Images tagged "religion"
Women praying in front of Shwezigon paya. Old Bagan.
A gilded statue of Buddha in Ananda Pahto. Old Bagan.
A man praying in front of Mingalazedi temple (closed at that time). Old Bagan.
A statue of Buddha in Dhammayangyi Pahto. Old Bagan.
A pair of Buddha statues in Dhammayangyi Pahto. Old Bagan.
A scene from Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A monk reading a book in Nga Phe Kyaung monastery (Jumping Cat monastery) on Inle lake in Shan state.
Three nuns in theri typical pink robes in Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A scene from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Evening at Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Shwedagon Paya at night. Rangoon (Yangon).
Old synagogue in Rangoon (Yangon).
The famous Mahamuni Buddha in the Mahamuni temple in Mandalay - one of the three holiest places in Burma (Myanmar). The statue is covered with thick layer of gold formed by very thin gold leafs stuck by the pilgrims since several centuries.
Young boy in monk's robes from Shwenandaw monastery in Mandalay.
Two young in monk's robes from Shwenandaw monastery in Mandalay.
A group of nuns in their typical pink robes in the early morning on a street in Mandalay.
Wedding procession in Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Moon over Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
GIlded adornings of roofs and shrines and stupas around Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A general view of Mt. Kyaiktiyo with the Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda balancing impossibly over the edge thanks to a strand of Buddha's hair placed underneath.
The bottom of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and the devotees praying and sticking golden leafs to the holy rock. Mount Kyaiktyio.
A porter carrying luggage of pilgrims to the Golden Rock on top of the holy Mt. Kyaiktyio. Shan State.
Pilgrims light hundreds of candles in front of the holy Kyaiktyio Pagoda (Golden Rock). Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
A monk with typical Burmese fan. Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Young nuns in Kinpun at the foot of Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
A monk shaving the head of his colleague. Amarapura near Mandalay.
Burnese nuns in their typical pink robes in front of the Golden Rock on Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
A monk in front of the Golden Rock on Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Pilgrims praying in front of the Kyaiktyio Pagoda on Mt. Kyaiktyio in Shan Stste.
Evening sun lights up the Golden Rock of Kyaiktyio with a crowd of man sticking their golden leafs to it.Women are forbidden to enter close to the holy pagoda.
Smiling monk from Kyaiktyio.
Burmese pilgrims often spend many nights under the makeshift tents on the square in frint of the Kyaiktyio Pagoda. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Pilgrims lighting candles at dusk on Mt. Kyaiktyio.
The Golden Rock really looks like it is about to fall down the mountain. That it does not fall is reportedly thanks to the Buddha's strand of hair hidden below the holy boulder.
Rows of shrines and stupas around Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon (Yangon).
Procession of young girls making offerings at Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A man sticking incredibly thin golden leafs to the surface of Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda, Mon State.
A man praying at the Golden Rock. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Mon State.
An alley with densely arranged golden stupas in Shw Inn Thein complex in Indein village. Shan State.
Monks marching very early morning barefoot to collect alms from the households in Nyaungshwe on Inle lake in Shan State.
Kuthodaw temple in Mandalay is called "the largest book in the world", because it contains marble tables with the text of the entire buddhist teaching canon (tripitaka) in 729 litttle shrines.
A wall of golden stupas line a path in Shwe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
The most beautiful "street" in Burma - an alley in Shwe Inn Thein temple lined on both sides with golden, white and brick stupas. Near Indein village in Shan State.
Young monk walking past the Kyautawgyi Paya in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Shemawdaw Paya in Bago with its height of 114m is the tallest stupa in Burma . It is 16 m taller than the Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon (Yangon).
An old Spanish church. Bohol.
A tower - the only visible part of a church buried by the eruption of the Mayon volcano together with the worshippers, who seeked shelter inside. Luzon island.
"Yes to God" - an inscription on a bus stop in Masbate.
Fruit offerings in fron of a temple in Tai O village on Lantau Island.
Temple Luhur Batukau at the foot of the volcano Gunung Batukau. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau surrounded by tropical jungle. Bali.
Rarely seen arched gate leading to the inner (closed for non-Hindus) part of the Luhur Ulu Watu temple. Bali.
Beach at Jimbaran in the evening. In the foreground is a tiny basket with offerings to gods - a common sight in Bali.
Local woman making the morning offerings in a tiny shrine on Nusa Lembongan - an island south of Bali.
A view of one of the inner courtyards of Pura Besakich - one of the most important temples in Bali.
Luhur Batukau temple. Bali.
Procession with Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people met on the way from Pura Besakih to Bangli. Bali.
Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people. Bali.
Colorful and loud procession carrying Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people. Bali.
Festival gathering in Goa Lawah temple in Semarapura, Bali.
Goa Lawah temple during festival. Semarapura, Bali.
Faithful in Goa Lawah temple, Bali.
During a festival in Goa Lawah temple, Bali.
People praying in Pura Besakih. Bali.
Statue of a Franciscan monk in the old city of Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew walking the street of a Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew with three sons near the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew reading holy scriptures while walking down the street in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Israeli soldiers praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews reading and praying in the outdoor library in the northern, covered part of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall.
Romanesque church of St. Anne on Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem built by the Crusaders between 1131 and 1138.
Residents of the ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim reading announcements. Jerusalem.
In a courtyard of Mea Shearim. Jerusalem.
Typical, orthodox Jewish family has many children. Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
A street in Jewish ultraorthodox neighbourhood of Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. Bethlehem .
Cloisters around the courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. , Bethlehem .
A monk in front of the entrance to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem.
A view of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem from the nearby hill.
Builidings of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem and the surrounding landscape.
Haredi Jew with an abundant beard near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew reading holy scriptures near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Old Jew near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews paying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew. Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A stand selling kippas (yarmulkas) in the Jewish Quarter overlooking mount ZIon, Western Wall and the Al-Aksa mosque. Jerusalem.
Front facade of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem.
VIa Dolorosa and Ecce Homo arch in Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem.
A view of the domes of the Church of Condemnation from via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns in the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns singing during the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Gentle ramp leading to the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) - the holiest place of worship for Jews. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew washing before approaching the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the northern, covered part of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
At the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Old Jew in prayer at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing a shtreimel - round fur hat usually used on Shabbat or other holiday. Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews wearing various kinds of traditional dresses praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing a shtreimel (round fur hat) talking on the mobile phone near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing wearing a shtreimel (round fur hat) walking along the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew in a streimel (round fur hat) praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew in a streimel (round fur hat) near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Two Haredi Jews talking near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Nuns walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A corner near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church carrying a green cross. Jerusalem.
Al-Aksa mosque and Israeli security patrolling the area around it. Temple Mount, Jerusalem.
Jewish children of Mea Shearim ultraorthodox neighborhood. Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest walking towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Chapel of the Angel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priests entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A priest of the Coptic Church walking past the Israeli policeman. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews from Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Children from a Haredi Jewish family. Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews walking down the street in Jerusalem Old City.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall with characteristic tefillin on his forehead - a black leather box containing scrolls of parchment with verses from the Torah. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew with characteristic tefillin on his forehead - a black leather box containing scrolls of parchment with verses from the Torah. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the northern, covered portion of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall with tefillin (leather box containing scrolls with verses from the Torah) on his arm and forehead. Jerusalem.
White clad Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Western Wall with a row of praying Jews at its foot. Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount. Jerusalem.
Wall and the surrounding of the Greek Orthodox monastery Mar Saba on a slope of the Kidron Valley.
Some buildings within the Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery compound are literally built into the rock.
A courtyard of the Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery in Kidron Valley.
Walls of Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Copper dome of a church in Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Dome of the Rock with with the old city of Jerusalem in the background seen from the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock with with the old city of Jerusalem in the background and the city walls in the foreground seen from the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem.
Text of the Pater Noster (Our Father) in Polish (one of more than 100 languages) in the cloisters of the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives.
Old priest from the Russian Church of the Ascension. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Praying at the spot where Jesus was crucified in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Coptic priest overlooking the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
An old Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jew kissing the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Members of Jewish families of all ages praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Israeli soldier praying at the Western Wall.
Old Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Young Jew praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. In the gap are seen prayer notes on paper left by the faithful Jews in the cracks of the Western Wall since 300 years.
Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Church of the Dormition, Mount Zion, Jerusalem.
An ancient courtyard on Mt. Zion, Jerusalem.
The Western Wall - the holiest place of Judaism. Jerusalem.
A Jew in front of the Wailing Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. At the far end is the arched entrance to the northern, covered portion of the Western Wall.
Dome of a small church in Akko in northern Israel.
Golden dome of the Dome of the Rock temple in Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jew in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.
in the old city of Jerusalem.
Holy statue in the Kyiomizu temple in Kyoto being polished with thousands of hands.
Nun collecting alms. Kyoto.
Young boys leaving the mosque after the noon prayers. Bahla.
Houses of Shia Muslims are enshrouded with black as a sign of mourning the holy martyrs. Mutrah district, Muscat.
Black shrouds wave in the wind among Shia houses in the Mutrah district of Muscat.
The Royal Archicathedral Basilica on the Wawel Hill - the coronation church of the Polish kings from 1320 to 1734.
The Royal Sigismund Bell - the largest bell in the Sigismund Tower of the Wawel Cathedral in Cracow. It tolls on special occasions and is one of Poland's national symbols.
A bas relief made in salt showing the biblical visit of Jesus Christ in Temple. Saint Kinga Chamber in the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Cracow.
The Dharma Wheel flanked by two deers (male and female) at the top of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Far in the background is the Potala Palace - the winter seat of the Dalai Lama - the spiritual loeader of Tibet.
A bunch of twigs with Tibetan prayer flags and horns of a ram at the corner of a roof of the typical Tibetan house.
Masters of ceremony and a collection of Tibetan hats during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks and their prayer wheels. Lhasa.
Three monks watching a performance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan spectators watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of Tibetans watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Young Tibetan lighting yak butter lamps in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tired Tibetan pilgrim asleep under the prayer flags on Barkhor Square in Lhasa.
Tibetan prayer flags with Himalayan scenery at the background on the way from the Nepali border to Shigatse in Tibet.
Lama form the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse wearing ceremonial hat with red freckles during the festival.
A glimpse from the dark interior of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa into the open courtyard surrounded by hundreds of yak butter lamps.
Tibetan pilgrim during his ritual curcumambulation of the temple in Tashilunpo Monastery prostrates himself on the pavement among the lazy dogs resting in the shade and sun.
Shy young monk from Bangkok.
Orange robe hang to dry in front of the monk's living quarters in Bangkok.
Prayers in Wong Tai Sin temple in Kowloon during the celebration of Chinese New Year.
A worn out woodedn table with incenses in front of the temple on one of the ilands in New Territories.
Shadow and light in the Kun lam temple.
Spiral cone shaped incense from Kun lam temple.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
A hand of the man crucified during the Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga. The nail is real and the hand is really pierced and nailed to the cross.
Feet of the man crucified during the Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga. The nails are real, but they are placed between the toes doing no harm. The wodden shelf provides support for the feet.
A crowd of local onlookers, tourists and reporters under the cross with the first volunteer crucified during the Good Friday celebrations, barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A tiny shrine. Hong Kong Island.
Spiral cone shaped incenses from Kun lam temple.
One of the stupas of the Swedagon paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Wisdom Eyes of Bodnath Stupa in Kathmandu.
Little girl's look from behind the candles in one of the Roman churches.
Lanterns in the shintoistic Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Inside St. Patrick's cathedral, New York.
Orthodox Jew corssing a street in Williambsburg, Brooklyn - an area inhabited by a large hasidic Jewish community. New York.
Roof detail in the shintoistic Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Women praying on the bank of Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
Old woman performing rituals with water from Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
No photography. Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
Monks' laundry. Jaisalmer, Rajastan.
Holy sadhu, Udaipur, Rajastan.
Jain woman praying in a small Jain temple in Ranakpur, Rajastan.
Readings of the holy texts on Sunday morning in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman with a book of holy texts. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Devotees praying in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman reading from a book of holy texts. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A table with offerings of fruits and flowers in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A table with offerings of fruits and flowers in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman praying. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Huge censer (vessel for burning incense) in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Devotees praying in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Inside the main hall of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Offerings of flowers. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
General view of the inner courtyard and the main hall of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Old woman praying in front of the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple in Taipei.
Statue of Budai (Laughing Buddha) in Wufei Temple. Tainan.
Lady Linshui's Temple near the Koxinga Shrine is mostly visited by women, who come to pray for the good fortune and protection of their children. Tainan.
Inside Lady Linshui's Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome mask in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Censer (incense burner) in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome, black faced statues in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
City God Temple. Tainan.
Elaborately dressed statue inside the City God Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
A woman praying at the upper floor of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Statues of deified generals inside the Official God of War Temple. Tainan.
Workshop producing holy statues near the Official God of War Temple. Tainan.
An apse with mihrab (a niche showing the direction of Mecca) in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
Mimbar (an elevated pulpit for delivering sermons) in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
People queuing to put their thumbs into the hole at the bottom part of the Sweating Column in the northern corner of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Doing this and rotating one's palm 360 degrees is said to cure various ailments.
Mosaic (IX - X century) located in the tympanum above The Imperial Gate of Haghia Sophia in Istanbul. It shows an emperor (Leo VI the Wise or his son Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus) bowing down before Christ Pantocrator.
Islamic inscription made of famous Iznik tiles over the door in the harem complex of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
A muslim cleric in front of the cementary adjacent to the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.
Interior of the Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, designed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan.
Inside the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul.
Turkish men praying in the Blue Mosque with the minbar seen at the background. Istanbul.
The mosaic showing Christ as “The Land of the Living” placed in the lunette over the doorway to the esonarthex of the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, Istanbul.
Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator in the south dome of the inner narthex of the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, Istanbul.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (known as Blue Mosque) - one of the greatest and most famous mosques of Istanbul.
