Images tagged "temple"
Women praying in front of Shwezigon paya. Old Bagan.
A gilded statue of Buddha in Ananda Pahto. Old Bagan.
View of the Bagan plateau from the terrace of Shwesandaw temple. Old Bagan.
Children playing in front of a temple in Bagan.
View of the Old Bagan. In the far right corner is Htilominlo temple.
View of the Old Bagan. In the fat left corner is Dhammayangyi Pahto.
Sunset over Old Bagan.
A man praying in front of Mingalazedi temple (closed at that time). Old Bagan.
A pair of Buddha statues in Dhammayangyi Pahto. Old Bagan.
Devilish face decorating a pedestal of a temple in bagan.
Ananda Pahto - one of the most beautiful and most famous temples in Bagan
A scene from Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Three nuns in theri typical pink robes in Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A courtyard in front of Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A scene from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Evening at Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Mahabodhi temple, modeled after the Mahabodhi temple from Bihar in India. Old Bagan.
Richly decorated portal of the Sulamani Pahto. Old Bagan.
Shwedagon Paya at night. Rangoon (Yangon).
Golden arcades in Mahamuni temple in Mandalay.
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.
Golden arcades in Mahamuni temple in Mandalay.
Gawdaw Palin temple in the centre with two other stupas in the foreground. Old Bagan.
Burmese woman smoking cheroot - a traditional cigar. Kyautawgyi temple in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Burmese woman smoking cheroot - a traditional cigar. Kyautawgyi temple in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Children in the Kyautaugyi in Amarapura near 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).
The bottom of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and the devotees praying and sticking golden leafs to the holy rock. Mount Kyaiktyio.
Pilgrims light hundreds of candles in front of the holy Kyaiktyio Pagoda (Golden Rock). Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dusk. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Sunset over the Kyaiktyio Pagoda. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Dried fish on a stall near the Kyaiktyio pagoda. Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. 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.
Frescoes in the entrance to Kyautawgyi Paya in 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.
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.
Shwedagon Paya with the surrounding shrines and pagodas. Rangoon (Yangon).
Procession of young girls making offerings at Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Kyaiktyio pagoda overlooking the surrounding plains.
A man sticking incredibly thin golden leafs to the surface of Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda, Mon State.
Yadana Man Aung temple 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 row of old stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village, Shan State.
Local woman among the old stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
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.
The most beautiful "street corner" in Burma. Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
An enormous size of an unfinished Mantalagyi paya in Mingun can be best appreciated when compared to people.
Mantalagyi paya in Mingun or rather what king Bodawpaya managed to build.
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).
View towards Tung Chung from the cable car to Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha.
Famous Big Buddha on Lantau Island seen from the cable car between Tung Chung and Po Lin Monastery.
"Tourist walking street" leading to the Big Buddha statue near the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.
Fruit offerings in fron of a temple in Tai O village on Lantau Island.
Ulun Danu Bratan temple on the lake Bratan. Bali.
Ulun Danu Bratan temple with mountains at the background. Bali.
Ulun Danu Bratan temple with mountains and clouds at the background. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau at the foot of the volcano Gunung Batukau. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau surrounded by tropical jungle. Bali.
Steep, craggy and beautiful - southern coast of Bukit peninsula with Luhur Ulu Watu temple seen at the very tip of the cliff. Bali.
Craggy coast of Bukit peninsula in the area of Luhur Ulu Watu temple.
Rarely seen arched gate leading to the inner (closed for non-Hindus) part of the Luhur Ulu Watu temple. Bali.
Coastal cliffs of Bukit peninsula in the area of Luhur Ulu Watu temple.
Tanah Lot temple - one of the most famous and most photographed in Bali.
Tanah Lot temple - one of the most famous and most photographed in Bali.
Rocky coast near the Tanah Lot temple. Bali.
Local woman making the morning offerings in a tiny shrine on Nusa Lembongan - an island south of Bali.
Tanah Lot temple. Bali.
A view of one of the inner courtyards of Pura Besakich - one of the most important temples in Bali.
Pura Besakih - a group of Meru towers. Bali
Main entrance gate of Pura Besakih. Bali.
