Hindu Religious symbols silhouettes

Here are some silhouettes of some typical religious symbols which artist might like to use in their artwork.

This first one is the Om symbol atop a flat.

This is a Kalash. It is usually made of copper and used in Hindu religious rituals.

 

This is a silhouette of the Trishul of Shiva with a snake wrapped around it.

The two symbols below are of the Swastika, a Hindu sacred symbol.

This is a silhouette of the steeple of a temple.

 

Bullock Cart or Bailgadi yatra

Villagers on a pilgrimage. Their mode of travel is the bullock cart. They travel with all their belongings, spend their nights on the road. It's a long journey ahead  -to a temple. The men, women and children.

A very typical sight on Indian highways. They travel in the sweltering heat.

Selling vermilion in Badami

These are shops selling vermilion outside a temple in Badami, Karnataka. The red powder is used in pooja rituals in temples. The uniqueness of it is that the vermilion or kunku lies in large red heaps. Curious as to how it stays that way the whole day. Halad or haldi is also seen in the form of large yellow heaps.

A young boy looking after the shop selling vermilion, haldi, and other items.

A couple in their shop besides the heaps of red vermilion.

Ambabai Temple in Kolhapur

This is the Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur, popularly called as the Ambabai Temple. It was originally built in the 7th century, but unfortunately the original dark stone on the spire has been replaced by ugly white paint. 

The temple has also become very commercial where even elderly devotees are shouted at, pushed and bullied by the female security guards. It is impossible to pray here because of the nasty guards, shouting, and pushing even 88 year old people. This is a personal experience (we had taken my mother in law there), and on a Wednesday, when it was less crowded than usual. We had given a saree, and offerings, but no one seemed interested. The guards have just got used to the bullying and enjoy it. One cannot have even a few moments of peace, so how can God reside here? 

The believers will continue to throng this temple, but we will never go back. 

How difficult is it to climb Tiger's Nest in Bhutan?

Before I ventured to climb to the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan, I searched the internet to find the level of difficulty. All that I got was subjective information like if you are an experienced trekker then it is not so bad, or if you are a novice, it's very hard and so on. There were no photographs actually depicting the climb. In fact I got some erroneous information that the steps to the temple had no railings, and I almost gave up the idea of the climb.

Once we reached the bottom of the mountain, our guide assured us that there were railings and told us that these railings had not existed some years earlier.

When I climbed to the Tiger's Nest temple, I took photos for the explicit purpose of providing the right information to those who want to do this climb. 

This what the monastery looks like from the bottom, before you start the climb. The small white building at the top half of the photograph is the actual temple.
There are two mountains to climb. You have to go up one mountain (the base from which I took this photo) and then climb down again. Then you have to climb up an actual cliff to the temple, but from here on there are steps, and this makes it easier.

The way up the first mountain is steep. Take a trekking pole or stick which is available at a small price at the bottom of the mountain. The stick is a must and preferably if you can, take two sticks.

Loose rocks large boulders and sudden elevations are hard to do. It took me, an inexperienced trekker, a little more than 3 hours. It's said that the track is slippery in the rainy season so if you are serious about making this climb, do not go in the rainy season.

At the half-way point there is a cafe where one can have a cup of tea. Only tea and biscuits available here. Best not to stop here as the monastery is shut for lunch from 1-2 pm and we wanted to reach before 1 pm. Please take a bunch of fruits and nuts (and of course water too) because there is no food available at the monastery.

It is possible to take a pony up to the half way point. The ponies always walk on the edge so it is scary but if it is dry then it is fairly safe if you are comfortable riding. Avoid ponies if the track is wet. Also avoid ponies if you really want to get the satisfaction of the climb. I preferred to walk.

After the cafe comes the second leg of the journey. It's similar to the one in the photograph above, with even more very very steep parts. This second leg of the climb can take half an hour at least.

Then you come to the third leg of the climb, and from here you go down. There are steps which take you down the mountain you just climbed. Some parts are very steep. Already tired with the exhausting two hour climb, these can be a relief, if your knees are good! Without good knees you can take the help of two sticks or a least one.

There are good sturdy railings so do not worry on this score. However, best not to lean on them.