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Underground mykwa (Jewish ritual baths) in Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish tombs on the the cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish tombs on the the cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Holy Family church in Jerome, Arizona.
Holy Family church in Jerome, Arizona.
Wooden grave boards called sotoba with the names of the deceased on a cemetery in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo.
The entrance gate (Kaminarimon) to Senso-ji - the oldest (founded in 628 a.d) and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo (Asakusa district).
Incense burning in the Senso-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Lower part of the standing Buddha statue in the Chingodo Shrine near the Senso-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Min hall of the quiet Honzan Higashihongan-ji Temple about 600m west of the Senso-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Shinto priests bow during a ceremony in the Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Shinto priest in his typical ceremonial dress. Meiji Temple, Tokyo.
Shinto priests wearing black clogs walk in procession to Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
New Year celebrations on the courtyard of Zojo-ji Buddhist temple in the Shiba neighborhood of Minato in Tokyo.
Buddhist priests celebrate the coming of a New Year in the Zojo-ji temple in Tokyo.
Buddhist priests celebrate the coming of the New Year in the Zojo-ji temple in Tokyo.
Robes of a Buddhist priest from the Zojo-ji temple in Tokyo.
Buddhist priest celebrate the coming of a New Year in the Zojo-ji temple in Tokyo.
Jizo statues dedicated to unborn children at the cemetery near the Zojo-ji Buddhist temple in Tokyo.
Yasukuni Temple in Tokyo commemorating anyone who had died in service of the Empire of Japan (i.e. from 1868 to 1947).
Elderly Japanese pay tribute to the fallen soldiers commemorated in the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Paper rolls with wishes and prayers in the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Japanese Master demonstrates fighting techniques with samurai sword. Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo.
Crowd of people waiting to pay tributes to the Japanese fallen soldiers commemorated in the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Falun Gong practitioners in Chinatown in San Francisco. California.
A group of pilgrims on the way to the inner temple (closed for tourists) of Pura Besakih, Bali.
The most famous feature of Balinese temples - multilevel Meru towers.
A woman carrying a basket full of sacrificial fruits and flowers on her head while returning from the Goa Lawah temple in Klungkung (Semarapura), Bali.
Procession with Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people met on the way from Pura Besakih to Bangli. Bali.
Balinese woman in front of her house with gifts for the street procession passing by. Bali.
Church of St. Stanislaus of the Poles - the Polish church in Rome.
Inside the temple of Amun in Karnak at night.
A man acting out Jesus Christ at Way of the Cross procession during Easter celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
One of the self-whippers under the cross on "Golgota" built during Easter celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Whippers under "Golgota" during the Way of the Cross procession preformed on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The swollen back of one of the self-whippers is cut with sharp pieces of glass to release blood and increase the theatrical dramatism of the Easter celebrations.
A general view of the hill with three crosses, to which three man are nailed as the culmination of the Good Friday celebrations. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers acting out Jesus Christ moments before being nailed to the cross. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers acting out Jesus Christ is laid on the cross, to which his hands will be nailed. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The cross with a nailed man being raised. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the crucified men is raised up on the cross. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrations, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrations, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Real suffering of a man acting out crucified Christ after his hands had been nailed to the cross during Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers to be crucified on that day is being taken down from the cross. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Another volunteer is being rised on the cross during the Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The back of a whipper being hit during the Good Friday procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Bloody back of whipper during the Good Friday procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man flogging himself under the crosses, to which soon three local volunteers will be nailed. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A whipper under the still empty crosses. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A whipper with his back covered with blood during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Whippers with covered faces, crowns of thorns and blood all over them. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man whipping himself splatters his blood all around forcing onlookers to disperse and seek refuge. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Crucified men are being raised on their crosses during Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man taken down from the cross is getting first aid at the medical station. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A general wiev of the knoll with three crosses and square, on which the culmination of the Goiod Friday celebration took place. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man playing out Christ carries his cross during the recreation of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man carries a cross during Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A self-whipper among the crown of onlookers. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man demonstrates a wooden tool with sharp pieces of glass stuck into it, which is used for releasing blood from the backs of penitents ehipping themselves during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man wearing a symbolic crown of thorns made of grass among the crown of onlookers during the Good Friday Way of the Cross procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A self-whipper covered in blood in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Hammer, with which a man playing out Christ will have his hands nailed to the cross during Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man demonstrates nails, which will be used for fixing the hands of a volunteer to the cross during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man with a crown of thorns. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A crowd watching the "crucifixion" during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Procession with "Christ" is struggling to clear its way through the crowd of onlookers. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man playing out Christ moments before being nailed to the cross. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
Holy statues carried above the crowd during the procession in Chichicastenango.
Mystique, night scene of burning incense in front of St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango.
Procession in front of St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango.
Richly adorned holy figure carried around during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Sunday procession among the crowd of local residents and tourists. Chichicastenango.
Procession leaves St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango surrounded by smoke from petards and incenses.
Procession setting out from St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango.
Mystical interior of St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango.
Worshippers and tourists during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Beautifully adorned figure of Virgin Mary carried around during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
One of the holy figures carried around during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Figures of saints carried around during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
One of the many great vistas inside the Grand Mosque in Cordoba.
Mihrab - the holy niche showing the direction of Mekka. Grand Mosque in Cordoba.
The famous cathedral of Toledo. In Middle Ages the main seat of the catholic church in Spain.
The statue of Tian Tan Buddha also known as the Big Buddha - a large bronze statue of a Buddha Amoghasiddhi at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island.
The face of the Big Buddha.
The statue of Tian Tan Buddha also known as the Big Buddha - a large bronze statue of a Buddha Amoghasiddhi at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island.
Inside Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin, New Territories.
Little temple of Tin Hau (Goddess of the Sea) in Sai Wan on Cheung Chau island.
Woman praying in a Hong Kong temple during the SARS epidemic in 2003.
Incenses in a temple on Cheung Chau Island during the celebration of the annual Bun Festival.
Busy time ina a temple on CHaung Chau island during the annual Bun Festival.
A Hong Kong Chinese temple with characteristic spiral incense cones.
Crowd of believers in Wong Tai Sing temple in Kowloon during celebrations of the Chinese New Year.
Temple Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon during its busiest time - celebrations of the Chinese New Year.
Old Spanish mission church of San Xavier del Bac founded in 1692. Located 16 km south of Tucson, Arizona serves presently the indian Tohono O'odham community.
Richly decorated interior of the of San Xavier del Bac. Tucson, Arizona.
Interior of the church of San Xavier del Bac. Tucson, Arizona.
Kneeling statue of Pope Pius IX in Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. Rome.
Main nave of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. Rome
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore - a Papal major basilica and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome.
Facade of the Il Gesu church - the mother church of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits. Piazza del Gesu, Rome.
Interior of the Il Gesu church - the mother church of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits. Piazza del Gesu, Rome.
Illusionistic painting at the vault of the Il Gesu church - the mother church of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits. Piazza del Gesu, Rome.
Statue of Christ by Michelangelo in the Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva on Piazza della Minerva.
Facade of the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the Campus Martius on Piazza St Ignazio in Rome.
Interior of the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the Campus Martius on Piazza St Ignazio in Rome.
Antique Jewish symbols on a wall in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome.
The Creation of Adam - world famous fresco by Michelangelo Buonarotti around 1511–1512 on the ceiling the Sistine Chapel in Vatican.
The Last Judgment - world famous fresco by Michelangelo Buonarotti on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican.
St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica and a fragment of the Bernini's collonade. Vatican.
Pieta - the most famous sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarotti is kept behind a bulletproof glass in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to the right of the entrance, between the Holy door and the altar of Saint Sebastian.
Face of the embalmed body of pope John XXIII in the glass coffin kept under the altar of St Jerome in the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.
The right foot of Arnolfo di Cambio’s sculpture of St. Peter (from around 1300) in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican is worn down from centuries of pilgrims kissing and rubbing it.
Arnolfo di Cambio’s sculpture of St. Peter (from around 1300) in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican is a highly venerated sculpture, which has feet worn down from centuries of pilgrims kissing and rubbing them.
Baldacchino over the main altar of St. Peters Basilica in Vatican by Gian Lorenzo Bernini is 30 metres tall and claimed to be the largest piece of bronze in the world.
Inside the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican - the most famous, holiest and most important church of the Christianity.
Group of pilgrims singing in front of the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.
Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven in front of the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.
Ornaments made of bones of the Capuchin friars who died between 1528 and 1870 can be seen in the Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Rome.
Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Rome housing the skeletons of 3,700 bodies of the Capuchin friars who died between 1528 and 1870.
Baldacchino, dating from 1369, over the high altar of the Basilica of St. John in the Lateran, Rome.
View of the main nave of the Basilica of St. John in the Lateran in Rome.
The front facade of the Papal Archbasilica of St. John in the Lateran. Rome.
The Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) - 28 white marble steps near the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome. According to the Catholic tradition Jesus Christ walked on these steps in the Palace of Pontius Pilate on his way to trial. The stairs were, reputedly, brought to Rome by St. Helena in the fourth century.
Kiss of Judas - a sculpture by Ignazio Giacometti on the right side of the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) near the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome.
"Footprints of Jesus" in Basilica di San Sebastiano - a church above the Catacombe di San Sebastiano on Via Appia Antica in the southern suburbs of Rome.
A view of the dome of the St. Peter's Cathedral through the keyhole in the door of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta, dubbed "the most beautiful hole in Rome". Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta on Aventine Hill.
View of the St. Peter Cathedral's dome from Giardino Storico di Sant' Alessio on Aventine Hill in Rome.
"Coronation of the Virgin" - the main of all the 13th century mosaics depicting the life of the Virgin Mary in Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Rome
The main altar and apse with magnificent 13th-century mosaics of Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. ROme.
View towards the side nave of Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Main nave of Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere - the oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome with 13th-century mosaics as the main highlight.
Little shrine with the painting of Virgin Mary on Piazza Trilussa on the corner of Vicolo del Cinque. Rome.
Church Santa Barbara dei Librari on Largo dei Librari. Rome.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Buddhist monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Entrance to the buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddhist banners in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddha statue in one of the rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Follower of the Jain religion covering his mouth, so as not to swallow any insect incidentally. Ellora, Maharashtra.
Women queuing to enter the temple, Goa.
Japanese temple. Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Old man bathing on the bank of Ganges in Varanasi (Benares), Uttar Pradesh.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab) at night.
A way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Sikh man at the window of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A holy cow dressed .
Gopuram (tower) of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam - the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world,
A view through an arch in Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi.
Buddhist monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Sikh pilgrims going to the Golden Temple in their holy city of Amritsar, Punjab.
Father and son, who have arrived as pilgrims to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monk from the monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Monks during prayers in their gathering hall in the monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Swastika - an ancient Indian symbol of happiness. Sikkim.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Sadhu (holy man) in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A man praying in Srirangam temple, Tamil Nadu.
Character personifying Evil. Kathakali dance performance, Kerala.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Holy pilgrim (sadhu) performing rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Inside the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai a trained elephant taps on the head anyone who gives him a coin.
Two pilgrims having meal in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Bride and groom during their wedding ceremony in Kochi, Kerala.
Temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Unusual juxtaposition of symbols - christian cross and a red star together on a church in Kerala.
Inside a small mosque in Tehran.
The tomb of imam Ali. Shiraz.
Imam Mosque at night. Isfahan.
Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd.
A prayer next to the tomb of Imam Ali. Shiraz.
Beautiful Jame mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
A street in Teheran decorated with black banners during the holy month of Muharram .
A woman in black chador next to the tomb of imam Ali covered in silver. Shiraz.
Beautiful Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
Inside the Jame mosque in Yazd.
Soldier praying in a mosque in Teheran.
Inside the mausoleum of imam Ali in Shiraz - the second holiest place in Iran after the tomb of imam Reza in Mashad.
This men from Yazd is probably the follower of an ancient Zoroastrian religion.
Portraits of two Ayatollahs - Khomeini and Khamenei on a wall near the Imam Square in Isfahan.
Zoroastrian temple, Yazd.
Main nave of the Il Gesu church. Rome.
Church of Santa Maria della Scala. Rome.
Small church in Rome.
Bernini's Collonade on St. Peter's Square, Via della Conciliazione an the Tiber river seen from the top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Rome.
Two monks by the northern water reservoir within the Angkor Wat complex.
Old nun taking care of a Buddha statue in dark arcades of Preah Khan temple.
A monk deep in his thoughts. Angkor Wat.
A monk from Angkor.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Young monk in the early morning sun. Angkor Wat.
Young monk in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
A nun from Preah Khan temple.
Old lady without feet and hands holding incense. Angkor Wat.
Vat Haysoke temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Wat Si Saket temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Statues of Buddha around Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos. The symbol of Buddhist religion and independence.
General view of Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Entrance garte to Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Buddha statue in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
View to the courtyard of Kun lam temple.
On the inner courtyard of the Kun lam temple.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Rich decoration over the entrance to a Kun lam temple.
Spiral incenses in Kun lam temple.
Local women in front of the A-Ma (Tin Hau) temple.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Tiny shrine/altar on the courtyard of a Chinese house.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Tiny shrine for burning incense. Taipa village on Taipa Island.
A man by the offering table. Coloane Island.
Little Kam Fa Temple also known as Sam Seng to honor the Heavenly Empress Kam Fa, Kun Iam and Va Kuong. Coloane Island.
Lighting incenses in front of the A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Plates with names and photographs of the deceased by which their families pray. Kun lam temple.
Little shrine with incense and offerings. Taipa Island.
Inside A-ma temple.
Tiny outdoor shrine of the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
The entrance to a Kun lam temple.
Spiral incense in A-ma temple.
Inside the Kun lam temple.