Huge Pura Besakih is a forest of Meru towers, gates and pavilions' roofs - one of the most beautiful lsights in Bali.
Shrines (candi) of the 11th century temple complex of Gunung Kawi in Tampaksiring south of Ubud, Bali.
Shrines (candi) of the 11th century temple complex of Gunung Kawi in Tampaksiring south of Ubud, Bali.
Entrance gate of Luhur Batukau temple. 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.
Colorful and loud procession carrying Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people. Bali.
Entrance gate. Pura Besakih. 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.
Meru towers in Pura Besakih, Bali.
Steps with the main entrance gate to Pura Besakih, Bali.
People praying in Pura Besakih. Bali.
An entrance gate to the king's palace complex in Ubud, Bali.
Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount. Jerusalem.
Golden dome of the Dome of the Rock temple in Jerusalem.
Todaiji temple in Nara - the largest wooden building in the world.
An alley with a little temple. Kyoto.
Todaiji temple in Nara - the largest wooden building in the world.
Part of the facade of Todaiji temple in Nara.
A pond with water for the ritual washing of hands in front of the Kyiomizu temple in Kyoto.
Washing hands in front of the Kyiomizu temple in Kyoto.
Holy statue in the Kyiomizu temple in Kyoto being polished with thousands of hands.
Nun collecting alms. Kyoto.
A classic view from Kyoto.
Lanterns. Kyoto.
Two elderly Japanese men in one of the pavilions of the Toji temple in Kyoto.
Young men sitting by one of the pavilions of the Toji temple in Kyoto.
Inside one of the pavilions of the Toji temple in Kyoto.
The highest in Japan - 54 m tall pagoda of the Toji temple in Kyoto.
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.
Classical Tibetan architecture of Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
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.
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.
Tibetan woman dressed her best in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
A collection of decorative elements on top of the roofs of the Sera Monastery complex near Lhasa.
Golden fence surrounding Doi Suthep temple near Chiang Mai.
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.
Smiling stone face on one of the towers of Bayon.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Sunset over majestic towers of Angkor Wat.
Sunset seen from the Phnom Bakheng hill.
Famous stone faces of Bayon in Angkor.
Dramatic forms of roots entwining the walls of Ta Prohm temple.
Tangle of roots covering a wall of Ta Prohm temple.
A tiny shrine. Hong Kong Island.
Spiral cone shaped incenses from Kun lam temple.
Colorful stupas on a small street in Vientiane.
Colorful stupas on a small street in Vientiane.
One of the stupas of the Swedagon paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Wisdom Eyes of Bodnath Stupa in Kathmandu.
Lanterns in the shintoistic Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Roof detail in the shintoistic Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Woman on the steps leading to the temple in Udaipur, Rajastan.
Jain woman praying in a small Jain temple in Ranakpur, Rajastan.
Detail of the roof of the Longshan Temple in Taipei.
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.
A man carrying a tray with food offerings (mostly tofu). Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
General view of the entrance building of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elaborate roof decorations. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A dragon at the ridge of the roof of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Women selling incense in front of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lingxing Gate at the front of the Confucius Temple in Taipei.
Old woman praying in front of the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple in Taipei.
Stelae in one of the halls of COnfucius Temple in Tainan.
The Paifang - Chinese style gate opposite the main entrance to the Confucius Temple. Tainan.
Statue of Budai (Laughing Buddha) in Wufei Temple. Tainan.
Adornments on the roof of the Wufei Temple. Tainan.
Turquoise colored tiling of the roof of the Koxinga Shrine. Tainan. The temple is devoted to the famous Chinese general of the Ming era, who defeated the Dutch forcing them to leave Taiwan.
Inner courtyard of the Koxinga Shrine. 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.
Small courtyard inside Lady Linshui's Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome mask in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Man playing horn 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.
A door next to the City God Temple. Tainan.
CIngtan Road with the City God Temple. Tainan.
Elaborately dressed statue inside the City God Temple. Tainan.
VIew throught a circular opening to the courtyard of the City God Temple. Tainan.