A view of the tigers nest monastery as you come near the bottom of the first mountain.

After you reach down, you reach the area inbetween the two mountains. The photo below depicts what it looks like between the two mountains or cliffs. And no, that little bit of white you see is not the actual temple. There is still a very steep way to go!

Still a long way to go! But there are steps to go up so it is okay. Steps with railings.

Almost there.

For a novice like me it took about about 3 hours to reach right up to the temple, from the start to the finish, with short stops to take my breath! It can also take three and a half hours, depending on whether you stop at the half way point. My recommendation is not to stop here more than a few minutes, as you are likely to be so tired, that you could be tempted to give up!

The way back from the temple takes about 4 hours, with a longish half hour break at the cafe. It's easier on the way down, at least easier on one's heart. But not on one's knees. Carrying two sticks on the way down helped me as my knees are not that great. Luckily our guide found another stick in the forest.

Take plenty of water and high protein snacks like cheese and nuts. There is no lunch available there. Use caps to protect your head as the sun is strong. Do this trek after a few days in the high altitude area. We did it at the tail end of our trip, after about 8 days. This way you are used to the altitude.

If you are reasonably healthy you can do it. Take your time if you are not used to climbing. It's okay to take even 4 hours to climb. The main thing is to do it!

Also, if your companions are athletic and go up faster than you (it is possible to climb in 2 hours if you are athletic), then you could be tempted to give up. If your companions are less motivated than you, and decide not to go up to the top, then too you could give up. So be prepared to go it alone. Take a guide with you.

The main thing is that if you make this wonderful journey you will never regret it. The experience is almost spiritual. It will stay with you all your life.

Buddhist Monks in Cambodia

Modern Buddhist monks as tourists, with cameras and cell phones. Outside a temple in Cambodia.

A monk tying a holy thread on a worshipper.

Related Images: Small Buddhist shrines or Sayings from the Buddha Pagoda or Global Pagoda in Maharashtra or Golden Buddha Statue in China
If you are looking for more images of Buddha try these posts: Sketches and drawings of Buddha or check out all photos on Buddhism, which includes temples and artifacts from all over the world.

You might also like Indian priests from Kerala, India or Hindu Priest performing a Pooja

Small Church in South India

This is a small church in South India. You can see the cultural integration here. Rangoli at the doorsteps. Colourful. It is a Mother Mary church.

A small statue of Mother Mary inside the church. The interiors of the church are as colourful as the outside.

You might also like:  Church Silhouettes or Christmas Tree Silhouette
A large church in Kerala: Ancient Kerala Church called Cheriya Pally
A church and a mosque in one place - Hagia Sophia Pictures. A place of worship for both religions - a churchmosque which is most of the time functions like a museum.

Indian priests from Kerala

These are photographs of a Hindu priests in Kerala, inside of the temple premises.
In the first image there is an old man sitting quietly outside the temple with a younger man. A cell phone hangs around his neck, along with the rudraksha bead necklace (the holy beads used in prayer). Interesting how technology and religion have come together!

Another photograph of the duo, sitting quietly outside the temple sanctum. The younger man is busy with his cell phone.

A temple priest is fixing the bronze diya which is usually lighted up as part of the Hindu rituals.

Related Images: Priest performing a Pooja
For religious symbols from Hinduism: Hindu Religious symbols or Swastika graphics from India or Paduka or Guru's feet or or Shiva Pindi or Lingam  or  Significance of Animals and other life in Hinduism or Significance of Nandi in Hinduism or Diya graphics and illustrations and Sketch
Or check out all the photographs filed under Hinduism, or Religion or Temples

Significance of Nandi in Hinduism

Nandi, the bull is what Lord Shiva uses for transport. In Hinduism, Gods are often depicted with their favourite animals, whether cows, elephants, snakes, turtles or even rats! Used either as pets or vehicles. This made animals sacred for many centuries and this is what helped preserve our wildlife although now the influences of the West has changed us to some extent.

A proud Nandi at the entrance of a temple.

A small Nandi bail or bull in an Indian temple

A Nandi statue outside the ancient temple at Ellora

An Ancient Nandi.