Wishes and prayers from the faithful inside the A-Ma temple.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Yellow dome of Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill with Mexico City at the background.
Tamplo del Pocito (Chapel of the Well) on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill. Mexico City.
Top part of the front elevation of San Juan church in San Chuan Chamula.
Wall of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
Stupa Swayambubath seen from the nearby street.
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Entrance to a temple in Kathmandu.
The spire of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Shop selling ceremonial Tibetan religious objects, Bhaktapur.
"Holy sadhu" posing for tourists on Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Nepali couple leaving their temple. Kathmandu.
Small stupas near Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu.
Tibetan monks resting under the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Holy sadhu posing for paid photos for tourists in Durbar Square in Patan.
Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
The eyes of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Small, but charming backstreet temple in Bhaktapur.
Durbar Square in Kathmandu. From the left are temples Maju Deval. Narayan and Shiva Parvati.
Kathesimbu stupa, Kathmandu.
Central spire of the Bodnath stupa with thirteen levels symbolizing stages of a path towards Buddhahood.
Holy sadhu posing for paid photos for tourists in Durbar Square in Patan.
Celebrating a reigious holiday. Lahore.
Religious procession with drums on the streets of Lahore.
Pope John Paul II in papamobile with cardinal Joseph Glemp - the Primate of Poland (dressed in red) during the 1999 visit in Warsaw.
Flowers, candles and people praying in front of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw a few weeks after the tragic catastrophe of the presidential plane in Smoleńsk in Russia.
Small shrine on the backyard of the old tenement house in the Prague district of Warsaw.
A window adorned with Catholic symbols during the 1999 visit of Pope John Paul II in Warsaw.
Wooden cross with a figure of Christ in a village in the Masurian Lakeland district north-east of Poland.
Woman praying at a small Buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by prayer flags.
Reclining Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Standing Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist temple in the countryside near Kandy.
Golden reliquary with the tooth of Buddha inside in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.
Head of the stone sculpture of Buddha from Polonnaruwa.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa, built between 1187 and 1196 AD.
Reclining Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Wooden statue of Shiva with flute in an antique shop on the suburbs of Kandy.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist monk by the road near Haputale.
Buddhist monk in Kandy.
Small buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by garlands of prayer flags.
Buddhist prayer flags in Kandy.
Buddhist monk in front of a small blue temple near Kandy.
Buddhist monks in yellow robes. Kandy.
Young man praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Young monks from a temple in Chiang Mai.
People praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Youn Buddhist monk from Bangkok.
Entrance to the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Offerings of flowers near the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
A shrine in front of the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
A girl praying in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
Inside a temple in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.
Buddha statues in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Feet of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
People poring water on the golden statue of Buddha in front of Wat Phra Singh. Chiang Mai.
Prayer time in one of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Inside the buddhist Chiang Dao Cave in northern Thailand.
The five-ton golden Buddha in Wat Traimit in Bangkok.
People praying in front of the main chedi of Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People pouring water on a small chedi. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Colorful houses in the area with housing for Buddhist monks in Bangkok.
Head of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
A temple in Bangkok.
During Songkran (Thai New Year) festival monks visit local houses, collect alms and pray with the residents.
Buddha statues flooded by light from above in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
The Byzantine Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora - current museum in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Istanbul is unique because of its very well preserved mosaics and frescoes from XIV century.
Interior of the Mevlana mausoleum and his tomb. Konya.
Mihrab (niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca) in Saint Sophia mosque.
Inside the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
The ritual of washing of the feet prior to entry to a mosque. Istambul.
Turkish woman wearing burqa (chador). Istanbul.
Green tiled tower over the mausoleum of Mevlana (known also as Rumi) - a 13th century Muslim saint, who founded the famous Muslim sect of Whirling Dervishes. Konya.
General view of the Drepung Monastery near Lhasa - one of the most reputed centers for learning and practicing Tibetan Buddhism.
European girl and a young monk on a terrace in the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Two of them are playing telescoping trumpets (zangs dung).
Monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
Sisum Namgyel, the Tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama. Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
Tibetan monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Old lama from Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks next to a window decorated in typically Tibetan style. Shigatse.
A man with prayer wheel. Shigatse.
Two pilgrims watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Main stage of the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Golden roofs of the temples housing the tombs of past panchenlamas are seen at the background.
Tibetan monks and pilgrims behind the rows of yak butter lamps in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The Jawo Sakyamuni Buddha statue brought from China by Princess Wencheng, Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Padmasambhava Statue in the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Potala Palace seen from the roof level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa with the Wheel of Dharma and two deers in the foreground.
A stand selling religious accessories for pilgrims at the Barkhor Square at the front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The main facade of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa - the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.
Landscape of the upper part of the Tibetan Plateau on the way from the Nepali border dotted with piles of prayer stones left by passing pilgrims.
Tibetan monk in front of the temple door. Shigatse.
Young novice monk in the alley of the Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Three most important lamas of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse on stage during the festival.
Tibetan monks in ceremonial robes chanting on the stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks with ceremonial banners. Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
The oldest and most eminent lama from the Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Monks in ceremonial dresses and their iconic yellow hats signature of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, which is also practiced by Dalai Lama. Tashilunpo Monsatery, Shigatse.
Monks in ceremonial dresses and their iconic yellow hats on the stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Rock painting on a rock next to the Sera Monastery near Lhasa.
Wheel of Dharma and two deers over the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa seen above the roofs of Tibetan houses in the old centre of Lhasa.
Chinese policeman among Tibetan monks during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan man with his kettle and a prayer wheel. Shigatse.
The oldest and most stately lama from the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Top level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Young monk on the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of the temples of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Tibet.
A monk from one of the monasteries near Lhasa doing laundry.
Window and The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) flanked by two deer over the entrance to the main temple of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Monks from the Sera Monastery near Lhasa doing laundry.
A monk from the Sera or Ganden Monastery near Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims praying in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim circling the temple in a typical fashion: stretching himself on the ground, standing up and then stretching himself on the ground again, but further by the length of his body. Shigatse.
Human remains found near the location of the "sky burial" in the vicinity of the Sera Monastery near Lhasa. During this ritual the body is left at the rock to be eaten by vultures.
One of the many holy statues of Buddha in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
A monk praying in the arcades of a courtyard in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Neverending lines of yak-butter lamps lit by the faithful Tibetans in the cloisters of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim lighting a candle in Jokhgang temple in Lhasa.
Dark interior of the Jokhang temple lit only by the candles creates an unforgettable, mistic atmosphere. Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims are performing various rituals along their way through the maze of shirnes and holy statues inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of the fierce looking deities in the Kumbum stupa in Gyantse.
One of many giaant Buddha statues in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan man with his prayer wheel. Shigatse.
Old Tibetan monk with his dog in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
This black rock is a place of "sky burial" - a funerl ritual, when the body is placed outside in the open space to be consumed by vultures. Sera Monastery near Lhasa.
Monks chanting and rythmically striking cymbals (rol mo) during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Elderly smiling monk from Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
An old monk accompanied by young boys during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks on a stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks rolling prayer wheels. Lhasa.
Tibetan monks having salty tea with yak butter in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan monks dancing on the stage in the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Young bouy in front of a monastery.
Monks in masks performing their typical, slow motion dance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Group of Tibetans attending the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A monk in ritual dress performing his typical, slow motion dance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Mass in a church in Louisiana is conducted in a very lively, interactive manner typical for some southern american congregations.
Mass in a church in Louisiana is conducted in a very lively, interactive manner typical for some southern american congregations.
Mass in a church in Louisiana is conducted in a very lively, interactive manner typical for some american congregations.
An old church in American countryside. Central USA.
A plaque with the name of St. Florian's church in Latin and Polish. Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan.
St. Florian church used by polish community in Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan.
St. Stephen's church in Armonk, New York.
Interior of St Paul's cathedral - the most famous and the largest church in London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in XVII century.
A Hindu temple in My Son - the site of religious ceremonies for the Hindu rulers of the Champa kingdom between 4th and 14th century AD.
A door opening of a Hindu temple in My Son - the religious and burial complex built by the Hindu rulers of Champa kingdom between 4th and 14th century AD.
Incenses in front of a temple in Hue.
A small shrine in Hanoi.
A courtyard with a little shrine. Hue.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Buddhist monk from Kandy.
An old and stately lama from the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Old monk from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Fragment of the front facade of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
Spiral incense in Kun lam temple.
Inside the mosque in Yazd.
Buddhist monk praying at Swayambunath Stupa in Kathmandu.
A place for burning incences in a tiny shrine in Tao O village on Lantau Island.
The Anglican cathedral of St. Stephan. Brisbane, Queensland.
A church in Melbourne, Victoria.
St. Patricks Cathedral. Melbourne, Victoria.
A church built by the convicts of Port Arthur, Tasmania.
A tower of St. David s cathedral, Hobart, Tasmania.
Church of St. Mary.Sydney, New South Wales.
Provincial church.
The famous Borobudur stone bas-relief telling the story of life of Buddha (prince Siddharta Gautama) as well as showing scenes of daily life in Java a thousand years ago.
Niches with statues of Buddha. Borobudur.
The famous Borobodur bas-relief depicting scenes from the life of Buddha as well as the daily life of people in Java a thousand years ago.
A statue of Nandi (bull) - the vehicle of Lord Shiva inside the vahana (vehicle) temple in Prambanan.
The catholic cathedral of Jakarta.
Hindu epos of Ramajana shown in traditional Balinese style at the courtyard of the king's palace in Ubud, Bali.
Magnificent Gothic vault inside St. George's Chapel within WIndsor Castle.
Church of St. Martins in the Fields on Trafalgar Square. London.
Jewish family praying at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Crosses of Jerusalem.
Old Haredi Jew crossing the street in Mea Shearim - an ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Mystic interior of the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary (Tomb of the Virgin Mary) at the foot of Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Shadow of an orthodox Jew on the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Entering Cheng Hoon Teng temple - the oldest Chinese temple in Malacca, founded in the 1600s by the Chinese Kapitan Tay Kie Ki alias Tay Hong Yong.
Inside Cheng Hoon Teng temple - the oldest Chinese temple in Malacca, founded in the 1600s.
Inside Thean Hou Chinese Hainan Temple (established in 1865) on Muntri Street. Goergetown, Penang.
Pennants inside Thean Hou temple. Goergetown, Penang.
Main "altar" in Thean Hou Hainan temple. Goergetown, Penang.
Rich interior of Thean Hou temple. Goergetown, Penang.
Captain Keling Mosque - the oldest mosque in Penang built in 19th century by Indian Muslim traders.
Inside the Jhoo Kongsi Confucian temple. Georgetown, Penang.
People praying on the New Year's Day outside the Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple - the main Chinese temple in Georgetown, established in 1800 by Guangdong and Fujian communties.
People lighting candles in Kuan Yin Temple on the New Year's Day. Georgetown, Penang.
Prayers in Kuan Yin Temple on the New Year's Day. Georgetown, Penang.
Inside Kuan Yin Temple. Georgetown, Penang.
Local woman praying on front of the host of Chinese deities. Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Prayers in Kuan Yin Temple on the New Year's Day. Georgetown, Penang.
Offerings of fruits, oil and flowers on the New Year's Day in Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Little girl praying. Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Busy morning in Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Man praying in front of one of several Chinese temples and clan houses on King Street (Lebuh King). Georgetown, Penang.
Local Chinese man praying n front of Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street (Lebuh King) in Georgetown, Penang.
Candles inside Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Inside Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Entrance to Captain Keling Mosque - the oldest mosque in Penang built in 19th century by Indian Muslim traders.
Inside Captain Keling Mosque. Georgetown, Penang.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple - the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumbur, founded in 1873. This new structure built in 1968 has a colorful gopuram (tower) typical for southern India.
Religious ceremony in Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple. Kuala Lumpur.
Religious ceremony in Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple. Kuala Lumpur.
Offering of bananas and colorful statueas of Hindu deities. Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple, Kuala Lumpur.
Indian priest in Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple, Kuala Lumpur.
Indian woman resting in Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple, Kuala Lumpur.
Magnificent glass mosaics inside the Cathedral of Monreale. On the left in the central apse is figure of Christ, with a seated Virgin and Child below. Monreale, Sicily.
Inside the cloisters of the abbey of Monreale.
Golden interior, covered with 12th century mosaics, of Capella Palatina - the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily located in Palazzo Reale in Palermo, Sicily.
Golden interior, covered with 12th century mosaics, of Capella Palatina - the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily located in Palazzo Reale in Palermo, Sicily.
Nuns from Palermo.
Poster advertising the celebration of the festival of the Holy Mary of the Seven sorrows placed on a grafitti covered wall in Palermo.
Church (Parrocchia) of S. Rosalia in Corleone, Sicily.
A window-niche with metal lattice protecting holy statues. Syracuse, Sicily.
A window from Syracuse, Sicily with a photo of a statue of Virgin Mary, decorated with artificial flowers.
A member of the Jewish community in Syracuse, Sicily.
The statue of Virgin Mary carried during the night procession on Good Friday in Ragusa Ibla, Sicily.
Procession carrying the statues of Christ in glass coffin and Virgin Mary leaves Piazza Duomo after starting with fireworks in front of Cathedral di San Giorgio. Ragusa Ibla, Sicily.
Statues of Christ in glass coffin and Virgin Mary are carried through the streets of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily during the night procession on Good Friday.
Holy Cross carried by little boys during the night procession on Good Friday through the streets of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily.
Night procession on Good Friday through the streets of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily.
People line the strrets of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily during the night procession on Good Friday.
Symbolic body of Christ in a glass coffin an a statue of Virgin Mary is carried back to the cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica, Sicily after the night procession on Good Friday.
Shrine of San Giuseppe on the wall of the old house in Modica, Sicily.
Inside the Duomo (Cathedral) di San Giorgio in Modica Alta, Sicily.