Inside a shop producing elaborately embroidered materials used for decorating the temples. Tainan
Performance of the Chinese puppet theater in front of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Portable stage for the Chinese puppet theater in front of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Close up view of the roof from the upper floor of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Adornments of the front facade of 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.
Courtyard of the Official God of War Temple. Tainan.
Furnace and chimney at the back of the Official God of War Temple. Tainan.
The entrance gate (Kaminarimon) to Senso-ji - the oldest (founded in 628 a.d) and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo (Asakusa district).
Hozomon Gate and Five Story Pagoda of the Senso-ji temple complex in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Giagantic lantern in the Hozmon Gate on the way to the Main Hall (Hondo) of the Senso-Ji temple in Asakusa district of Tokyo.
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.
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.
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.
Temple Ulun Danu Bratan with its eleven level Meru tower, Bali.
Temple Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali.
An entrance gate of Tanah Lot temple, Bali.
Rough sea and sharp rocks surrounding Tanah Lot temple, Bali.
A group of pilgrims on the way to the inner temple (closed for tourists) of Pura Besakih, Bali.
A forest of multilevel Meru towers in Pura Besakih, Bali.
The most famous feature of Balinese temples - multilevel Meru towers.
Meru tower above the roofs of temple buildings of Pura Besakih, Bali.
Decorative golden ornament in Pura Beskih, Bali.
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.
A street in the precincts of Pura Besakih, Bali.
Procession with Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people met on the way from Pura Besakih to Bangli. Bali.
Wall decoration in Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor.
Inside the Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor.
Hieroglyphs cover the columns and walls of the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Hieroglyphs cover the columns and walls of the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Beautifully adorned columns in the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Beautifully adorned columns in the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Temple of Amun in Luxor.
Gigantic seated statueas in front of the pylons of the Amun temple in Luxor.
Temple of Amun in Luxor at dusk.
Temple of Amun in Karnak.
Statue of Ramses II in front of the main alley of the temple of Amun in Karnak.
Inside the temple of Amun in Karnak at night.
Very well preserved colored reliefs on the walls of the Hatshepsut temple in Deir el-Bahri.
A part of the temple of Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor with Osiris columns.
Ramessesum. Luxor.
Ramessesum. Luxor.
Grand collonade in the temple of Amon in Luxor.
Statue of Ramses II in the Temple of Amon in Karnak.
Temple of Amon in Karnak after dusk.
The temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri. A wall ending with a falcon head.
Female bas-relief. Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahri.
Well preserved colerd reliefs on the wall of Hatshepsut temple in Deir el-Bahri.
Hieroglyphs with still preserved colors in the temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri.
The temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri just before the entrance to level three (then closed because of the works conducted by the polish archeologists).
Decoration of a wall in the Ramesseum temple near Luxor showing the pharaoh killing his enemies while riding on a chariot.
Decorated wall in Ramessesum. Luxor.
Tin Hau temple in Repulse Bay. In the background - The Lily, the unique residential building designed by Norman Foster.
In front of a Chinese temple. New Territories.
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.
A tiny statue in front of a Chinese temple on of Hong Kong Outlaying Islands.
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.
Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus (left) and Temple of Saturn in Forum Romanum in Rome seen from Via di San Pietro in Carcere.
Forum Romanum with the collonade of the Temple of Saturn seen from Via di San Pietro in Carcere. Rome.
11 Corinthian columns of the temple of Hadrian (built in 145 AD) incorporated into the facade of the Roman Stock Exchange (Borsa di Roma) on Piazza di Pietra.
Collonade of the temple of Vesta (near right) and the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin (far left), under arcades of which is Bocca del Verita (Mouth of Truth) - one of the most iconic Roman artefacts.
Theatre of Marcellus and the three remaining columns of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus (right) at night. Rome.
Collonade of the Theatre of Marcellus (left) and the three remaining columns of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus (right) at night. Rome.
A gate leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
On the way to the main sanctuary within the Golden Temple complex. Amritsar, Punjab.
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.
Temple carving from Ellora temples, Maharashtra.
