Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, April 4, 2014: A Holy Man of Varanasi by the Ganges

Around every corner in the Holy City of Varanasi, which is located on the banks of Mother Ganges in India, is another surprise and visual treat. Being such an important site for the ardent followers of the Hindu religion it is normal to encounter Sadhus – or Holy Men – whose life is totally dedicated to achieving mokṣa (liberation), through the fourth and final aśrama (stage of life), through meditation and contemplation of brahman.

In this photo our Sadhu has truly ‘set out his stall’ with a considerable number of holy relics, bottles of Ganges water, posters and trinkets as he sits in contemplation with his companion. a chubby and well secured monkey. The Sadhu sits beside the main walkway leading towards the ‘Ghats’ (stone staircases into the Ganges) where cremations are performed 24 hours a day.

Varanasi is a visual feast for any visitor and leaves a lasting deep impression upon any visitor.

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