Maltese girls from Birgu (Vittoriosa) dressed her best for the morning mass on Easter Sunday.
Men from Birgu (Vittoriosa) in the famous run with the statue of Christ Risen on Easter Sunday.
Procession with the statue of Christ Risen on Easter Sunday in Cospicua.
Statue covered by the flag of the Holy See as if waiting to be unveiled - in front of the church of St. Therese of Jesus (St. Tereza ta' Gesu') in Bormla (Cospicua).
Young girls watching the Easter Sunday procession from their balcony in Bormla (Cospicua).
Young girls watching the Easter Sunday procession and the photographer from their balcony in Bormla (Cospicua).
Maltese couple dressed their Sunday best watches the Easter Sunday procession in Cospicua from their balcony and under the Maltese national flag.
Gilded wall decorations of the chapels of of the Langue of Germany (front) and the entrance to Sacristy (back) in the St. John Co-Cathedral in Valetta.
Inside St. George's Basilica in Victoria, Gozo Island.
Maltese flag with the cross of the Order of St. John in front of the Basilica of St. George in in Victoria on Gozo Island.
Statue of Mary and baby Jesus in the street of Mdina.
Good Friday night procession in the mountaineous town of Ragusa in Sicily.
Joyful procession of the residents of Birgu and the surrounding towns carrying the statue of the Christ Risen on the day of Easter Sunday.
The most famous work of art in the St. John Co-Cathedral in Valetta - Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1608) by Caravaggio (1571–1610) is the. Considered one of Caravaggio's masterpieces and the only painting signed by the painter, the canvas is displayed in the Oratory for which it was painted (source:Wikipedia).
Lighting candles inside St. Stephen's cathedral in Vienna.
Gothic St. Steven's Cathedral (Stephansdom) built in XIVth century is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and the major tourist attraction of the city.
Interior of the baroque St. Peter's church (Peterskirche) in Vienna.
Gilded stupas and shrines of the Shwedagon Paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Multitude of stupas, shrines, statues and towers in Shwedagon Paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Pigeons on the gigantic stupa of Shwemawdaw Paya,in Bago.
Old monk from Swedagon Paya Rangoon (Yangon) smoking cheroot.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Young nuns from Kinpun. Shan State.
Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A monk in prayer. Shwedagon Paya, Rangoon (Yangon).
St. Paul's Cathedral - the seat of the Diocese of Calcutta, built in Gothic Revival style and consecrated in 1847. Calcutta, West Bengal.
Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth, Calcutta.
Interior of Nevheh Shalome Synagogue, Calcutta.
Buddhist monk with a praying wheel on the way to Mahabodi Temple. Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Monks sitting around a small shrine within the Mahabodi Temple complex in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Old sadhu from Bodhgaya.
Monks praying in the Mahabodi Temple complex in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Buddha statue inside the Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Offering flowers on the pedestal around the Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Buddhist monk praying at the Mahabodi temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Buddhist monk praying near the entrance to the Mahabodi temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Pilgrims prostrating themselves at the base of the Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Old monk reading. Mahabodi Temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar.
The holy Bodhi tree, which grew from a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree from Sri Lanka, which was itself planted from the original Bodhi tree under which Siddartha Gautama attained enlightment. in Bodhgaya Mahabodi Temple. Bihar.
An old monk asleep in front of the Bodhi tree next to the Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Buthenese Monastery, Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Morning prayer in Ganges. Varanasi.
One of many orange clad sadhus of Varanasi.
Sadhus on the bank of Ganges. Varanasi.
Old sadhu from Varanasi.
Holy sadhu sitting on the steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi.
A priest of the Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat in Varanasi.
A man praying to Ganges(?). Varanasi.
Holy sadhu. Varanasi.
Man doing his morning prayers near Chousatti Ghat. Varanasi.
Narrow and crowded street with a queue of faithful waiting for admission to Shri Kashi Vishvanath Temple. Varanasi.
Tha daily ceremony of Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi.
During Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat at the bank of Ganges in Varanasi young priests perform elaborated movements with fire and other accessories to the sound of drums and gongs.
Dancing with fire during the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat at the bank of Ganges in Varanasi.
Large group of Indian pilgrims sitting on the steps of one of the ghats at the bank of Ganges in Varanasi.
Bathing and praying in Ganges. Varanasi.
View of the Manikarnika Ghat from the boat on Ganges. This is the main ghat used for burning bodies in Varanasi.
Hindu man washing and bathing at the bank of Ganges. Varanasi.
Closeup of the lower part of Manikarnika Ghat with visible remains of the burning stakes and wood gathered for burning. Varanasi.
Holy sadhu bathing and praying on the bank of Ganges. Varanasi.
Hindu family bathing and praying in Ganges. Varanasi.
Men praying and washing in Ganges. Varanasi.
Orange clad sadhu on a street in Varanasi.
Old holy man walking a narrow street in Varanasi.
At the colourful entrance to a small shrine in Varanasi.
A body being carried to a burning stake in Manikarnika Ghat. Varanasi.
Weighing the wood for burning a body. An average body requires 200 to 280 kg of wood and burns for three hours. Quite often it does not burn completely and the remains are thrown into Ganges. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi.
Another body being carried to a stake at Manikarnika Ghat. Varanasi.
A porter is carrying wood to the stake, where the next body will be burned. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi.
Temples of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi seen from behind the piles of wood gathered fur burning bodies, which arrive around the clock.
One of many holy sadhus of Varanasi.
A street stand with colorful powders used for various religious ceremonies on Kali Temple Rd near the Kalighat Temple in Calcutta, West Bengal.
A courtyard of the famous Mother House - a hospice for sick and dying and the headquarter of the order of Missionaries of Charity established in 1953 by Mother Teresa of Calcutta
The tomb of Mother Teresa in the Mother House - a hospice for sick and dying established in 1953 by Mother Teresa on 54A, A.J.C. Bose Road.
A shop selling Mother Teresa's related souvenirs on A.J.C. Bose Road in Calcutta near the Mother House - a famous hospice for sick and dying established in 1953 by Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Crimson clad monks in front of a small shrine within the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodhgaya in Bihar.
Show of the martial art of Sunmundo in Golgul-sa - buddhist monastery near Singyeongju.
Show of the martial art of Sunmundo in Golgul-sa - buddhist monastery near Singyeongju.
The 4 m high sculpture of Maya Tathagata Buddha from 9th century A.D - the main cultural relic of Golgul-sa. Singyeongju.
Dining hall in Golgul-sa monastery. All the monks as well as visitors eat in silence while sitting on the floor dressed in obligatory orange monastery robes.
Meeting and having tea with the monk from Golgul-sa monastery is the final point in the program of the 2-day, 1-night stay in this temple.
Shinto priests of the Itsukushima temple. Hatsukaichi near Hiroshima.
A lady praying in one of the many shrines of the Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
Small and beautiful shrine in Gion area of Kyoto.
Burning incences in front of a temple in Nara.
Statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu inside Great Hall (Daibutsunden) of Todai-ji temple in Nara.
Ema, wooden prayer tablets in a temple in Nara.
Jizo statues at Kofuku-ji Temple.in Nara.
A statue of Komoku Ten (Virupakusa) in Tokyo National Museum.
Shinto priest giving a speech in Meiji Jingu temple before a wedding ceremony.
Shinto priest leading a wedding procession in Meiji Jingu temple grounds. Tokyo.
The choir of the Fraumünster (Women's Minster) church in Zurich with three of five famous stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Girl from Łyse holding palms prepared for the solemn Easter Palm Sunday procession.
Group of faithful in Łyse holding their Easter palms prepared for the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
Local priests at the front of the Easter Palm Sunday procession in Łyse.
Easter palms gathered in the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse.
Easter Palm Sunday procession leaves the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse.
Easter palms gathered in the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse.
Easter Palm Sunday procession with a forest of Easter palms leaves the grounds of the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse.
Easter Palm Sunday procession in Łyse.
Easter Palm Sunday procession in Łyse carrying famous "palms".
Local priests at the front of the Easter Palm Sunday procession in Łyse.
Local musician from Łyse during Easter Palm Sunday celebrations.
Celebration of Easter Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa in Polish) in the village of Łyse in the Kurpie region, which is fsmous from preparing the tallest (over 3m) and most beautiful "palms".
Amazing "palms" from Łyse in the Kurpie region, prepared for the celebration of Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa in Polish) during Easter.
Faithful gathered in the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse waiting for the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
Beautiful "palms" in the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse waiting for the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
Inside the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse before the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
Girls from Łyse dressed in their best traditional costumes from Kurpie in the church of Christ the King of the Universe.
One of the tallest palms outside the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse prepared for the solemn Easter Palm Sunday procession.
Easter palms outside the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse prepared for the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
St. Peter's Anglican Church, Akaroa, South Island.
Saint Faith's Anglican Church in the Maori Ohinemutu Village at the bank of Lake Rotorua, North Island.
Maori man chanting an old song. Ohinemutu Village at the bank of Lake Rotorua, North Island.
Ostra Brama (Aušros vartai or Gate of Dawn in Lithuanian) with the Chapel of the Mother of Mercy, which contains a miraculous painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Matka Boska Ostrobramska) and is a major pilgrimage destination for Catholics, particularly from Poland.
Interior of the Church of St. Theresa (Kościół Św. Teresy) in Vilnius.
People praying in front of the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Ostra Brama (or of the Gate of Dawn) in Vilnius.
Church of St. Theresa, a Roman Catholic church located in the Old Town of Vilnius.
Church of St. Casimir, the first and oldest Baroque church in Vilnius.
Church of St. Casimir, the first and oldest Baroque church in Vilnius.
Church of St. Catherine, a late Baroque church and former Benedictine monastery in Vilnius, built between 1625 and 1743.
Church of St. Catherine in Vilnius, part of a former Benedictine monastery complex. During the Soviet era it was used as a storehouse for the Vilnius Art Museum.
Interior of the Dominican Church of the Holy Spirit in Vilnius.
Interior of the Dominican Church of the Holy Spirit in Vilnius.
Solemn military funeral service in St. John's Church in Vilnius.
Choir performing in the ornate interior of St. Anne's Church in Vilnius.
Old crosses on the Rossa Cemetery in Vilnius.
Old crosses on the Rossa Cemetery in Vilnius.
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in the Antokol neighborhood of Vilnius.
Interior of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Vilnius (consecrated in 1701), a masterpiece of Baroque architecture with around 2,000 stucco figures and ornaments created by Italian artists Giovanni Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli.
A man praying in a chapel within the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Vilnius.
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
St. Peter's Lutheran church, dating from 15th century. Riga.
Inside the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.
Grand Church of the Winter Palace, also known as the Cathedral of the Saviour Not Made by Hand, in St. Petersburg.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (also known as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ) designed by Alfred Parland in the style of 16th and 17th-century Russian churches and completed in 1907. Griboyedov Canal embankment, St. Petersburg.
Interior of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, which has more mosaics than any other church in the world, covering over 7,500 square meters.
Interior of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood opened in 1907 and officially named as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. St. Petersburg.
A mosaic covered ceiling of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood (also known as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ) in St.Petersburg.
Interior of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg. The church was built in a traditional medieval Russian style and is famous for its mosaics which cover the entire walls and ceilings over the area of 7,500 m².
Highly decorated iconostasis inside the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St.Petersburg.
Interior of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, which has more mosaics than any other church in the world, covering over 7,500 square meters.
The main nave of the Archicathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lviv (Lwów), commonly known as the Latin Cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Golden side nave interior of the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as the Latin Cathedral. Lviv (Lwów).
Baroque interior of the Church of the Transfiguration in Lviv (Lwów).
A moment of prayer in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist on Uzhhorodska St, 1 in Lviv (Lwów).
Colorful light filtered through stained glass windows in Church of St. Archangel Michael (formerly the Carmelite Church) in Lviv (Lwów).
Baroque interior of St. Andrew's Church (Bernardine Church) in Lwów, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Baroque interior of St. Andrew's Church (Bernardine Church) in Lwów, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside the 17th-century Baroque Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Lwów.
Faithful praying in the Saints Peter and Paul Garrison Church in Lwów.
Dominican Church and Monastery in Lwów from 1764, officially known as the Church of the Holy Eucharist. Text above the entrance - SOLI DEO HONOR ET GLORIA (To God Alone Be Honor and Glory).
Quiet prayer at dusk in the courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
Men praying in front of the Bolo Hauz Mosque in Bukhara.
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand featuring a collection of mausoleums and religious buildings constructed between the 9th and 19th centuries.
External view of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand believed to be the burial place of Qutham ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
One of a kind avenue of mausoleums at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand with Mausoleum of Tuman-Aqa on the left, Mausoleum of 1361 on the right and a blue dome on the complex of the central shrine of Qusam ibn Abbas at the far end.
Tomb, or cenotaph believed to be that of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand.
The Mangal Mahadev statue, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site located at the entrance of Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) south of Mauritius.
A Pooja shop (specializing in items needed for Hindu worship) in the southern part of Mauritius with huge Indian population.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, also known as Andohalo Cathedral, built between 1873 and 1890 - the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Antananarivo.
Statue of Mother Teresa of Calcutta (born in Albania as Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu) in front of Saint Paul's Cathedral in Tirana.
Flags in front of the Iranian Shia mosque on Emam Hussain Avenue in Manama.
Iranian Shia mosque on Emam Hussain Avenue in Manama.
The courtyard of Al Fatih Mosque - the grand mosque of Bahrain.
Interior of Al Fatih Mosque during prayer time, Manama, which can hold up to 7000 worshippers.
Imam leading a prayer in the grand Al Fatih Mosque in Manama.
Faithful muslims pray in Al Fatih Mosque - the grand mosque of Manama.
Women praying in front of Shwezigon paya. Old Bagan.
A gilded statue of Buddha in Ananda Pahto. Old Bagan.
