Idol Symbolism: Ma Kali’s idol typically depicts her with a garland of skulls, a protruding tongue, and weapons in her hands—symbolizing destruction of ego and protection of righteousness.

Spiritual Significance

Destroyer of Darkness: Kali represents the annihilation of evil and the ego, paving the way for spiritual awakening.

Motherly Compassion: Despite her fierce form, she is revered as the loving mother who protects her children from harm.

Cosmic Time: Kali is also seen as the goddess of time and change, reminding devotees of the impermanence of life

I had the privilege of witnessing the morning prayers at Chorten Ningpo Monastery in Bhutan. The serene atmosphere of the prayer hall embraced me as the monks chanted mantras and engaged in sacred rituals, their devotion tangible in every gesture. This hour-long routine served to purify their minds, cultivating a harmonious environment for meditation. Through their chanting and rituals, they sought blessings from the Buddha and enlightened beings, nurturing their spiritual journey. In a moment of connection, one of the monks felt my presence, turned to look at me with a gentle smile, and offered a glimpse of warmth amidst the spiritual devotion. - Chorten Ningpo Monastery, Punakha, Bhutan

I witnessed morning prayers at Chorten Ningpo Monastery in Bhutan. Lasting an hour, the monks chanted mantras and performed rituals in the prayer hall. This routine purifies their minds, creating a meditation-friendly environment. Chanting and rituals seek blessings from the Buddha and enlightened beings, aiding their spiritual journey. The morning light bathed the hall, providing an enchanting glow for captivating photographs. Light and shadow played together, adding depth to the mystical ambiance - Chorten Ningpo Monastery, Punakha, Bhutan

I witnessed morning prayers at Chorten Ningpo Monastery in Bhutan. Lasting an hour, the monks chanted mantras and performed rituals in the prayer hall. This routine purifies their minds, creating a meditation-friendly environment. Chanting and rituals seek blessings from the Buddha and enlightened beings, aiding their spiritual journey. The morning light bathed the hall, providing an enchanting glow for captivating photographs. Light and shadow played together, adding depth to the mystical ambiance - Chorten Ningpo Monastery, Punakha, Bhutan

I witnessed morning prayers at Chorten Ningpo Monastery in Bhutan. Lasting an hour, the monks chanted mantras and performed rituals in the prayer hall. This routine purifies their minds, creating a meditation-friendly environment. Chanting and rituals seek blessings from the Buddha and enlightened beings, aiding their spiritual journey. After the morning prayers, I asked the young monks to gather in the hallway in front of the prayer hall for a group portrait. They happily accepted, though it wasn't all that successful to have all of their noses in the same direction. - Chorten Ningpo Monastery, Punakha, Bhutan.

Young boys captured studying between the morning prayers and breakfast at Chorten Ningpo Monastery in Punakha, Bhutan. In an effort to alleviate their families' burdens, impoverished boys willingly enter monastic life. These monasteries provide essential provisions and foster spiritual growth, securing their future. Typically, children in Bhutan enter the monastery around the ages of six to eight, sacrificing a conventional childhood for a life of unwavering devotion and hope - Chorten Ningpo Monastery, Punakha, Bhutan.

photo rights reserved by B℮n

The Sameba Cathedral, also known as the Holy Trinity Cathedral, is an impressive Orthodox cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia, and one of the largest religious buildings in the country. The cathedral is renowned for its architecture and rich decorations, including its beautiful icons and frescoes. A notable icon of Mary in the Sameba Cathedral depicts her without the usual image of the Christ child in her arms. Instead, Mary is shown alone, often holding a handkerchief in her hands. This depiction, without the Christ child, gives her an introspective and meditative presence, symbolizing her sorrow and compassion, especially in relation to the suffering and crucifixion of Christ. The handkerchief conveys her empathy for humanity and her role as an intercessor, offering comfort and solace to the faithful. In the Georgian Orthodox tradition, Mary is depicted with deep reverence, often surrounded by golden and blue hues symbolizing holiness and purity. The iconography in Sameba Cathedral reflects both Byzantine influences and local Georgian artistic traditions, with intricate details in gold leaf emphasizing Mary’s sacred importance. The icon of Mary in the Sameba Cathedral is one of the most revered images in the church. Worshippers light candles here and pray for protection, health, and peace. The serene atmosphere surrounding this icon makes it a central place of devotion and comfort, where believers find solace in her symbolic presence as the Mother of Mercy and Comforter.

