Religious Sites in Maharashtra
Dublin Core
Title
Religious Sites in Maharashtra
Description
The Lake Forest College Collection “Religious Sites in Maharashtra” contains images of three sites in the west Indian state of Maharashtra: Ellora, Khuldabad, and Ajanta, pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Jains, Muslims, and Buddhists. The photos in this collection were taken in January 2003 by Cathy Benton and the audio files were recorded by Mark Nelson.
Collection Items
Ellora, Datta Temple, silver makara
On a pillar of the temple is this gray makara, a mythical aquatic beast associated with the Ganges gharial, a species of crocodile. The makara is associated with Kamadeva, god of desire, as well as the goddess Ganga and the Vedic god of the sea,…
Ellora, Datta Temple, stylized peacock
On a pillar of the temple is this stylized peacock. The peacock is sometimes associated with the god Brahma and his consort, Saraswati.
Ellora, Datta Temple
Datta, a combination of Vishnu, Brahma, and Siva, is a god most familiar in Maharashtra. While most Hindu temples display images of various gods and goddesses throughout, as does this temple, this Datta Temple places all three gods in its innermost…
Ellora, Datta Temple, ascetic figure on roof
An ascetic figure sits atop the roof of the temple, clothed in the saffron robes that indicate his commitment to live as a brahmacarin and carrying the walking stick necessary for his life as wanderer. The sunglasses indicate that this figure was…
Ellora, Datta Temple, ascetic figure on roof, close-up
An ascetic figure sits atop the roof of the temple, clothed in the saffron robes that indicate his commitment to live as a brahmacarin and carrying the walking stick necessary for his life as wanderer. The sunglasses indicate that this figure was…
Ellora, Datta Temple, ascetic figure
This image of an ascetic in a modified lotus position sits in a niche in the upper outside wall of the temple.
Ellora, Ganapati Temple
Performing puja to the deity of the temple, Ganapathy, the priest offers the flame.
Ellora, Ganapati Temple, puja with flowers
Performing puja to the deity, Ganapathy, the priest and a worshipper offer flowers.
Ellora, Ganapati Temple, doorway
At the doorway to the shrine of the temple, people discuss the morning puja with the temple priest.
Ellora, Ganapati Temple, rules
At the doorway to the shrine of the temple, men are asked in Marathi, Hindi, and English to remove their upper garments and leather belts out of respect. Everyone removes their shoes at the door.