Sadhu - Hindu Holy Man - Pushkar - India
May 29, 2006 by rockwatching
Blog02t[1], originally uploaded by Mic2006.
Another amazing picture from Anne’s travel library see her website in the del.icio.us links “Anne Gordon Images” (sidebar to the right). Anne’s own description seemed the most fitting explanation for the chance encounter.
“I had taken this image at Pushkar on the fringes of the Great Indian
Desert in Rajasthan. It is an Important religious centre for
those of the Hindu faith. This old man is a sadhu; a priest in the Hindu religion.
There are close to 5 million sadhus in India today. They are
men who have given up all wordly things and live in
caves and temples relying on other Hindus to provide
sustenance. I had managed to capture this image in the early evening while walking alone down to the mela to photograph the
sunset. It is a most sublime feeling watching as the great glowing orb sinks behind the dunes.
The sadhu stopped me and pointed to my camera and himself indicating that he wanted his picture taken. The Hindus were gathering for prayers beside the lake and the strident sounds of the day were replaced by bells, music and song. In preparation for worship they set adrift thousands of leaves, each carrying a minute flickering oil lamp”.
Her site is spectacular!! What an eye for tremendous photo ops! I see the skill must be in the genes!!! I am suprised seeing a sadhu without a chillum though.
Doug, I see your old “plumberfromhell” has changed to “plumberinhell” I hope the back is getting a little more tolerable. Your description of the agony of “vertebrae like crushed glass” had Maggie and I cringing. I suspect that in your condition you might make better use of the chillum than the sadhu. Mick
Amazing shot! What a “catch”
The last paragraph clearly indicates that he is not a Sadhu- otherwise why should he want his picture to be taken? Some of them even shave their heads off but what is inside the head is more important?