Buddha statue in one of the rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
One of the world famous rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
One of the world famous rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Women queuing to enter the temple, Goa.
Japanese temple. Darjeeling, West Bengal.
One of the rock temples in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Trained elephant in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai gently taps the head of anyone who gives him a coin.
One of the gopurams (towers) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Colorful sculptures on one of the gopurams (towers) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Sculptures on one of the world famous temples in Khajuraho, Madhya 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.
Gopuram (tower) of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam - the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world,
Man sleeping under the magnificent sculptures in Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirappali.
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.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
The Golden Temple in the light of setting sun. Amritsar, Punjab.
The famous rock temples of Ellora where carved from a sheer rock from top down. In the background is the original level of rocks high above the current temple. Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora in Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora in Maharashtra.
Sadhu (holy man) in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Elderly woman carrying a lot on her head. Sri Meenakshi temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A man praying in Srirangam temple, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Holy pilgrim (sadhu) performing rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of 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.
Colorful gopuram (tower) of the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A group of children in front of the temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Magnificent sculptures of the largest temple complex in India in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam in Tiruchirappali, Tamil Nadu.
Famous seaside temples in Mahabalipuram are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Zoroastrian temple, Yazd.
Majestic towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Angkor Wat and its reflection in the northern water reservoir.
Two monks by the northern water reservoir within the Angkor Wat complex.
Reliefs from Ta Prohm or Preah Khan temple. Angkor.
Old nun taking care of a Buddha statue in dark arcades of Preah Khan temple.
Face from Bayon. Angkor Thom.
One of the world famous, mysterious faces in Bayon at dawn. Angkor Thom.
A monk deep in his thoughts. Angkor Wat.
Tourists descend the steep stairs of Angkor Wat holding tightly the handle for security.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunrise.
Roots of trees attacking ancient walls of Preah Khan temple.
Mighty trunk/root climbing the wall of Ta Prohm temple.
Children "orchestra" performing next to Banteai Srei temple.
A monk from Angkor.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Famous reliefs of apsaras in Angkor Wat.
Rising sun is reflected in the northern pond. Angkor Wat.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Young monk in the early morning sun. Angkor Wat.
Delicate sculptural ornaments in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Finial of one of the richly decorated gates on the main axis of Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
View through a window. Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Three monks in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
Young monk in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
Little barefoot boy in front of Angkor Wat.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Banteay Srei near Angkor. Bas-reliefs on the walls of this temple are among the finest examples of sculptural masterpieces in the world.
Pavilions of Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
One of the richly decorated portals in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
One of the masterpieces of figurative art in Bateay Srei temple near Angkor.
Detail of the fine ornamentation in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Rarely visited ruins of Phnom Bok temple on a hill about 25 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap.
Stone rubble left from a part of Phnom Bok temple on a hill about 25 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap.
Richly decorated stone portal in Preah Khan temple.
A temple in Angkor.
Khmer boy sitting under the huge "window" of one of the temples in Angkor.
Ta Som temple overgrown with trees.
A tree embracing the eastern towers of Ta Som temple with roots of fantastic shapes.
Dark and atmospheric interior of Preah Khan temple.
Double story building of still unknown purpose within the precincts of Preah Khan temple.
Bayon. Stone face smiling mysteriously in the rays of the sunset.
Smiling face. Bayon temple in Angkor.
One of the towers in Bayon temple with its famous smiling faces on four sides. Angkor.
Faces from Bayon temple in Angkor.
Faces from Bayon temple in Angkor.
A nun from Preah Khan temple.
Face from Bayon temple. Angkor.
Tangles of roots of unimaginable forms devouring the walls and rich decorations of Ta Prohm temple.
Roots of gigantic banyan trees entwining the walls and decorations of Ta Prohm temple.
Roots of banyan trees holding the walls of Ta Prohm temple in the merciless embrace create a unique, surrealistic atmosphere.
Banyan trees have been growing for hundreds of years over the 900 years old Ta Prohm temple creating breathtaking scenery of nature devouring even the most magnificent man made structures.
Huge banyan tree overgrowing the Ta Prohm temple.
