This 3-D map shows India's varied terrain, inside Mother India temple
State University of New York at Buffalo.
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Vārānasi (Uttar Pradesh, India : District)
Entrance, Mother India (Bharat Mata) temple
Visitors get detailed instructions on appropriate behavior inside this 'Mother India' temple.
The multi-colored flag at the top is the international one for Buddhism. The English text at the lower right is a translation of the Hindi text. The verses on the top read, "You yourself should make an effort,/ The Tathagata can but show the Way./ The meditative one who walks this path/ Is released from the bonds of Mara." They come from the Dhammapada, Sayings of the Buddha. Verses at the bottom left, also part of Buddhist teachings, are translated at the bottom right.
Parinirvana means release from the otherwise-endless cycle of death and rebirth
Emaciated Buddha following own spiritual path
In addition to the figure of Buddha, shown in a teaching position, this poster includes instructions about truth in Hindi and English.
Ganga pollution control association sponsored by Uttar Pradesh Water Association
Cremations in this facility are much quicker, cheaper and less polluting. However, they lack religious significance
A morning ritual bath in the Ganges purifies one
Mourners line the banks (ghats) of the Ganges at Varanasi
Closing of day ceremony, when light is offered to deity
Hindus cremate after death. Varanasi is the holiest site for them, so demand is high for cremation sites.
Erotic Sculpted friezes, Lakshmana Temple
To celebrate life, sculptors at Khajuraho didn't hesitate to depict genitalia or sexual acts
The Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu temple built by Yashovarman located in Khajuraho, India. Dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu - an aspect of Vishnu.
Sexual intercourse is symbolic of human-divine interaction.
"Agrasen was a legendary Indian king (Maharaja) of Agroha, a city of traders. The Agrawal and Agrahari communities claim descent from him. He is credited with the establishment of a kingdom of traders in North India named Agroha, and is known for his compassion in refusing to slaughter animals in yajnas." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrasen)
Continual upkeep is necessary, all through the Taj
Entrance to Agra fort across river from Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned here by his son. Pedestrians, like traffic, keep to the left.
Inlaid detail work at Taj Mahal entrance
To keep the beauty of this site and to maintain safety, the Indian government bans any potential threat to the Taj's beauty
This décor is intended to keep spirits out and bring good luck
To beautify this home, an artist has stenciled large designs onto the stucco wall
Because of the heat in India, cooking is often done outdoors
Exterior walls of this home in a northern Indian village have been painted with abstract designs.
Note the deep cutting in Purana Qila fort column
At schools in India, students must wear official uniforms
Shiva is lord of the dance and one of the most significant Hindu gods
Given high temperatures, barbers usually work outside
Built between 1644 and 1656, this is one of India's largest mosques
Fireworks are legal in India, but are sold with some restrictions
hence create elaborate turbans and beard nets
Given large numbers of workers, operating a pedicab provides a low-skill job
This gleaming tomb is considered the loveliest in the world. The Great Gate stands in the background
Inlaid stone border and bas relief, Taj Mahal
Thousands of craftsmen worked over 20 years patiently preparing the Taj Mahal, the tomb of Emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1632-1658)
Inlaid stone inscription on a wall of Taj Mahal
Arabic can be written with numerous lovely scripts.
The Great gate (Darwaza-i rauza) is the main entrance to the tomb.
Although known as a global artistic wonder, the Taj Mahal lies close to poor villages, whose inhabitants must gather wood for cooking
Goat herds with Taj Mahal and mosque in background
Because of families' economic needs, children often herd small animals rather than attend school
Camels survive well in this hot, dry section of India, and have been domesticated for hauling heavy loads
Most construction in rural India is carried out with earthen bricks
To beautify camels, Indian tour companies often clip leg hair into geometric patterns. Everything in India is decorated, even camels.
Because of dry conditions in this part of India, wells must be dug deep. This stepwell, which measures nearly 65 feet deep, was constructed in the 8th or 9th century.
On display at women's sewing cooperative
At this women's fair trade sewing cooperative, sellers display items group members have made
indians use all forms of transport, animate and inanimate
Dried cow patties burn well, and can be gathered free from fields or along roads