Sameba Cathedral is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims, both for its religious significance and for its architectural splendor. The cathedral is a must-see for visitors to Tbilisi and a powerful symbol of Georgian culture and identity. In addition to the cathedral itself, the complex includes several annexes, including a bell tower, a seminary and several other ecclesiastical buildings. The gardens surrounding the cathedral are beautifully landscaped, and the grounds offer panoramic views of Tbilisi. The Sameba Cathedral is truly an icon in Tbilisi and offers a wonderful insight into Georgian religious and cultural heritage.

De Sameba-kathedraal, ook bekend als de Heilige Drie-eenheid-kathedraal, is een indrukwekkende orthodoxe kathedraal in Tbilisi, Georgië. Deze kathedraal, een van de grootste religieuze gebouwen van het land, is beroemd om haar architectuur en rijke decoraties, waaronder prachtige iconen en fresco’s. Een bijzonder icoon van Maria in de Sameba-kathedraal toont haar zonder het gebruikelijke Christuskind op haar arm. In plaats daarvan wordt Maria alleen afgebeeld, vaak met een zakdoek in haar handen. Deze afbeelding, waarin zij geen Jezus draagt, geeft haar een ingetogen en meditatieve uitstraling en symboliseert haar verdriet en medeleven, vooral in relatie tot het lijden en de kruisiging van Christus. Het vasthouden van de zakdoek verwijst naar haar compassie voor de mensheid en haar rol als voorspreekster, waarbij zij bemiddelt en troost biedt aan de gelovigen. In de Georgisch-Orthodoxe traditie wordt Maria met diep respect afgebeeld, vaak omgeven door gouden en blauwe kleuren die heiligheid en zuiverheid symboliseren. De iconografie in de Sameba-kathedraal weerspiegelt zowel Byzantijnse invloeden als lokale Georgische kunsttradities. De gedetailleerde bewerking met bladgoud benadrukt Maria’s bijzondere betekenis binnen het geloof. Het Maria-icoon in de Sameba-kathedraal is een van de meest vereerde afbeeldingen in het gebouw. Gelovigen steken er kaarsen aan en bidden voor bescherming, gezondheid en vrede. De serene sfeer rond het icoon maakt het een centrale plek van devotie en troost, waar gelovigen troost vinden in haar symbolische aanwezigheid als Moeder van Genade en Troosteres.

In the serene ambience of a Balinese temple, an elderly lady stands with quiet grace. Clad in a traditional kebaya, her attire is a vibrant tapestry of intricate patterns and rich colors, symbolizing the cultural heritage of Bali. She holds a woven prayer basket, filled with offerings of flowers and incense, poised for her ritual devotion. The temple's ancient stone carvings create a sacred backdrop, enhancing the sense of timeless spirituality and devotion in this poignant scene.

photo rights reserved by Ben

In the heart of Skopje, near the old bazaar, stands the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God — one of the city’s most important Orthodox churches. It was built in the 19th century, during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, and was heavily damaged in the 1963 earthquake. Later it was carefully restored. Today it is a beloved place of peace amid the busy centre, where people stop by to pray — but most of all to light a candle. What immediately stands out is that this does not happen inside the church, but in a separate area outside, under a covered shelter near the entrance. In the photo you can see one of these candle spaces, flanked by dark metal stands and with a large icon of the Mother of God and Child in the background. The candles burn quietly in the open air, as people pause for a moment of prayer or reflection. This outdoor candle ritual is deeply rooted in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. It began for practical reasons — to prevent fire and smoke damage to the wooden interiors and frescoes — but over time it took on a symbolic meaning. The candle is lit before entering the church: as an offering of light, a silent message to God or to Mary, a gesture of purification before stepping into the sacred space. That simple act, performed outside under the shelter, marks a passage between the ordinary and the divine — a small ritual found everywhere in North Macedonia, from humble village chapels to grand cathedrals.