You might also like  Hindu Religious symbols or Swastika graphics from India or Paduka or Guru's feet or or Shiva Pindi or Lingam  or  Significance of Animals and other life in Hinduism or Diya graphics and illustrations and Sketch or other Hindu Religious symbols
Or check out all the photographs filed under  Hinduism,  Ellora,  Art,  Culture or Religion or Temples
The Image of different Religions is well illustrated in this post by taking random first images off the internet.

Ganesh or Ganpati Silhouettes

Silhouette of a Ganesh idol from a Thailand temple. A sitting Ganesh holding weapons in three of his four arms.

These are silhouettes of the deity Ganesh or popularly called Ganpati in Marathi by Maharashtrians.

Related Images: Temple Silhouettes or Temple Outlines and Sketches or Ganpati or Ganesh sketches 
Or Ganesh Pandal decorations on the streets or Golden Ganesha from Bangkok or Ganpati at Night for images of Ganesh pandals lighted up at night with electric lighting decorations.

You might also like Diya graphics and illustrations and Sketch or Hindu Religious symbols or check out all the photographs filed under Hinduism, Art, Culture or Religion or Temples or Silhouettes

Significance of Animals and other life in Hinduism

Even if one is not a religious Hindu, one cannot help revering the religion for one thing - it's understanding, love, and respect for animals. Animals have a right to be here, just as humans do, and no religion understands this better than Hinduism.Animal, mammal and even reptile imagery is common in Hinduism. Indian literature is also full of references to animals. And the references do not paint the creatures as evil.
The fables of West has few references to animals, and some paint the animals negatively. For example, the evil wolf in Red Riding Hood. On the other hand in Indian fables such as in the Panchatantra, The stories are full of animal characters and morals for humans and many of these stories date back to the  2nd or 3rd century BC.
And then, we have our Hindu Gods who are often depicted complete with their favourite animals, whether cows, elephants snakes or even rats! Used either as pets or vehicles. This made animals sacred for many centuries and helped preserve our wildlife although now the influences of the West has changed us to some extent.

Animals were always a part and parcel of our culture, and I am very proud of it. The Gods showed us the way.

Strangely westerners ridicule our "worship" of animals and even have contempt for it. They have ofcourse killed off most of their wildlife! They have little or not understanding of the importance of animals in Hinduism and even less about the right of a form of life to live, a right others have as much as humans. All their recent efforts to preserve animals are esoteric in nature, without a base in spiritualism. It's good ofcourse, a way for them to make up for the many centuries of animal slaughter.

Krishna loved milk and milk products and this is him with a pet cow.

Nandi, the Bull, is Lord Shiva's ride and found outside many temples.

Here is Shiva with his Nandi bail and also a snake around his neck. There are various interpretation of why there is a snake around the neck. The interpretation  is that "a snake hoards nothing, carries nothing, builds nothing, lives on air alone for a long time, and lives in mountains and forests. The venom of a snake, therefore, symbolizes the yogic power".

This is at the pre-historic site of the Kailashnath Temple at Ellora. This temple has several sculptures of lions and elephants. In Hinduism animals are considered on par with humans, not inferiors and that is why they have a place with God.

Turtles are often found in temples, at the feet of the Gods. In Hinduism, a tortoise is one who carries the world on his back, upholding the Earth and the sea. Turtles are revered in some other ancient cultures as well.

Read more about the importance of animals in Hinduism here.

You might also like or Krishna Temple in Mahabaleshwar or Diya graphics and illustrations and Sketch or other Hindu Religious symbols or check out all the photographs filed under Hinduism, Ellora, Art, Culture or Religion or Temples
The Image of different Religions is well illustrated in this post by taking random first images off the internet.

Hindu Religious symbols

There are many things which are held sacred by the Hindus and these symbols are usually either found near the dieties or used in religious rituals.


This is an image of a copper vessel and a coconut standing in it. Used as an offering to the Gods. The Swastika, an ancient Hindu symbol is also seen in the image.

Each arm of the Swastika as per archaeological evidence represents "the processional equinox and solstice around the pole start". Other old civilizations around the world like Turkic, Iranian, Armenian, Nepalese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and European have also been associated with this symbol. It is still commonly used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It signifies wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness.