A man praying in front of Mingalazedi temple (closed at that time). Old Bagan.
A statue of Buddha in Dhammayangyi Pahto. Old Bagan.
A pair of Buddha statues in Dhammayangyi Pahto. Old Bagan.
A scene from Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A monk reading a book in Nga Phe Kyaung monastery (Jumping Cat monastery) on Inle lake in Shan state.
Three nuns in theri typical pink robes in Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A scene from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Evening at Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Shwedagon Paya at night. Rangoon (Yangon).
Old synagogue in Rangoon (Yangon).
The famous Mahamuni Buddha in the Mahamuni temple in Mandalay - one of the three holiest places in Burma (Myanmar). The statue is covered with thick layer of gold formed by very thin gold leafs stuck by the pilgrims since several centuries.
Young boy in monk's robes from Shwenandaw monastery in Mandalay.
Two young in monk's robes from Shwenandaw monastery in Mandalay.
A group of nuns in their typical pink robes in the early morning on a street in Mandalay.
Wedding procession in Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Moon over Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
GIlded adornings of roofs and shrines and stupas around Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A general view of Mt. Kyaiktiyo with the Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda balancing impossibly over the edge thanks to a strand of Buddha's hair placed underneath.
The bottom of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and the devotees praying and sticking golden leafs to the holy rock. Mount Kyaiktyio.
A porter carrying luggage of pilgrims to the Golden Rock on top of the holy Mt. Kyaiktyio. Shan State.
Pilgrims light hundreds of candles in front of the holy Kyaiktyio Pagoda (Golden Rock). Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
A monk with typical Burmese fan. Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Young nuns in Kinpun at the foot of Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
A monk shaving the head of his colleague. Amarapura near Mandalay.
Burnese nuns in their typical pink robes in front of the Golden Rock on Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
A monk in front of the Golden Rock on Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Pilgrims praying in front of the Kyaiktyio Pagoda on Mt. Kyaiktyio in Shan Stste.
Evening sun lights up the Golden Rock of Kyaiktyio with a crowd of man sticking their golden leafs to it.Women are forbidden to enter close to the holy pagoda.
Smiling monk from Kyaiktyio.
Burmese pilgrims often spend many nights under the makeshift tents on the square in frint of the Kyaiktyio Pagoda. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Pilgrims lighting candles at dusk on Mt. Kyaiktyio.
The Golden Rock really looks like it is about to fall down the mountain. That it does not fall is reportedly thanks to the Buddha's strand of hair hidden below the holy boulder.
Rows of shrines and stupas around Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon (Yangon).
Procession of young girls making offerings at Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A man sticking incredibly thin golden leafs to the surface of Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda, Mon State.
A man praying at the Golden Rock. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Mon State.
An alley with densely arranged golden stupas in Shw Inn Thein complex in Indein village. Shan State.
Monks marching very early morning barefoot to collect alms from the households in Nyaungshwe on Inle lake in Shan State.
Kuthodaw temple in Mandalay is called "the largest book in the world", because it contains marble tables with the text of the entire buddhist teaching canon (tripitaka) in 729 litttle shrines.
A wall of golden stupas line a path in Shwe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
The most beautiful "street" in Burma - an alley in Shwe Inn Thein temple lined on both sides with golden, white and brick stupas. Near Indein village in Shan State.
Young monk walking past the Kyautawgyi Paya in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Shemawdaw Paya in Bago with its height of 114m is the tallest stupa in Burma . It is 16 m taller than the Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon (Yangon).
An old Spanish church. Bohol.
A tower - the only visible part of a church buried by the eruption of the Mayon volcano together with the worshippers, who seeked shelter inside. Luzon island.
"Yes to God" - an inscription on a bus stop in Masbate.
Fruit offerings in fron of a temple in Tai O village on Lantau Island.
Temple Luhur Batukau at the foot of the volcano Gunung Batukau. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau surrounded by tropical jungle. Bali.
Rarely seen arched gate leading to the inner (closed for non-Hindus) part of the Luhur Ulu Watu temple. Bali.
Beach at Jimbaran in the evening. In the foreground is a tiny basket with offerings to gods - a common sight in Bali.
Local woman making the morning offerings in a tiny shrine on Nusa Lembongan - an island south of Bali.
A view of one of the inner courtyards of Pura Besakich - one of the most important temples in Bali.
Luhur Batukau temple. Bali.
Procession with Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people met on the way from Pura Besakih to Bangli. Bali.
Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people. Bali.
Colorful and loud procession carrying Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people. Bali.
Festival gathering in Goa Lawah temple in Semarapura, Bali.
Goa Lawah temple during festival. Semarapura, Bali.
Faithful in Goa Lawah temple, Bali.
During a festival in Goa Lawah temple, Bali.
People praying in Pura Besakih. Bali.
Statue of a Franciscan monk in the old city of Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew walking the street of a Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew with three sons near the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew reading holy scriptures while walking down the street in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Israeli soldiers praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews reading and praying in the outdoor library in the northern, covered part of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall.
Romanesque church of St. Anne on Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem built by the Crusaders between 1131 and 1138.
Residents of the ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim reading announcements. Jerusalem.
In a courtyard of Mea Shearim. Jerusalem.
Typical, orthodox Jewish family has many children. Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
A street in Jewish ultraorthodox neighbourhood of Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. Bethlehem .
Cloisters around the courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. , Bethlehem .
A monk in front of the entrance to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem.
A view of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem from the nearby hill.
Builidings of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem and the surrounding landscape.
Haredi Jew with an abundant beard near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew reading holy scriptures near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Old Jew near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews paying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew. Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A stand selling kippas (yarmulkas) in the Jewish Quarter overlooking mount ZIon, Western Wall and the Al-Aksa mosque. Jerusalem.
Front facade of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem.
VIa Dolorosa and Ecce Homo arch in Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem.
A view of the domes of the Church of Condemnation from via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns in the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns singing during the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Gentle ramp leading to the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) - the holiest place of worship for Jews. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew washing before approaching the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the northern, covered part of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
At the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Old Jew in prayer at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing a shtreimel - round fur hat usually used on Shabbat or other holiday. Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews wearing various kinds of traditional dresses praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing a shtreimel (round fur hat) talking on the mobile phone near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing wearing a shtreimel (round fur hat) walking along the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew in a streimel (round fur hat) praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew in a streimel (round fur hat) near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Two Haredi Jews talking near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Nuns walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A corner near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church carrying a green cross. Jerusalem.
Al-Aksa mosque and Israeli security patrolling the area around it. Temple Mount, Jerusalem.
Jewish children of Mea Shearim ultraorthodox neighborhood. Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest walking towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Chapel of the Angel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priests entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A priest of the Coptic Church walking past the Israeli policeman. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews from Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Children from a Haredi Jewish family. Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews walking down the street in Jerusalem Old City.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall with characteristic tefillin on his forehead - a black leather box containing scrolls of parchment with verses from the Torah. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew with characteristic tefillin on his forehead - a black leather box containing scrolls of parchment with verses from the Torah. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the northern, covered portion of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall with tefillin (leather box containing scrolls with verses from the Torah) on his arm and forehead. Jerusalem.
White clad Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Western Wall with a row of praying Jews at its foot. Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount. Jerusalem.
Wall and the surrounding of the Greek Orthodox monastery Mar Saba on a slope of the Kidron Valley.
Some buildings within the Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery compound are literally built into the rock.
A courtyard of the Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery in Kidron Valley.
Walls of Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Copper dome of a church in Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Dome of the Rock with with the old city of Jerusalem in the background seen from the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock with with the old city of Jerusalem in the background and the city walls in the foreground seen from the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem.
Text of the Pater Noster (Our Father) in Polish (one of more than 100 languages) in the cloisters of the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives.
Old priest from the Russian Church of the Ascension. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Praying at the spot where Jesus was crucified in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Coptic priest overlooking the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
An old Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jew kissing the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Members of Jewish families of all ages praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Israeli soldier praying at the Western Wall.
Old Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Young Jew praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. In the gap are seen prayer notes on paper left by the faithful Jews in the cracks of the Western Wall since 300 years.
Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Church of the Dormition, Mount Zion, Jerusalem.
An ancient courtyard on Mt. Zion, Jerusalem.
The Western Wall - the holiest place of Judaism. Jerusalem.
A Jew in front of the Wailing Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. At the far end is the arched entrance to the northern, covered portion of the Western Wall.
Dome of a small church in Akko in northern Israel.
Golden dome of the Dome of the Rock temple in Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jew in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.
in the old city of Jerusalem.
Holy statue in the Kyiomizu temple in Kyoto being polished with thousands of hands.
Nun collecting alms. Kyoto.
Young boys leaving the mosque after the noon prayers. Bahla.
Houses of Shia Muslims are enshrouded with black as a sign of mourning the holy martyrs. Mutrah district, Muscat.
Black shrouds wave in the wind among Shia houses in the Mutrah district of Muscat.
The Royal Archicathedral Basilica on the Wawel Hill - the coronation church of the Polish kings from 1320 to 1734.
The Royal Sigismund Bell - the largest bell in the Sigismund Tower of the Wawel Cathedral in Cracow. It tolls on special occasions and is one of Poland's national symbols.
A bas relief made in salt showing the biblical visit of Jesus Christ in Temple. Saint Kinga Chamber in the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Cracow.
The Dharma Wheel flanked by two deers (male and female) at the top of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Far in the background is the Potala Palace - the winter seat of the Dalai Lama - the spiritual loeader of Tibet.
A bunch of twigs with Tibetan prayer flags and horns of a ram at the corner of a roof of the typical Tibetan house.
Masters of ceremony and a collection of Tibetan hats during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks and their prayer wheels. Lhasa.
Three monks watching a performance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan spectators watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of Tibetans watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Young Tibetan lighting yak butter lamps in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tired Tibetan pilgrim asleep under the prayer flags on Barkhor Square in Lhasa.
Tibetan prayer flags with Himalayan scenery at the background on the way from the Nepali border to Shigatse in Tibet.
Lama form the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse wearing ceremonial hat with red freckles during the festival.
A glimpse from the dark interior of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa into the open courtyard surrounded by hundreds of yak butter lamps.
Tibetan pilgrim during his ritual curcumambulation of the temple in Tashilunpo Monastery prostrates himself on the pavement among the lazy dogs resting in the shade and sun.
Shy young monk from Bangkok.
Orange robe hang to dry in front of the monk's living quarters in Bangkok.
Prayers in Wong Tai Sin temple in Kowloon during the celebration of Chinese New Year.
A worn out woodedn table with incenses in front of the temple on one of the ilands in New Territories.
Shadow and light in the Kun lam temple.
Spiral cone shaped incense from Kun lam temple.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
A hand of the man crucified during the Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga. The nail is real and the hand is really pierced and nailed to the cross.
Feet of the man crucified during the Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga. The nails are real, but they are placed between the toes doing no harm. The wodden shelf provides support for the feet.
A crowd of local onlookers, tourists and reporters under the cross with the first volunteer crucified during the Good Friday celebrations, barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A tiny shrine. Hong Kong Island.
Spiral cone shaped incenses from Kun lam temple.
One of the stupas of the Swedagon paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Wisdom Eyes of Bodnath Stupa in Kathmandu.
Little girl's look from behind the candles in one of the Roman churches.
Lanterns in the shintoistic Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Inside St. Patrick's cathedral, New York.
Orthodox Jew corssing a street in Williambsburg, Brooklyn - an area inhabited by a large hasidic Jewish community. New York.
Roof detail in the shintoistic Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Women praying on the bank of Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
Old woman performing rituals with water from Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
No photography. Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
Monks' laundry. Jaisalmer, Rajastan.
Holy sadhu, Udaipur, Rajastan.
Jain woman praying in a small Jain temple in Ranakpur, Rajastan.
Readings of the holy texts on Sunday morning in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman with a book of holy texts. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Devotees praying in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman reading from a book of holy texts. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A table with offerings of fruits and flowers in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A table with offerings of fruits and flowers in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman praying. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Huge censer (vessel for burning incense) in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Devotees praying in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Inside the main hall of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Offerings of flowers. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
General view of the inner courtyard and the main hall of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Old woman praying in front of the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple in Taipei.
Statue of Budai (Laughing Buddha) in Wufei Temple. Tainan.
Lady Linshui's Temple near the Koxinga Shrine is mostly visited by women, who come to pray for the good fortune and protection of their children. Tainan.
Inside Lady Linshui's Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome mask in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Censer (incense burner) in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome, black faced statues in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
City God Temple. Tainan.
Elaborately dressed statue inside the City God Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
A woman praying at the upper floor of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Statues of deified generals inside the Official God of War Temple. Tainan.
Workshop producing holy statues near the Official God of War Temple. Tainan.
An apse with mihrab (a niche showing the direction of Mecca) in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
Mimbar (an elevated pulpit for delivering sermons) in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
People queuing to put their thumbs into the hole at the bottom part of the Sweating Column in the northern corner of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Doing this and rotating one's palm 360 degrees is said to cure various ailments.
Mosaic (IX - X century) located in the tympanum above The Imperial Gate of Haghia Sophia in Istanbul. It shows an emperor (Leo VI the Wise or his son Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus) bowing down before Christ Pantocrator.
Islamic inscription made of famous Iznik tiles over the door in the harem complex of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.
A muslim cleric in front of the cementary adjacent to the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.
Interior of the Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, designed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan.
Inside the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul.
Turkish men praying in the Blue Mosque with the minbar seen at the background. Istanbul.
The mosaic showing Christ as “The Land of the Living” placed in the lunette over the doorway to the esonarthex of the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, Istanbul.
Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator in the south dome of the inner narthex of the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, Istanbul.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (known as Blue Mosque) - one of the greatest and most famous mosques of Istanbul.
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Underground mykwa (Jewish ritual baths) in Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish tombs on the the cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish tombs on the the cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Holy Family church in Jerome, Arizona.