Near Skopje’s old bazaar stands the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God — a serene Orthodox sanctuary where visitors light candles not inside, but outside under a covered area. This tradition, rooted in both practicality and symbolism, reflects the Eastern Orthodox idea of offering light before stepping into the sacred — a quiet moment between the everyday and the divine.

In het hart van Skopje, vlak bij de oude bazaar, staat de Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God — een van de belangrijkste orthodoxe kerken van de stad. De kerk werd gebouwd in de 19e eeuw, in de laatste periode van het Ottomaanse rijk, en raakte zwaar beschadigd bij de aardbeving van 1963. Later is ze met zorg hersteld. Vandaag is het een geliefde plek van rust in het drukke centrum, waar mensen even binnenlopen om te bidden, maar vooral om een kaars aan te steken. Wat meteen opvalt, is dat dit niet binnen in de kerk gebeurt, maar in een afzonderlijke ruimte buiten, onder een overkapping voor de ingang. Op de foto zie je zo’n kaarsenplaats, geflankeerd door donkere metalen kasten en met een grote icoon van de Moeder Gods met Kind op de achtergrond. De kaarsen branden er in stilte, in de open lucht, terwijl mensen even stilstaan voor een gebed of gedachte. Dat buitenkaarsenritueel is diep geworteld in de oosters-orthodoxe traditie. Ooit begon het uit praktische overwegingen — om brandgevaar en rookschade aan de houten interieurs en fresco’s te voorkomen — maar het kreeg een symbolische betekenis. De kaars wordt aangestoken voordat men de kerk binnengaat: als een lichtoffer, een stille boodschap aan God of Maria, een gebaar van zuivering vóór je de heilige ruimte betreedt. Zo vormt die eenvoudige handeling, buiten onder het afdak, een overgangsmoment tussen het alledaagse en het sacrale — een klein ritueel dat overal in Noord-Macedonië terugkeert, van dorpskapel tot kathedraal.

photo rights reserved by Ben

The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia, is one of the holiest and oldest churches in the country. Built between 1010 and 1029, this imposing cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not only an architectural gem but also a major symbol of religious significance. According to tradition, the cathedral is the burial site of the robe of Christ—the garment Jesus wore during his crucifixion—making it one of the most sacred places in Georgia. Legend has it that a Jewish man from Mtskheta, Elioz, brought the robe back from Jerusalem after the crucifixion. His sister, Sidonia, took the robe into her hands, was overcome with emotion, and died instantly, unable to be separated from it. She was buried holding the robe, and the cathedral was later built on that very spot. Inside the cathedral lies a small chapel, one of the most sacred spaces in the Georgian Orthodox faith. It is believed that beneath this chapel rests Christ’s robe, brought to Mtskheta in the 1st century. The chapel was constructed as a shrine to honor this sacred relic. Its walls are adorned with centuries-old frescoes, which—despite their weathered appearance—still radiate a profound spiritual atmosphere. The chapel is surrounded by flowers and burning candles, showing that it remains an active site of devotion. Worshippers come to pray, light candles, touch the ancient stone walls, or bow their heads in silent reverence—simple yet powerful expressions of faith. This chapel is the heart of the cathedral—both literally and symbolically—and contributes greatly to the mystical atmosphere that makes Svetitskhoveli so special. Whether you are religious or not, there is a sense that something eternal lingers in the air.

The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s most sacred places. It is said to house the robe of Christ, buried beneath a small inner chapel. This chapel is a spiritual heart of the cathedral, still visited daily by believers. Its ancient walls and quiet devotion give the space a timeless, holy atmosphere.