Flowers are commonly used for worship in all religions but Hinduism favours certain flowers. The 

The Chapha or Plumeria in English is used frequently for the worship of Hindu Gods. Here it is seen decorating a Trishul, another sacred Hindu symbol. 

The Trishula considered a sacred symbol for Buddhists as well as Hindus. The Hindu God Shiva uses this three pronged weapon as seen here in this picture. So does the Goddess Durga and also some other Hindu dieties.  The three points of the Trishul are supposed to represent the trinities of  creation, maintenance and destruction - The Past, the Present and the Future.

In the human body, the trishula is also meant to signify the place where the three main nadis, or energy channels (ida, pingala and shushmana) meet at the brow. 

And don't miss the Om symbol on Lord Shiva's palm. Written as ॐ in Devanagari, the Om is a type of mantra and mystical Sanskrit sound of Hindu origin. It is used for chanting during Yogic exercises. It is important in various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sanatana Dharma and Jainism. 

Orange Marigold flowers are usually used in religious rituals and have now taken on a religious tone. They are hung in doorways and used in puja or Hindu religious rituals not just on festivals, but on any auspicious occasion.

A small temple in Thailand where orange marigold flowers are used for worship. Incense is also seen here. Again frequently used for the worship of God in most religions, including Christianity in India.

The Areca Nut is believed to be an auspicious ingredient and used in religious ceremonies in Hinduism and also in some schools of Buddhism. Here in this picture it is seen placed carefully on a mound of rice and used in a religious ceremony.

The Rudraksha is a necklace made of the beads from the seeds of the Rudraksha or Rudraksh tree, which is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree. These beads are used prayers and rituals in Hinduism and are also made into jewellery. Many fake ones are also available. The ones on the extreme right of the photograph are the rudraksha bead necklaces, the dark brown ones. These are usually available outside some temples or religious places.

For other religious symbols from Hinduism: Swastika graphics from India or Paduka or Guru's feet or or Shiva Pindi or Lingam or Significance of Nandi in Hinduism or or Diya graphics and illustrations and Sketch or  Significance of Animals and other life in Hinduism

Or check out all the photographs filed under Hinduism, Ellora, Art, Culture or Religion or Temples
More Related Images: Indian cities lit up at night with Diwali lights or  Priest performing a Pooja or Hanuman Temple

Sayings from the Buddha Pagoda

These are quotes and spiritual sayings of Dhamma, which have been put up on the Buddha Pagoda at Manori, near Mumbai. A pity that the English translation is poor.
There are least a hundred such sayings put up all around the Pagoda. Framed in large gold decorated frames, these sayings are in three languages - in Marathi, the regional language of Maharashtra, Hindi, the regional language of a few states in North India, and English, the working language of India. They have apparently been translated into English by someone poor in English because the translations are not proper.

This board says "Deeper the craving, deeper the aversion, deeper the aversion, deeper the affliction".
The Marathi/ Hindi ones make more sense. The Hindi one means "Deeper the anger, deeper the hate, deeper the hate, greater the misery"
Either the words have been lost in translation from Hindi to English, or the translation is very wrong and cannot be understood unless you know Marathi or Hindi.

This one says in English: Good to have mastery over speech, good to have physical mastery, but one who is the master of his mind is the warrior of courage.
The last bit which says "warrior of courage" makes no sense. A person who does not understand Hindi or Marathi will not understand the English words.
The Hindi and Marathi words actually mean that the person who is the master of his mind is a true warrior.

For our own actions, we ourselves are the authors. For our happiness or suffering, we alone are responsible. These words are a better translation because they make sense, but the translation is a poor one. In the first sentence the word "actions" does not match with "authors.' However we do get the meaning.

Transform your deeds of body, transform your deeds of speech, transform your mental deeds, this is the essence of Dhamma. Here the word "transform" is an incorrect translation of "Sudhar" which means improvement. Change is a better word than transform, but even the word change is not the correct one. Improve is the correct translation.

Gandhian principles explained by the Wheel of Life or read Mahatma Gandhi's famous sayings which have been framed and put up at Gandhidham: Mahatma Gandhi quotes