Other Deities
These two images are colloquially known as "hero-stones," and they are represent deified ancestors who are worshipped by their descendants (especially women) for the guidance and benefit of the family (for more information about this phenomenon, I recommend The Goddess's Henchmen by Lindsay Harlan). The larger image is a little more than a foot high, and they are clearly active objects of worship--note not only the orange smeared on the stones, but also the purple flower petals at the base. Figures such as these illustrate the permeable boundaries between human beings and divinity for Hindus. between humans and divine beings.
Pushkar, January 2005



Here's a longer view of the same shrine. In the front are some broken pillars, and I expect that these originally held up some sort of roof (a very common arrangement for much larger temples as well), as well as the decorative grating behind the two stones. Most interesting of all is the lettering on top, which undoubtedly gives the name of the "deity" being worshipped. The last part clearly reads "Maharaj" ("Great King"), a respectful title. The first part isn't as clear to me--I would guess Tala Ji (Ji is another respectful suffix)--but this really doesn't mean much to me. When I asked Professor Harlan, she told me that the only way to be really sure of the deity's identity would be to talk to the people making the offerings.
Pushkar, January 2005

Here are a pair of door guardians (dvarapalas), minor deities set on each side of a temple doorway, in this case Baijnath in Kumaon. They are responsible for "keeping order" in the temple grounds, in much the same way as a sheriff or sergeant at arms. Each as has been marked with a tilak, and a purple flower is visible on top of each--signs that despite their subsidiary status, they too are objects of worship.


This shows the sacred cow, as the abode and embodiment of all the Hindu gods. It is another example of modern Hindu poster art.
This picture shows the karmic connections between certain unrighteous acts and their undesirable consequences. It's another example of modern Indian poster art. For a larger view of this poster, click here
This is a picture of Sai Baba, a very famous saint who lived most of his life in the small Maharashtrian town of Shirdi. Sai Baba was famous for working miracles and wonders (healing, appearing in multiple places at the same time, reading minds, and the ability to respond to his disciples' needs, however distance. His personal history and parentage are unknown but Sai Baba's teachings, practices, and even his appearance cut across the divisions between Hindus and Muslims (the major religious divide of his time), and his disciples came from both of these communities. One of the notable things about this poster is the way that the iconography firmly identifies him as Hindu--from the tray of offerings at his feet, to the Om symbol on the palm of his upraised hand.

शिर्दी दर्शन

Google Video

Please click the link to above kakad aarti and see the full video

SHREE SAI NATH

अन्नंत कोटी ब्रह्माण्ड नायक

राजा धीरज योगिराज परम भरम

श्री सचिदानंद सतगुरु साइनाथ महाराज कि जय