Gigantic roots creeping over the Ta Prohm temple.
Huge banyan tree overgrowing the Ta Prohm temple.
A temple in Angkor.
Detail of a building near one of the temples in Angkor.
Old lady without feet and hands (possibly lost from a mine explosion) taking care of one of the monuments in Angkor Wat.
Old lady without feet and hands holding incense. Angkor Wat.
General view of the Angkor Wat temple in the morning sun.
Wide promenade leading to the famous temple of Angkor (Angkor Wat) is full of people since early morning hours.
Roots of trees in Ta Prohm temple may resemble human hands.
Mighty roots of a tree embracing one of the buildings of Ta Prohm temple.
Vat Haysoke temple. Vientiane.
Auto rickshaw under the wall of one of the temples in 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.
Young monks in front of the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum). Vientiane.
Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum). Vientiane.
Statues of Buddha around Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Richly decorated entrance to Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
A dragon in front of the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum) in Vientiane.
One of the dragons guarding the entrance to the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum). 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.
Stone dragon in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Richly decorated door of Hor Phakeo temple (now museum). Vientiane.
Buddha statue in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Black Stupa (That Dam) near the Ekalath Metropole hotel. Vientiane.
View to the courtyard of Kun lam temple.
Detail of the temple decorations.
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.
This deliberately designed hole in the wall allows to see the inside of a temple on Taipa Island.
Stone stelas within the precincts of the A-Ma temple.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Fierce looking lion guarding the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
Temple shop with firecrackers and incenses.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Tiny shrine for burning incense. Taipa village on Taipa 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.
On the inner courtyard of the A-Ma temple.
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.
Detail of the old arcade on Rua das Lorchas leading to the A-ma temple.
Charming alley within the precincts of the Kun lam temple.
Wishes and prayers from the faithful inside the A-Ma temple.
One of the smaller temples in Uxmal in some distance from the main pyramids.
One of the temples in Palenque aside from the main square.
Tamplo del Pocito (Chapel of the Well) on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque.
One of the less visited temples in the jungle. Uxmal.
Steps of the Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque.
Famous heads of serpents in the Quetzalcoatl temple in Chichen Itza.
Temple (pyramid) of Kukulcan seen through the stone columns. Chichen Itza.
Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque.
Sculpted serpents' heads on the wall of Quetzalcoatl temple in Teotihuacan.
Stupa Swayambubath seen from the nearby street.
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Children fighting for the best place in a photo at the entrance to a small temple in Bhaktapur.
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Lion guarding a temple near Durbar Square in Bhaktapur.
Gathering of women in front of one of the temples in Kathmandu during Teej Festival known also as "Festival of Women".
On the steps of Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Entrance to a temple in Kathmandu.
Durbar Square, Kathmandu.
Temples at Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Children hiding behind the huge statues of lions on the steps of Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Durbar Square in Patan.
The spire of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Local men in front of the entrance to a small temple in Kathmandu.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Bhaktapur.
Nepali couple leaving their temple. Kathmandu.
Small stupas near Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu.
Girl from Bhaktapur on the steps of the Nyatapola Temple.
Mother with children on the steps of the Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Kathmandu.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Kathmandu.
Gathering of women during the Teej holiday in front of Indrapur Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Durbar Square in Bhaktapur with three level pagoda of Bhairava Nath Temple.
Bhairavnath Temple on Taumadhi Square seen from behind the Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Tibetan monks resting under the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
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.
Woman praying at a small Buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by prayer flags.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa seen above thr trees.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Stair in Polonnaruwa with a richly carved moonstone in front of them - typical feature of ancient architecture of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Stone columns and standing 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.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa, built between 1187 and 1196 AD.
Lingam - common phallic symbol in Buddhist temples seen through multiple openings in Polonnaruwa.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Stair leading to a temple in Polonnaruwa with a richly carved moonstone in front of them - typical feature of ancient architecture of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
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.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi in Sri Lankan style within the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Small chedis with thin spires in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Young monks from a temple in Chiang Mai.
People praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok, known also as the Marble Temble because of its interior finished entirely with marble.