De Svetitskhoveli-kathedraal in Mtskheta, Georgië, is een van de heiligste en oudste kerken van het land. Deze imposante kathedraal, gebouwd tussen 1010 en 1029, is een meesterwerk van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur en maakt deel uit van het UNESCO-werelderfgoed. Niet alleen is het een architectonisch juweel, het is ook een belangrijk religieus symbool. Volgens de overlevering is hier het kleed begraven dat Jezus droeg tijdens zijn kruisiging, wat de kathedraal tot een van de heiligste plekken van Georgië maakt. De legende vertelt dat een Joodse man uit Mtskheta, Elioz, het kleed uit Jeruzalem meenam na de kruisiging. Zijn zus, Sidonia, nam het in haar handen, werd overweldigd door emoties, stierf en kon niet meer van het kleed worden gescheiden. Ze werd samen met het kleed begraven. Op die plek werd later de Svetitskhoveli-kathedraal gebouwd. Binnen in de kathedraal bevindt zich een kleine kapel, een van de meest heilige plekken van het Georgisch-orthodoxe geloof. Volgens de traditie ligt onder deze kapel het heilige kleed van Christus. De kapel is gebouwd als een soort grafmonument, om dit kostbare relikwie te eren. De muren zijn bedekt met eeuwenoude fresco’s die, ondanks hun verweerde staat, nog altijd een diepe spirituele sfeer oproepen. De kapel is versierd met bloemen en brandende kaarsen, een duidelijk teken dat deze plek nog steeds een centrum van devotie is. Gelovigen komen hier om te bidden, kaarsjes aan te steken, de muren aan te raken of in stilte het hoofd te buigen — eenvoudige, maar krachtige gebaren van geloof en respect. De kapel vormt het hart van de kathedraal – letterlijk én symbolisch – en draagt sterk bij aan de mystieke sfeer die de Svetitskhoveli zo bijzonder maakt. Of je nu gelovig bent of niet, het voelt alsof hier iets eeuwigs in de lucht hangt.

Time and devotion have cloaked this guardian in emerald moss, each droplet of water an offering, each prayer a whisper woven into the green. At Hozenji Mizukake Fudoson, worshippers follow the mizukake ritual—pouring water over the statue as a gesture of faith, purification, and good fortune. Over the years, the moisture has allowed nature to take root, transforming the stone into a living symbol of resilience and devotion. Here, belief is not just spoken but nurtured, where moss and prayers grow side by side.

This photograph, a piece of the 'Momentum' series, portrays the serene dedication within a temple in stark monochrome. It captures the quietude of a monk in prayer, surrounded by a cascade of prayer tags, which creates a compelling contrast to the bustling life outside the temple walls. The image conveys a moment of spiritual pause, reflecting the momentum of inner peace amidst the world's constant motion

A small window into my sanctuary.

Books line the radiator shelf, from war photography and philosophy to fiction, poetry, and memory. Between them, a pair of Shabbat candles stands ready for Friday night. Off to the left: a Hanukkah menorah, its base heavy with history and tradition, now quiet after last winter’s lights.

Houseplants lean toward the night-glow, a salt lamp softens the edges, and reflections of the kitchen echo gently in the dark glass. This is where I rest. Where I reflect. Where ritual and routine meet.

A still moment from an ordinary evening in Espoo, Finland, shot handheld on the Canon 1D X Mark II with a wide aperture to let the atmosphere breathe.

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) ritual is more than mere ancestral reverence.... It is sacred through which we clear the land of the living and assist the departed to reach ancestral realms. Day of the Dead is also a way to pay our debts to the invisible, allowing us to align with the present time.....

This ceremony is sacred.. ( no cameras allowed.. which I didn't know.. ) and only took this one picture..

The shadow on the right is a stone chalice that filled the air with incense..

An amazing ceremony to watch..

Exhibition Review - Subodh Gupta: 'Invisible Reality' Hauser & Wirth Somerset till 2nd May 2016.

Gupta's pots are stained with secular rituals of the sacred. - Drenched Co.

Comment: "To me, Gupta's pots alludes to the sacramental ordinary, the idea that our inner lives are inextricably intertwined with those of objects and perhaps something beyond, something unknowable. Gupta's pots, passing from one form to another in the fires of meals long past are here helpfully engorged by the artist for a closer look, in the heat of a different kind of attention. " - Raj

See www.hauserwirth.com/exhibitions/2720/subodh-gupta-invisib...