Holy Family church in Jerome, Arizona.
Wooden grave boards called sotoba with the names of the deceased on a cemetery in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo.
The entrance gate (Kaminarimon) to Senso-ji - the oldest (founded in 628 a.d) and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo (Asakusa district).
Incense burning in the Senso-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Lower part of the standing Buddha statue in the Chingodo Shrine near the Senso-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Min hall of the quiet Honzan Higashihongan-ji Temple about 600m west of the Senso-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Shinto priests bow during a ceremony in the Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Shinto priest in his typical ceremonial dress. Meiji Temple, Tokyo.
Shinto priests wearing black clogs walk in procession to Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
New Year celebrations on the courtyard of Zojo-ji Buddhist temple in the Shiba neighborhood of Minato in Tokyo.
Buddhist priests celebrate the coming of a New Year in the Zojo-ji temple in Tokyo.
Buddhist priests celebrate the coming of the New Year in the Zojo-ji temple in Tokyo.
Robes of a Buddhist priest from the Zojo-ji temple in Tokyo.
Buddhist priest celebrate the coming of a New Year in the Zojo-ji temple in Tokyo.
Jizo statues dedicated to unborn children at the cemetery near the Zojo-ji Buddhist temple in Tokyo.
Yasukuni Temple in Tokyo commemorating anyone who had died in service of the Empire of Japan (i.e. from 1868 to 1947).
Elderly Japanese pay tribute to the fallen soldiers commemorated in the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Paper rolls with wishes and prayers in the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Japanese Master demonstrates fighting techniques with samurai sword. Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo.
Crowd of people waiting to pay tributes to the Japanese fallen soldiers commemorated in the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Falun Gong practitioners in Chinatown in San Francisco. California.
A group of pilgrims on the way to the inner temple (closed for tourists) of Pura Besakih, Bali.
The most famous feature of Balinese temples - multilevel Meru towers.
A woman carrying a basket full of sacrificial fruits and flowers on her head while returning from the Goa Lawah temple in Klungkung (Semarapura), Bali.
Procession with Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people met on the way from Pura Besakih to Bangli. Bali.
Balinese woman in front of her house with gifts for the street procession passing by. Bali.
Church of St. Stanislaus of the Poles - the Polish church in Rome.
Inside the temple of Amun in Karnak at night.
A man acting out Jesus Christ at Way of the Cross procession during Easter celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
One of the self-whippers under the cross on "Golgota" built during Easter celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Whippers under "Golgota" during the Way of the Cross procession preformed on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The swollen back of one of the self-whippers is cut with sharp pieces of glass to release blood and increase the theatrical dramatism of the Easter celebrations.
A general view of the hill with three crosses, to which three man are nailed as the culmination of the Good Friday celebrations. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers acting out Jesus Christ moments before being nailed to the cross. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers acting out Jesus Christ is laid on the cross, to which his hands will be nailed. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The cross with a nailed man being raised. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the crucified men is raised up on the cross. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrations, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrations, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Real suffering of a man acting out crucified Christ after his hands had been nailed to the cross during Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers to be crucified on that day is being taken down from the cross. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Another volunteer is being rised on the cross during the Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The back of a whipper being hit during the Good Friday procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Bloody back of whipper during the Good Friday procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man flogging himself under the crosses, to which soon three local volunteers will be nailed. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A whipper under the still empty crosses. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A whipper with his back covered with blood during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Whippers with covered faces, crowns of thorns and blood all over them. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man whipping himself splatters his blood all around forcing onlookers to disperse and seek refuge. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Crucified men are being raised on their crosses during Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man taken down from the cross is getting first aid at the medical station. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A general wiev of the knoll with three crosses and square, on which the culmination of the Goiod Friday celebration took place. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man playing out Christ carries his cross during the recreation of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man carries a cross during Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A self-whipper among the crown of onlookers. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man demonstrates a wooden tool with sharp pieces of glass stuck into it, which is used for releasing blood from the backs of penitents ehipping themselves during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man wearing a symbolic crown of thorns made of grass among the crown of onlookers during the Good Friday Way of the Cross procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A self-whipper covered in blood in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Hammer, with which a man playing out Christ will have his hands nailed to the cross during Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man demonstrates nails, which will be used for fixing the hands of a volunteer to the cross during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man with a crown of thorns. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A crowd watching the "crucifixion" during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Procession with "Christ" is struggling to clear its way through the crowd of onlookers. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man playing out Christ moments before being nailed to the cross. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
Holy statues carried above the crowd during the procession in Chichicastenango.
Mystique, night scene of burning incense in front of St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango.
Procession in front of St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango.
Richly adorned holy figure carried around during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Sunday procession among the crowd of local residents and tourists. Chichicastenango.
Procession leaves St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango surrounded by smoke from petards and incenses.
Procession setting out from St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango.
Mystical interior of St. Thomas church in Chichicastenango.
Worshippers and tourists during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Beautifully adorned figure of Virgin Mary carried around during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
One of the holy figures carried around during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Figures of saints carried around during the Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
Sunday procession in Chichicastenango.
One of the many great vistas inside the Grand Mosque in Cordoba.
Mihrab - the holy niche showing the direction of Mekka. Grand Mosque in Cordoba.
The famous cathedral of Toledo. In Middle Ages the main seat of the catholic church in Spain.
The statue of Tian Tan Buddha also known as the Big Buddha - a large bronze statue of a Buddha Amoghasiddhi at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island.
The face of the Big Buddha.
The statue of Tian Tan Buddha also known as the Big Buddha - a large bronze statue of a Buddha Amoghasiddhi at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island.
Inside Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin, New Territories.
Little temple of Tin Hau (Goddess of the Sea) in Sai Wan on Cheung Chau island.
Woman praying in a Hong Kong temple during the SARS epidemic in 2003.
Incenses in a temple on Cheung Chau Island during the celebration of the annual Bun Festival.
Busy time ina a temple on CHaung Chau island during the annual Bun Festival.
A Hong Kong Chinese temple with characteristic spiral incense cones.
Crowd of believers in Wong Tai Sing temple in Kowloon during celebrations of the Chinese New Year.
Temple Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon during its busiest time - celebrations of the Chinese New Year.
Old Spanish mission church of San Xavier del Bac founded in 1692. Located 16 km south of Tucson, Arizona serves presently the indian Tohono O'odham community.
Richly decorated interior of the of San Xavier del Bac. Tucson, Arizona.
Interior of the church of San Xavier del Bac. Tucson, Arizona.
Kneeling statue of Pope Pius IX in Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. Rome.
Main nave of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. Rome
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore - a Papal major basilica and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome.
Facade of the Il Gesu church - the mother church of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits. Piazza del Gesu, Rome.
Interior of the Il Gesu church - the mother church of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits. Piazza del Gesu, Rome.
Illusionistic painting at the vault of the Il Gesu church - the mother church of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits. Piazza del Gesu, Rome.
Statue of Christ by Michelangelo in the Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva on Piazza della Minerva.
Facade of the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the Campus Martius on Piazza St Ignazio in Rome.
Interior of the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the Campus Martius on Piazza St Ignazio in Rome.
Antique Jewish symbols on a wall in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome.
The Creation of Adam - world famous fresco by Michelangelo Buonarotti around 1511–1512 on the ceiling the Sistine Chapel in Vatican.
The Last Judgment - world famous fresco by Michelangelo Buonarotti on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican.
St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica and a fragment of the Bernini's collonade. Vatican.
Pieta - the most famous sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarotti is kept behind a bulletproof glass in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to the right of the entrance, between the Holy door and the altar of Saint Sebastian.
Face of the embalmed body of pope John XXIII in the glass coffin kept under the altar of St Jerome in the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.
The right foot of Arnolfo di Cambio’s sculpture of St. Peter (from around 1300) in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican is worn down from centuries of pilgrims kissing and rubbing it.
Arnolfo di Cambio’s sculpture of St. Peter (from around 1300) in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican is a highly venerated sculpture, which has feet worn down from centuries of pilgrims kissing and rubbing them.
Baldacchino over the main altar of St. Peters Basilica in Vatican by Gian Lorenzo Bernini is 30 metres tall and claimed to be the largest piece of bronze in the world.
Inside the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican - the most famous, holiest and most important church of the Christianity.
Group of pilgrims singing in front of the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.
Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven in front of the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.
Ornaments made of bones of the Capuchin friars who died between 1528 and 1870 can be seen in the Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Rome.
Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Rome housing the skeletons of 3,700 bodies of the Capuchin friars who died between 1528 and 1870.
Baldacchino, dating from 1369, over the high altar of the Basilica of St. John in the Lateran, Rome.
View of the main nave of the Basilica of St. John in the Lateran in Rome.
The front facade of the Papal Archbasilica of St. John in the Lateran. Rome.
The Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) - 28 white marble steps near the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome. According to the Catholic tradition Jesus Christ walked on these steps in the Palace of Pontius Pilate on his way to trial. The stairs were, reputedly, brought to Rome by St. Helena in the fourth century.
Kiss of Judas - a sculpture by Ignazio Giacometti on the right side of the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) near the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome.
"Footprints of Jesus" in Basilica di San Sebastiano - a church above the Catacombe di San Sebastiano on Via Appia Antica in the southern suburbs of Rome.
A view of the dome of the St. Peter's Cathedral through the keyhole in the door of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta, dubbed "the most beautiful hole in Rome". Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta on Aventine Hill.
View of the St. Peter Cathedral's dome from Giardino Storico di Sant' Alessio on Aventine Hill in Rome.
"Coronation of the Virgin" - the main of all the 13th century mosaics depicting the life of the Virgin Mary in Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Rome
The main altar and apse with magnificent 13th-century mosaics of Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. ROme.
View towards the side nave of Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Main nave of Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere - the oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome with 13th-century mosaics as the main highlight.
Little shrine with the painting of Virgin Mary on Piazza Trilussa on the corner of Vicolo del Cinque. Rome.
Church Santa Barbara dei Librari on Largo dei Librari. Rome.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Buddhist monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Entrance to the buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddhist banners in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddha statue in one of the rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Follower of the Jain religion covering his mouth, so as not to swallow any insect incidentally. Ellora, Maharashtra.
Women queuing to enter the temple, Goa.
Japanese temple. Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Old man bathing on the bank of Ganges in Varanasi (Benares), Uttar Pradesh.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab) at night.
A way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Sikh man at the window of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A holy cow dressed .
Gopuram (tower) of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam - the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world,
A view through an arch in Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi.
Buddhist monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Sikh pilgrims going to the Golden Temple in their holy city of Amritsar, Punjab.
Father and son, who have arrived as pilgrims to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monk from the monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Monks during prayers in their gathering hall in the monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Swastika - an ancient Indian symbol of happiness. Sikkim.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Sadhu (holy man) in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A man praying in Srirangam temple, Tamil Nadu.
Character personifying Evil. Kathakali dance performance, Kerala.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Holy pilgrim (sadhu) performing rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Inside the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai a trained elephant taps on the head anyone who gives him a coin.
Two pilgrims having meal in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Bride and groom during their wedding ceremony in Kochi, Kerala.
Temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Unusual juxtaposition of symbols - christian cross and a red star together on a church in Kerala.
Inside a small mosque in Tehran.
The tomb of imam Ali. Shiraz.
Imam Mosque at night. Isfahan.
Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd.
A prayer next to the tomb of Imam Ali. Shiraz.
Beautiful Jame mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
A street in Teheran decorated with black banners during the holy month of Muharram .
A woman in black chador next to the tomb of imam Ali covered in silver. Shiraz.
Beautiful Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
Inside the Jame mosque in Yazd.
Soldier praying in a mosque in Teheran.
Inside the mausoleum of imam Ali in Shiraz - the second holiest place in Iran after the tomb of imam Reza in Mashad.
This men from Yazd is probably the follower of an ancient Zoroastrian religion.
Portraits of two Ayatollahs - Khomeini and Khamenei on a wall near the Imam Square in Isfahan.
Zoroastrian temple, Yazd.
Main nave of the Il Gesu church. Rome.
Church of Santa Maria della Scala. Rome.
Small church in Rome.
Bernini's Collonade on St. Peter's Square, Via della Conciliazione an the Tiber river seen from the top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Rome.
Two monks by the northern water reservoir within the Angkor Wat complex.
Old nun taking care of a Buddha statue in dark arcades of Preah Khan temple.
A monk deep in his thoughts. Angkor Wat.
A monk from Angkor.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Young monk in the early morning sun. Angkor Wat.
Young monk in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
A nun from Preah Khan temple.
Old lady without feet and hands holding incense. Angkor Wat.
Vat Haysoke temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Wat Si Saket temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Statues of Buddha around Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos. The symbol of Buddhist religion and independence.
General view of Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Entrance garte to Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Buddha statue in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
View to the courtyard of Kun lam temple.
On the inner courtyard of the Kun lam temple.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Rich decoration over the entrance to a Kun lam temple.
Spiral incenses in Kun lam temple.
Local women in front of the A-Ma (Tin Hau) temple.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Tiny shrine/altar on the courtyard of a Chinese house.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Tiny shrine for burning incense. Taipa village on Taipa Island.
A man by the offering table. Coloane Island.
Little Kam Fa Temple also known as Sam Seng to honor the Heavenly Empress Kam Fa, Kun Iam and Va Kuong. Coloane Island.
Lighting incenses in front of the A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Plates with names and photographs of the deceased by which their families pray. Kun lam temple.
Little shrine with incense and offerings. Taipa Island.
Inside A-ma temple.
Tiny outdoor shrine of the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
The entrance to a Kun lam temple.
Spiral incense in A-ma temple.
Inside the Kun lam temple.
Wishes and prayers from the faithful inside the A-Ma temple.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Yellow dome of Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill with Mexico City at the background.
