the idol in silk cloth,
3. appreciates the idol and places it in a wooden box covered in deer skin [such a box is on the floor, in front of the Swamiji].
4. An assistant puts the boxes in a silver trunk.
#photography #amateur #photoMontag #FotoMonday #Hindu #ritual

A visitor drew these mandalas: by hand, letting out mandala powder ("rangoli") between index and middle fingers; a technique quite common in the southern states of #India.
Description in alt text.
#art #skill #mandala #drawing #icons #symbols #Hindu #tradition

Wednesday: Superb day trip to Mysuru #India to participate in "chaaturmaasa" observance by Kaniyooru Swamiji and junior Adamaaru Swamiji. 🙇‍♂️
Adamaaru service pics: As in other mathas, the altar starts simple and progressively enriches. Last pic (not mine) is of the main idol "the 4-armed Krishna subduing the Kaalinga serpent".
More pics 👇
#photography #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #Hindu #ritual #art #sculpture #travel

Aug. 8: Lucky to attend the main service at Sripadaraja ("shree-paada-raaja") Matha, Bengaluru #India. The service is (must be) performed by the Swamiji himself.
1. An assistant prepares the altar
2. Swamiji places idols on the altar
3. Rituals enrich the altar
4. Service ends with the grand "aarathi" (showing flame).
#photography #amateur #photoMontag #FotoMonday #Hindu #ritual