See also www.soaked.space/2016/04/exhibition-review-subodh-gupta.html

See also www.woundsthatbind.com/2016/04/exhibition-review-subodh-g...

Caption: Image above: Installation view Subodh Gupta© Hauser & Wirth Somerset 2016 Photo: Ken Adlard

Image courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth Somerset.

We take great care not to harm the image in any way. And these views, they are ours only and not those of the gallery or artist.

#cutsoverart #drenchedco #soakedspace #SubodhGupta #HauserWirth #HauserWirthSomerset #InvisibleReality #londonart #artlondon #artinlondon #somersetart #artberlin #berlinart #artinberlin #artnewyork #newyorkart #artinnewyork #artreview #sculpture #artinstallation #installationart #pots #sacramentalordinary #secularritual #sacredritual #stain #india #artindelhi #delhiart #artdelhi #artinindia #indiaart #artinindia

Offering Vessel” examines the ritualized language of surrender how the body enacts meaning through the simplest gestures. In this piece, the unseen figure becomes a conduit, the curved container they hold a metaphor for both burden and release. The fluid it drips is not just liquid it’s memory, intention, sacrifice. The blood-like trail stains not just the wall but the air, hanging in silence like breath held too long. I created this work as a meditation on intimacy and transference, where the act of pouring becomes both cleansing and damning. It is not about death, but about what we are willing to give up in order to feel seen. This piece lives in the shadow space between sacred offering and quiet unraveling intimate, severe, and unresolved.

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Suitable hashtags include: #RitualArt #SymbolicGesture #BloodAsMetaphor #MinimalSurrealism #MoodyConceptual #DarkPoetics #PsychologicalSymbolism #NarrativeDetail #SacredRitual #UnseenFigure #EmotionalOffering #ShadowWorkArt #FeminineMystery #AtmosphericStillness #ObjectAsSymbol #ArtInMotion #VesselOfMemory #ConceptualPhotography. And as always, to anchor the work within its maker: #Melora #MeloraArtist #RhondaMelo #Melora<3.

Fushimi Inari Shrine's ceremonial hall, known as the Honden, stands as a revered space embodying centuries of sacred traditions and spiritual devotion. Nestled within the precincts of this iconic Shinto shrine in Kyoto, the Honden represents a nexus of reverence and cultural heritage.

Adorned with intricate architectural details and symbolic motifs, this hallowed hall serves as a focal point for rituals, prayers, and offerings. Visitors are drawn to its serene ambiance, feeling the palpable sense of spiritual energy within its sacred walls. The Honden encapsulates the essence of Shinto beliefs, inviting all to witness the harmonious fusion of architectural elegance and profound spirituality, making it a cornerstone of Fushimi Inari Shrine's cultural significance.

Fushimi Inari Shrine, a revered gem nestled in Kyoto, beckons visitors with its iconic vermillion torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway through lush forests and up the sacred Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, this enchanting shrine is a tapestry of spirituality and natural beauty. The cascading rows of torii gates, numbering in thousands, symbolize wishes and offerings from devotees.

As visitors ascend the mountain, they immerse themselves in a mystical journey, encountering hidden shrines, serene ponds, and panoramic vistas of Kyoto below. Each step through the gates invites contemplation and reverence, echoing the tranquility and spiritual depth that Fushimi Inari Shrine embodies. Its fusion of vibrant culture, ancient traditions, and breathtaking landscapes makes it an enduring symbol of Japan's spiritual heritage and natural allure.

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On this auspicious day, may Goddess Lakshmi shower her divine blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity upon you and your family.

Let the sacred Vratham fill your home with positive energy, devotion, and abundance.

Happy Varalakshmi Vratham from Sunlit Farm Stay!

The altar space at Wild Moon is a sacred and intimate setting for rituals, meditations, and ceremonies.

Seville, Spain, Feb 26 2018, Faithful believers express devotion by kissing the feet of Cristo del Calvario inside Magdalena Church, Seville, during a sacred ritual.

Votive candles glow in the tranquil Cesky Krumlov church, surrounded by golden altars and ancient architecture.

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