Tamplo del Pocito (Chapel of the Well) on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill. Mexico City.
Top part of the front elevation of San Juan church in San Chuan Chamula.
Wall of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
Stupa Swayambubath seen from the nearby street.
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Entrance to a temple in Kathmandu.
The spire of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Shop selling ceremonial Tibetan religious objects, Bhaktapur.
"Holy sadhu" posing for tourists on Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Nepali couple leaving their temple. Kathmandu.
Small stupas near Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu.
Tibetan monks resting under the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Holy sadhu posing for paid photos for tourists in Durbar Square in Patan.
Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
The eyes of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Small, but charming backstreet temple in Bhaktapur.
Durbar Square in Kathmandu. From the left are temples Maju Deval. Narayan and Shiva Parvati.
Kathesimbu stupa, Kathmandu.
Central spire of the Bodnath stupa with thirteen levels symbolizing stages of a path towards Buddhahood.
Holy sadhu posing for paid photos for tourists in Durbar Square in Patan.
Celebrating a reigious holiday. Lahore.
Religious procession with drums on the streets of Lahore.
Pope John Paul II in papamobile with cardinal Joseph Glemp - the Primate of Poland (dressed in red) during the 1999 visit in Warsaw.
Flowers, candles and people praying in front of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw a few weeks after the tragic catastrophe of the presidential plane in Smoleńsk in Russia.
Small shrine on the backyard of the old tenement house in the Prague district of Warsaw.
A window adorned with Catholic symbols during the 1999 visit of Pope John Paul II in Warsaw.
Wooden cross with a figure of Christ in a village in the Masurian Lakeland district north-east of Poland.
Woman praying at a small Buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by prayer flags.
Reclining Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Standing Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist temple in the countryside near Kandy.
Golden reliquary with the tooth of Buddha inside in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.
Head of the stone sculpture of Buddha from Polonnaruwa.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa, built between 1187 and 1196 AD.
Reclining Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Wooden statue of Shiva with flute in an antique shop on the suburbs of Kandy.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist monk by the road near Haputale.
Buddhist monk in Kandy.
Small buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by garlands of prayer flags.
Buddhist prayer flags in Kandy.
Buddhist monk in front of a small blue temple near Kandy.
Buddhist monks in yellow robes. Kandy.
Young man praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Young monks from a temple in Chiang Mai.
People praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Youn Buddhist monk from Bangkok.
Entrance to the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Offerings of flowers near the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
A shrine in front of the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
A girl praying in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
Inside a temple in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.
Buddha statues in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Feet of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
People poring water on the golden statue of Buddha in front of Wat Phra Singh. Chiang Mai.
Prayer time in one of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Inside the buddhist Chiang Dao Cave in northern Thailand.
The five-ton golden Buddha in Wat Traimit in Bangkok.
People praying in front of the main chedi of Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People pouring water on a small chedi. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Colorful houses in the area with housing for Buddhist monks in Bangkok.
Head of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
A temple in Bangkok.
During Songkran (Thai New Year) festival monks visit local houses, collect alms and pray with the residents.
Buddha statues flooded by light from above in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
The Byzantine Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora - current museum in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Istanbul is unique because of its very well preserved mosaics and frescoes from XIV century.
Interior of the Mevlana mausoleum and his tomb. Konya.
Mihrab (niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca) in Saint Sophia mosque.
Inside the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
The ritual of washing of the feet prior to entry to a mosque. Istambul.
Turkish woman wearing burqa (chador). Istanbul.
Green tiled tower over the mausoleum of Mevlana (known also as Rumi) - a 13th century Muslim saint, who founded the famous Muslim sect of Whirling Dervishes. Konya.
General view of the Drepung Monastery near Lhasa - one of the most reputed centers for learning and practicing Tibetan Buddhism.
European girl and a young monk on a terrace in the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Two of them are playing telescoping trumpets (zangs dung).
Monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
Sisum Namgyel, the Tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama. Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
Tibetan monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Old lama from Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks next to a window decorated in typically Tibetan style. Shigatse.
A man with prayer wheel. Shigatse.
Two pilgrims watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Main stage of the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Golden roofs of the temples housing the tombs of past panchenlamas are seen at the background.
Tibetan monks and pilgrims behind the rows of yak butter lamps in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The Jawo Sakyamuni Buddha statue brought from China by Princess Wencheng, Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Padmasambhava Statue in the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Potala Palace seen from the roof level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa with the Wheel of Dharma and two deers in the foreground.
A stand selling religious accessories for pilgrims at the Barkhor Square at the front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The main facade of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa - the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.
Landscape of the upper part of the Tibetan Plateau on the way from the Nepali border dotted with piles of prayer stones left by passing pilgrims.
Tibetan monk in front of the temple door. Shigatse.
Young novice monk in the alley of the Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Three most important lamas of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse on stage during the festival.
Tibetan monks in ceremonial robes chanting on the stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks with ceremonial banners. Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
The oldest and most eminent lama from the Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Monks in ceremonial dresses and their iconic yellow hats signature of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, which is also practiced by Dalai Lama. Tashilunpo Monsatery, Shigatse.
Monks in ceremonial dresses and their iconic yellow hats on the stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Rock painting on a rock next to the Sera Monastery near Lhasa.
Wheel of Dharma and two deers over the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa seen above the roofs of Tibetan houses in the old centre of Lhasa.
Chinese policeman among Tibetan monks during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan man with his kettle and a prayer wheel. Shigatse.
The oldest and most stately lama from the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Top level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Young monk on the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of the temples of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Tibet.
A monk from one of the monasteries near Lhasa doing laundry.
Window and The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) flanked by two deer over the entrance to the main temple of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Monks from the Sera Monastery near Lhasa doing laundry.
A monk from the Sera or Ganden Monastery near Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims praying in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim circling the temple in a typical fashion: stretching himself on the ground, standing up and then stretching himself on the ground again, but further by the length of his body. Shigatse.
Human remains found near the location of the "sky burial" in the vicinity of the Sera Monastery near Lhasa. During this ritual the body is left at the rock to be eaten by vultures.
One of the many holy statues of Buddha in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
A monk praying in the arcades of a courtyard in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Neverending lines of yak-butter lamps lit by the faithful Tibetans in the cloisters of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim lighting a candle in Jokhgang temple in Lhasa.
Dark interior of the Jokhang temple lit only by the candles creates an unforgettable, mistic atmosphere. Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims are performing various rituals along their way through the maze of shirnes and holy statues inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of the fierce looking deities in the Kumbum stupa in Gyantse.
One of many giaant Buddha statues in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan man with his prayer wheel. Shigatse.
Old Tibetan monk with his dog in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
This black rock is a place of "sky burial" - a funerl ritual, when the body is placed outside in the open space to be consumed by vultures. Sera Monastery near Lhasa.
Monks chanting and rythmically striking cymbals (rol mo) during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Elderly smiling monk from Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
An old monk accompanied by young boys during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks on a stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks rolling prayer wheels. Lhasa.
Tibetan monks having salty tea with yak butter in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan monks dancing on the stage in the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Young bouy in front of a monastery.
Monks in masks performing their typical, slow motion dance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Group of Tibetans attending the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A monk in ritual dress performing his typical, slow motion dance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Mass in a church in Louisiana is conducted in a very lively, interactive manner typical for some southern american congregations.
Mass in a church in Louisiana is conducted in a very lively, interactive manner typical for some southern american congregations.
Mass in a church in Louisiana is conducted in a very lively, interactive manner typical for some american congregations.
An old church in American countryside. Central USA.
A plaque with the name of St. Florian's church in Latin and Polish. Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan.
St. Florian church used by polish community in Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan.
St. Stephen's church in Armonk, New York.
Interior of St Paul's cathedral - the most famous and the largest church in London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in XVII century.
A Hindu temple in My Son - the site of religious ceremonies for the Hindu rulers of the Champa kingdom between 4th and 14th century AD.
A door opening of a Hindu temple in My Son - the religious and burial complex built by the Hindu rulers of Champa kingdom between 4th and 14th century AD.
Incenses in front of a temple in Hue.
A small shrine in Hanoi.
A courtyard with a little shrine. Hue.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Buddhist monk from Kandy.
An old and stately lama from the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Old monk from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Fragment of the front facade of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
Spiral incense in Kun lam temple.
Inside the mosque in Yazd.
Buddhist monk praying at Swayambunath Stupa in Kathmandu.
A place for burning incences in a tiny shrine in Tao O village on Lantau Island.
The Anglican cathedral of St. Stephan. Brisbane, Queensland.
A church in Melbourne, Victoria.
St. Patricks Cathedral. Melbourne, Victoria.
A church built by the convicts of Port Arthur, Tasmania.
A tower of St. David s cathedral, Hobart, Tasmania.
Church of St. Mary.Sydney, New South Wales.
Provincial church.
The famous Borobudur stone bas-relief telling the story of life of Buddha (prince Siddharta Gautama) as well as showing scenes of daily life in Java a thousand years ago.
Niches with statues of Buddha. Borobudur.
The famous Borobodur bas-relief depicting scenes from the life of Buddha as well as the daily life of people in Java a thousand years ago.
A statue of Nandi (bull) - the vehicle of Lord Shiva inside the vahana (vehicle) temple in Prambanan.
The catholic cathedral of Jakarta.
Hindu epos of Ramajana shown in traditional Balinese style at the courtyard of the king's palace in Ubud, Bali.
Magnificent Gothic vault inside St. George's Chapel within WIndsor Castle.
Church of St. Martins in the Fields on Trafalgar Square. London.
Jewish family praying at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Crosses of Jerusalem.
Old Haredi Jew crossing the street in Mea Shearim - an ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Mystic interior of the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary (Tomb of the Virgin Mary) at the foot of Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Shadow of an orthodox Jew on the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Entering Cheng Hoon Teng temple - the oldest Chinese temple in Malacca, founded in the 1600s by the Chinese Kapitan Tay Kie Ki alias Tay Hong Yong.
Inside Cheng Hoon Teng temple - the oldest Chinese temple in Malacca, founded in the 1600s.
Inside Thean Hou Chinese Hainan Temple (established in 1865) on Muntri Street. Goergetown, Penang.
Pennants inside Thean Hou temple. Goergetown, Penang.
Main "altar" in Thean Hou Hainan temple. Goergetown, Penang.
Rich interior of Thean Hou temple. Goergetown, Penang.
Captain Keling Mosque - the oldest mosque in Penang built in 19th century by Indian Muslim traders.
Inside the Jhoo Kongsi Confucian temple. Georgetown, Penang.
People praying on the New Year's Day outside the Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple - the main Chinese temple in Georgetown, established in 1800 by Guangdong and Fujian communties.
People lighting candles in Kuan Yin Temple on the New Year's Day. Georgetown, Penang.
Prayers in Kuan Yin Temple on the New Year's Day. Georgetown, Penang.
Inside Kuan Yin Temple. Georgetown, Penang.
Local woman praying on front of the host of Chinese deities. Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Prayers in Kuan Yin Temple on the New Year's Day. Georgetown, Penang.
Offerings of fruits, oil and flowers on the New Year's Day in Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Little girl praying. Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Busy morning in Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Kuan Yin (Goddes of Mercy) Temple, Georgetown, Penang.
Man praying in front of one of several Chinese temples and clan houses on King Street (Lebuh King). Georgetown, Penang.
Local Chinese man praying n front of Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street (Lebuh King) in Georgetown, Penang.
Candles inside Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Inside Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Entrance to Captain Keling Mosque - the oldest mosque in Penang built in 19th century by Indian Muslim traders.
Inside Captain Keling Mosque. Georgetown, Penang.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple - the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumbur, founded in 1873. This new structure built in 1968 has a colorful gopuram (tower) typical for southern India.
Religious ceremony in Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple. Kuala Lumpur.
Religious ceremony in Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple. Kuala Lumpur.
Offering of bananas and colorful statueas of Hindu deities. Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple, Kuala Lumpur.
Indian priest in Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple, Kuala Lumpur.
Indian woman resting in Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple, Kuala Lumpur.
Magnificent glass mosaics inside the Cathedral of Monreale. On the left in the central apse is figure of Christ, with a seated Virgin and Child below. Monreale, Sicily.
Inside the cloisters of the abbey of Monreale.
Golden interior, covered with 12th century mosaics, of Capella Palatina - the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily located in Palazzo Reale in Palermo, Sicily.
Golden interior, covered with 12th century mosaics, of Capella Palatina - the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily located in Palazzo Reale in Palermo, Sicily.
Nuns from Palermo.
Poster advertising the celebration of the festival of the Holy Mary of the Seven sorrows placed on a grafitti covered wall in Palermo.
Church (Parrocchia) of S. Rosalia in Corleone, Sicily.
A window-niche with metal lattice protecting holy statues. Syracuse, Sicily.
A window from Syracuse, Sicily with a photo of a statue of Virgin Mary, decorated with artificial flowers.
A member of the Jewish community in Syracuse, Sicily.
The statue of Virgin Mary carried during the night procession on Good Friday in Ragusa Ibla, Sicily.
Procession carrying the statues of Christ in glass coffin and Virgin Mary leaves Piazza Duomo after starting with fireworks in front of Cathedral di San Giorgio. Ragusa Ibla, Sicily.
Statues of Christ in glass coffin and Virgin Mary are carried through the streets of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily during the night procession on Good Friday.
Holy Cross carried by little boys during the night procession on Good Friday through the streets of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily.
Night procession on Good Friday through the streets of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily.
People line the strrets of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily during the night procession on Good Friday.
Symbolic body of Christ in a glass coffin an a statue of Virgin Mary is carried back to the cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica, Sicily after the night procession on Good Friday.
Shrine of San Giuseppe on the wall of the old house in Modica, Sicily.
Inside the Duomo (Cathedral) di San Giorgio in Modica Alta, Sicily.