Youn Buddhist monk from Bangkok.
Wat Arun at the bank of Chao Praya river in Bangkok.
Elaborated detail of the temple door in Bangkok.
Mythical guardians supporting golden chedis in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in 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.
Triple dragon guarding the entrance to Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.
306 steps leading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and flanked by two giant Naga serpents acting as guardrails.
Offerings of flowers near the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Mythical guardian supporting the pedestal of a golden chedi in the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in 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.
Ornate shrines and pavilions around the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). At the backgreoun is Phra Si Rattana Chedi built in Sri Lankan style. Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
A girl praying in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
Mytical guardian supporting a stepped chedi in the Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) complex within the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Richly decorated external walls of Wat Phra Kaew (Emeral Buddha Temple) in the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Inside a temple in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.
Ornamental detail. Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha temple).
The main chedi (stupa) of the Doi Suthep temple near Chiang Mai.
Roofs of the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) seen from under the Phra Mondop - the library. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Gilded umbrellas next to the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) in the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Mondop - the library, seen from under the Phra Sri Rattana Chedi. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Giant demon guardians (Yaksha) among the temples and pavilions of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Side entrance to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai.
Detail of Phra Sri Rattana Chedi. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
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.
Ome of two golden chedis seen from under the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
One of the temples of Wat Arun complex in Bangkon after sunset.
Golden chedi in front of the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
This extraordinary murals, which cover the 2km compound wall surrounding Wat Phra Kaew temple complex depicts the story of Ramakien - the Thai national epic based on the Indian epic Ramayana. Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Prayer time in one of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Richly decorated roofs of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) behind the white wall surrounding the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (left) and Phra Mondop - the library (right). Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Inside the buddhist Chiang Dao Cave in northern Thailand.
The five-ton golden Buddha in Wat Traimit in Bangkok.
Phra Mondop - the library at the foreground and Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (far left) in Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) , where statues of the past rulers of Thailand are enshrined. Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Sri Lankan in style Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (far left) in Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
People praying in front of the main chedi of Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Part of the richly decorated fence in Doi Suthep temple complex near Chiang Mai.
People pouring water on a small chedi. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Entrance to Wat (temple) Benchamabophit in Bangkok, known also as the Marble Temble because of its interior finished entirely with marble.
Main Chedi at Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep,15 km from Chiang Mai.
Head of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Mythical guardians along one of the chedis in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
A temple in Bangkok.
Wat Arun seen from the opposite bank of the Chao Praya river. Bangkok.
Buddha statues flooded by light from above in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Phra Si Rattana Chedi within the Emeral Buddha temple complex (Wat Phra Kaew), Grand Palace, Bangok.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Dragons guarding the entrance to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
The Temple of Athena, funded by Alexander the Great, Priene.
Antique Pool in Pamukkale littered with original marble columns, plinths and capitals from the nearby ancient Greek Temple of Apollo.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Column base from the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Tatrapylon - the monumental gateway which greeted pilgrims approaching the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Inside the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
General view of the Drepung Monastery near Lhasa - one of the most reputed centers for learning and practicing Tibetan Buddhism.
A corner of the building within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex decorated with traditional ornaments and medallions. Shigatse.
Monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Buildings of the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse with the golden roof of the main temple towering above.
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.
Golden roofs of Sisum Namgyel, the Tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama above the white buildings of the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in 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.
An entrance gate to the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
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.
Mythical dragon decorating the corner of one of the roofs of the Jokhang Temple in 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.
The main facade of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa - the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.
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.
A group of monks with ceremonial banners. Tashilunpo Monastery, 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.
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.
Decorations of the roofs of 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.
Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Detail of the top of the roof of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Top level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
On the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Young monk on the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The famous Gyantse Kumbum - a three-dimensional mandala meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos.
Gyantse Kumbum - on of the most famous temples in Tibet.
Gyantse Kumbum and the surrounding buildings of the Palcho Monastery.
One of the temples of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Tibet.
A steep street within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse seen through the main entrance gate.
Window and The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) flanked by two deer over the entrance to the main temple of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Golden dragon decorating the corner of the buildiing within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
Tibetan women in festive dresses in front of the Jokhang Temple in 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.
