SHIVA LINGAM BY THE GANGES, VARANASI

On a brief trip to the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges, I came across this woman preparing some offerings to this Shiva lingam that included a accompanying statues of Ganesh and Nandi, commonly seen near to Shiva shrines either in Hindu temples or outside in stand alone sacred places like the Ganges. The daily rituals at these sites are complex and symbolic and an integral part of many Hindus’ daily life.