1006 posts since 2008

Tag: Hindu monks

Welcome! Sharing my reflections on the spiritual path.
Join me on a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Jul 4, 2017

Painted Faces of Hindu Monks and Priests

Hindus wear markings on their forehead for many purposes. Some markings denote the sect they belong to, others tell if a woman is married or not, and some have deeper metaphysical reasons. Hindu priests and monks can often be seen wearing the most elaborate of facial markings. The markings are made of holy ash, sandal paste and a red powder called kunkumam which is made from turmeric or saffron. H...

May 2, 2012 Photography & Travel

Sadhus at the Kumbh Mela

Here's the final photo in our 14 day series of images of Sadhus. The biggest gathering of sadhus takes place every 3 years at the Kumbha Mela festival. It comes around again next year but time a little special. Every 12 years the full festival is celebrated and this just happen
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May 1, 2012 Photography & Travel

Day 12 of our Sadhu Image Series

Well, we are coming close to the end of our 14 day series of images of some of Hinduism's renunciates that I have photographed over the years. Sadhus are particularly photogenic I must say and the Kumbha Mela festival is probably the best time to photograph a sadhu if you are a p
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Apr 29, 2012 Photography & Travel

Monks embracing technology

For Day 11 of our series of images on sadhus I bring you a photo I took about 3 years back at the Kumbha Mela festival in Haridwar of a sadhu. I was focused on a photographing a parade when I noticed someone standing next to me. I peeked out of the corner of my eye and here was
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Apr 28, 2012 Photography & Travel

Parade of Sadhus at the Kumbha Mela

One of the visually striking things at the Kumbha Mela is the parades that take place mainly on the main bathing day during the festival. Here a sadhu dances jubilantly waving a long sword as he parades down the street with thousands of other monastics headed to the sacred Ganges
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Apr 27, 2012 Photography & Travel

Gallery of Sadhus, Kumbha Mela (Day 8)

Certain sects of monastics within Hinduism, most notably the naga sadhus, often cover their entire body with ash. Ash symbolizes the transient nature of life and things. The application of ash on their body is a constant reminder that their body will be gone one day but the soul
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Apr 27, 2012 Photography & Travel

Gallery of Sadhus, Kumbha Mela (Day 9)

It does not happen often but you'll find from time to time young men taking to the monastic path early on in life. The world no longer holds any fascination to them and they realize the transient nature of life, thus they seek the Self. My guru says the following "The Self: you
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