Maltese girls from Birgu (Vittoriosa) dressed her best for the morning mass on Easter Sunday.
Men from Birgu (Vittoriosa) in the famous run with the statue of Christ Risen on Easter Sunday.
Procession with the statue of Christ Risen on Easter Sunday in Cospicua.
Statue covered by the flag of the Holy See as if waiting to be unveiled - in front of the church of St. Therese of Jesus (St. Tereza ta' Gesu') in Bormla (Cospicua).
Young girls watching the Easter Sunday procession from their balcony in Bormla (Cospicua).
Young girls watching the Easter Sunday procession and the photographer from their balcony in Bormla (Cospicua).
Maltese couple dressed their Sunday best watches the Easter Sunday procession in Cospicua from their balcony and under the Maltese national flag.
Gilded wall decorations of the chapels of of the Langue of Germany (front) and the entrance to Sacristy (back) in the St. John Co-Cathedral in Valetta.
Inside St. George's Basilica in Victoria, Gozo Island.
Maltese flag with the cross of the Order of St. John in front of the Basilica of St. George in in Victoria on Gozo Island.
Statue of Mary and baby Jesus in the street of Mdina.
Good Friday night procession in the mountaineous town of Ragusa in Sicily.
Joyful procession of the residents of Birgu and the surrounding towns carrying the statue of the Christ Risen on the day of Easter Sunday.
The most famous work of art in the St. John Co-Cathedral in Valetta - Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1608) by Caravaggio (1571–1610) is the. Considered one of Caravaggio's masterpieces and the only painting signed by the painter, the canvas is displayed in the Oratory for which it was painted (source:Wikipedia).
Lighting candles inside St. Stephen's cathedral in Vienna.
Gothic St. Steven's Cathedral (Stephansdom) built in XIVth century is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and the major tourist attraction of the city.
Interior of the baroque St. Peter's church (Peterskirche) in Vienna.
Gilded stupas and shrines of the Shwedagon Paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Multitude of stupas, shrines, statues and towers in Shwedagon Paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Pigeons on the gigantic stupa of Shwemawdaw Paya,in Bago.
Old monk from Swedagon Paya Rangoon (Yangon) smoking cheroot.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Young nuns from Kinpun. Shan State.
Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A monk in prayer. Shwedagon Paya, Rangoon (Yangon).
St. Paul's Cathedral - the seat of the Diocese of Calcutta, built in Gothic Revival style and consecrated in 1847. Calcutta, West Bengal.
Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth, Calcutta.
Interior of Nevheh Shalome Synagogue, Calcutta.
Buddhist monk with a praying wheel on the way to Mahabodi Temple. Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Monks sitting around a small shrine within the Mahabodi Temple complex in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Old sadhu from Bodhgaya.
Monks praying in the Mahabodi Temple complex in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Buddha statue inside the Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Offering flowers on the pedestal around the Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Buddhist monk praying at the Mahabodi temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Buddhist monk praying near the entrance to the Mahabodi temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Pilgrims prostrating themselves at the base of the Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Old monk reading. Mahabodi Temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar.
The holy Bodhi tree, which grew from a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree from Sri Lanka, which was itself planted from the original Bodhi tree under which Siddartha Gautama attained enlightment. in Bodhgaya Mahabodi Temple. Bihar.
An old monk asleep in front of the Bodhi tree next to the Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Buthenese Monastery, Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Morning prayer in Ganges. Varanasi.
One of many orange clad sadhus of Varanasi.
Sadhus on the bank of Ganges. Varanasi.
Old sadhu from Varanasi.
Holy sadhu sitting on the steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi.
A priest of the Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat in Varanasi.
A man praying to Ganges(?). Varanasi.
Holy sadhu. Varanasi.
Man doing his morning prayers near Chousatti Ghat. Varanasi.
Narrow and crowded street with a queue of faithful waiting for admission to Shri Kashi Vishvanath Temple. Varanasi.
Tha daily ceremony of Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi.
During Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat at the bank of Ganges in Varanasi young priests perform elaborated movements with fire and other accessories to the sound of drums and gongs.
Dancing with fire during the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat at the bank of Ganges in Varanasi.
Large group of Indian pilgrims sitting on the steps of one of the ghats at the bank of Ganges in Varanasi.
Bathing and praying in Ganges. Varanasi.
View of the Manikarnika Ghat from the boat on Ganges. This is the main ghat used for burning bodies in Varanasi.
Hindu man washing and bathing at the bank of Ganges. Varanasi.
Closeup of the lower part of Manikarnika Ghat with visible remains of the burning stakes and wood gathered for burning. Varanasi.
Holy sadhu bathing and praying on the bank of Ganges. Varanasi.
Hindu family bathing and praying in Ganges. Varanasi.
Men praying and washing in Ganges. Varanasi.
Orange clad sadhu on a street in Varanasi.
Old holy man walking a narrow street in Varanasi.
At the colourful entrance to a small shrine in Varanasi.
A body being carried to a burning stake in Manikarnika Ghat. Varanasi.
Weighing the wood for burning a body. An average body requires 200 to 280 kg of wood and burns for three hours. Quite often it does not burn completely and the remains are thrown into Ganges. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi.
Another body being carried to a stake at Manikarnika Ghat. Varanasi.
A porter is carrying wood to the stake, where the next body will be burned. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi.
Temples of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi seen from behind the piles of wood gathered fur burning bodies, which arrive around the clock.
One of many holy sadhus of Varanasi.
A street stand with colorful powders used for various religious ceremonies on Kali Temple Rd near the Kalighat Temple in Calcutta, West Bengal.
A courtyard of the famous Mother House - a hospice for sick and dying and the headquarter of the order of Missionaries of Charity established in 1953 by Mother Teresa of Calcutta
The tomb of Mother Teresa in the Mother House - a hospice for sick and dying established in 1953 by Mother Teresa on 54A, A.J.C. Bose Road.
A shop selling Mother Teresa's related souvenirs on A.J.C. Bose Road in Calcutta near the Mother House - a famous hospice for sick and dying established in 1953 by Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Crimson clad monks in front of a small shrine within the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodhgaya in Bihar.
Show of the martial art of Sunmundo in Golgul-sa - buddhist monastery near Singyeongju.
Show of the martial art of Sunmundo in Golgul-sa - buddhist monastery near Singyeongju.
The 4 m high sculpture of Maya Tathagata Buddha from 9th century A.D - the main cultural relic of Golgul-sa. Singyeongju.
Dining hall in Golgul-sa monastery. All the monks as well as visitors eat in silence while sitting on the floor dressed in obligatory orange monastery robes.
Meeting and having tea with the monk from Golgul-sa monastery is the final point in the program of the 2-day, 1-night stay in this temple.
Shinto priests of the Itsukushima temple. Hatsukaichi near Hiroshima.
A lady praying in one of the many shrines of the Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
Small and beautiful shrine in Gion area of Kyoto.
Burning incences in front of a temple in Nara.
Statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu inside Great Hall (Daibutsunden) of Todai-ji temple in Nara.
Ema, wooden prayer tablets in a temple in Nara.
Jizo statues at Kofuku-ji Temple.in Nara.
A statue of Komoku Ten (Virupakusa) in Tokyo National Museum.
Shinto priest giving a speech in Meiji Jingu temple before a wedding ceremony.
Shinto priest leading a wedding procession in Meiji Jingu temple grounds. Tokyo.
The choir of the Fraumünster (Women's Minster) church in Zurich with three of five famous stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Girl from Łyse holding palms prepared for the solemn Easter Palm Sunday procession.
Group of faithful in Łyse holding their Easter palms prepared for the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
Local priests at the front of the Easter Palm Sunday procession in Łyse.
Easter palms gathered in the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse.
Easter Palm Sunday procession leaves the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse.
Easter palms gathered in the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse.
Easter Palm Sunday procession with a forest of Easter palms leaves the grounds of the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse.
Easter Palm Sunday procession in Łyse.
Easter Palm Sunday procession in Łyse carrying famous "palms".
Local priests at the front of the Easter Palm Sunday procession in Łyse.
Local musician from Łyse during Easter Palm Sunday celebrations.
Celebration of Easter Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa in Polish) in the village of Łyse in the Kurpie region, which is fsmous from preparing the tallest (over 3m) and most beautiful "palms".
Amazing "palms" from Łyse in the Kurpie region, prepared for the celebration of Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa in Polish) during Easter.
Faithful gathered in the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse waiting for the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
Beautiful "palms" in the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse waiting for the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
Inside the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse before the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
Girls from Łyse dressed in their best traditional costumes from Kurpie in the church of Christ the King of the Universe.
One of the tallest palms outside the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse prepared for the solemn Easter Palm Sunday procession.
Easter palms outside the church of Christ the King of the Universe in Łyse prepared for the solemn Palm Sunday procession.
St. Peter's Anglican Church, Akaroa, South Island.
Saint Faith's Anglican Church in the Maori Ohinemutu Village at the bank of Lake Rotorua, North Island.
Maori man chanting an old song. Ohinemutu Village at the bank of Lake Rotorua, North Island.
Ostra Brama (Aušros vartai or Gate of Dawn in Lithuanian) with the Chapel of the Mother of Mercy, which contains a miraculous painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Matka Boska Ostrobramska) and is a major pilgrimage destination for Catholics, particularly from Poland.
Interior of the Church of St. Theresa (Kościół Św. Teresy) in Vilnius.
People praying in front of the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Ostra Brama (or of the Gate of Dawn) in Vilnius.
Church of St. Theresa, a Roman Catholic church located in the Old Town of Vilnius.
Church of St. Casimir, the first and oldest Baroque church in Vilnius.
Church of St. Casimir, the first and oldest Baroque church in Vilnius.
Church of St. Catherine, a late Baroque church and former Benedictine monastery in Vilnius, built between 1625 and 1743.
Church of St. Catherine in Vilnius, part of a former Benedictine monastery complex. During the Soviet era it was used as a storehouse for the Vilnius Art Museum.
Interior of the Dominican Church of the Holy Spirit in Vilnius.
Interior of the Dominican Church of the Holy Spirit in Vilnius.
Solemn military funeral service in St. John's Church in Vilnius.
Choir performing in the ornate interior of St. Anne's Church in Vilnius.
Old crosses on the Rossa Cemetery in Vilnius.
Old crosses on the Rossa Cemetery in Vilnius.
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in the Antokol neighborhood of Vilnius.
Interior of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Vilnius (consecrated in 1701), a masterpiece of Baroque architecture with around 2,000 stucco figures and ornaments created by Italian artists Giovanni Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli.
A man praying in a chapel within the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Vilnius.
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
Hill of Crosses (Kryžių Kalnas) near Šiauliai (Szawle).
St. Peter's Lutheran church, dating from 15th century. Riga.
Inside the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.
Grand Church of the Winter Palace, also known as the Cathedral of the Saviour Not Made by Hand, in St. Petersburg.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (also known as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ) designed by Alfred Parland in the style of 16th and 17th-century Russian churches and completed in 1907. Griboyedov Canal embankment, St. Petersburg.
Interior of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, which has more mosaics than any other church in the world, covering over 7,500 square meters.
Interior of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood opened in 1907 and officially named as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. St. Petersburg.
A mosaic covered ceiling of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood (also known as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ) in St.Petersburg.
Interior of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg. The church was built in a traditional medieval Russian style and is famous for its mosaics which cover the entire walls and ceilings over the area of 7,500 m².
Highly decorated iconostasis inside the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St.Petersburg.
Interior of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, which has more mosaics than any other church in the world, covering over 7,500 square meters.
The main nave of the Archicathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lviv (Lwów), commonly known as the Latin Cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Golden side nave interior of the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as the Latin Cathedral. Lviv (Lwów).
Baroque interior of the Church of the Transfiguration in Lviv (Lwów).
A moment of prayer in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist on Uzhhorodska St, 1 in Lviv (Lwów).
Colorful light filtered through stained glass windows in Church of St. Archangel Michael (formerly the Carmelite Church) in Lviv (Lwów).
Baroque interior of St. Andrew's Church (Bernardine Church) in Lwów, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Baroque interior of St. Andrew's Church (Bernardine Church) in Lwów, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside the 17th-century Baroque Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Lwów.
Faithful praying in the Saints Peter and Paul Garrison Church in Lwów.
Dominican Church and Monastery in Lwów from 1764, officially known as the Church of the Holy Eucharist. Text above the entrance - SOLI DEO HONOR ET GLORIA (To God Alone Be Honor and Glory).
Quiet prayer at dusk in the courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
Men praying in front of the Bolo Hauz Mosque in Bukhara.
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand featuring a collection of mausoleums and religious buildings constructed between the 9th and 19th centuries.
External view of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand believed to be the burial place of Qutham ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
One of a kind avenue of mausoleums at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand with Mausoleum of Tuman-Aqa on the left, Mausoleum of 1361 on the right and a blue dome on the complex of the central shrine of Qusam ibn Abbas at the far end.
Tomb, or cenotaph believed to be that of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand.
The Mangal Mahadev statue, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site located at the entrance of Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) south of Mauritius.
A Pooja shop (specializing in items needed for Hindu worship) in the southern part of Mauritius with huge Indian population.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, also known as Andohalo Cathedral, built between 1873 and 1890 - the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Antananarivo.
Statue of Mother Teresa of Calcutta (born in Albania as Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu) in front of Saint Paul's Cathedral in Tirana.
Flags in front of the Iranian Shia mosque on Emam Hussain Avenue in Manama.
Iranian Shia mosque on Emam Hussain Avenue in Manama.
The courtyard of Al Fatih Mosque - the grand mosque of Bahrain.
Interior of Al Fatih Mosque during prayer time, Manama, which can hold up to 7000 worshippers.
Imam leading a prayer in the grand Al Fatih Mosque in Manama.
Faithful muslims pray in Al Fatih Mosque - the grand mosque of Manama.