In the arcades 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.
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.
Tibetan with his child. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
One of many giaant Buddha statues in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
General view of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Monks chanting and rythmically striking cymbals (rol mo) during the festival in 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 having salty tea with yak butter in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan monks dancing on the stage in the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan women selling herbs on Barkhor square in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims sitting around the Barkhor square with the front facade of the Jokhang Temple seen at the background. Lhasa.
Richly decorated entrance to one of the many shrines of the Kum Bum pagoda in Gyantse.
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.
Detail of decoration of Thien Mu pagoda near Hue.
Ruins of My Son - the religious and burial complex built by the Hindu rulers of Champa kingdom between 4th and 14th century AD.
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.
Steps leading to the Thien Mu pagoda from the Parfume River. Hue.
Thien Mu pagoda and a shopping cart near Hue.
Thien Mu pagoda. Hue.
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.
One of the better preserved temples in My Son - the religious and burial complex built by the Hindu rulers of Champa kingdom between 4th and 14th century AD.
A small shrine in Hanoi.
A courtyard with a little shrine. Hue.
Stone stelae in the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.
Buddhist monk from Kandy.
Old monk from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Old, once green arcade on Rua das Lorchas leading to the A-Ma temple.
Spiral incense in Kun lam temple.
Buddhist monk praying at Swayambunath Stupa in Kathmandu.
A place for burning incences in a tiny shrine in Tao O village on Lantau Island.
View from the topmost of the nine terraces of the Borobudur stupa at sunrise.
Buddha statue and silhouettes of the bell-shaped stupas in Borobudur at sunrise.
Photographic madness in Borobudur at sunrise.
Mountains make a fantastic background to already beautiful landscape of Borobudur bell-shaped stupas.
Borobudur stupas at sunrise.
Borobudur stupas at sunrise.
View to the east from Borobudur stupa at sunrise.
Marapi volcano (Gunung Merapi) seen from Borobudur stupa at sunrise.
Three topmost circular terraces of the Borobudur stupa.
Girls from the Indonesian school at Borobudur stupa.
Terraces of Borobudur seen from the eastern entrance.
Borobudur stupa seen from the south-east in the early morning hours.
A tourist taking photographs in Borobudur.
The lady with a red umbrella. Borobudur.
Tourist handicraft sellers in front of Borobudur.
The temple of Candi Sambisari near Prambanan lies five meters below the surrounding fields and was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1966.
General view of the temples of Prambanan.
Bas-relief and one of the temples of the Prambanan complex.
Exquisite ornamentation on a temple in Prambanan.
A statue of Nandi (bull) - the vehicle of Lord Shiva inside the vahana (vehicle) temple in Prambanan.
A view from the VIshnu temple towards two vahana (vehicle) temples of Hamsa (swan) and Garuda (bird). Prambanan.
Indonesian boys in Sewu temple located within the Prambanan Temple Compound.
Sewu temple. Prambanan.
An actor playing in the Ramayana performance in the open air theater in Prambanan.
An actor on the stage of the open air theater with the temple of Shiva in the background. Prambanan.
A scene from Ramayana ballet in Prambanan open air theater.
General view of the open air theater with the temple complex in the background. Prambanan.
Hindu epos of Ramajana shown in traditional Balinese style at the courtyard of the king's palace in Ubud, Bali.
A monkey with its young one near Luhur Ulu Watu temple. Bali.
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.
In front of Cheng Hoon Teng - the oldes Chinese temple in Malacca.
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.
View from inside to the inner courtyard of Thean Hou Hainan temple. Goergetown, Penang.
Confucian temple of Khoo Kongsi - the most famous of Penang Hokkien clanhouses.
Rich and elaborate detail of Khoo Kongsi temple. Georgetown, Penang.
Beautiful Chinese scene engraved in stone inside Khoo Kongsi temple. Georgetown, Penang.
Inside the Jhoo Kongsi Confucian temple. Georgetown, Penang.
Chinese beauty depicted among series of other paintings on the wall inside Khoo Kongsi 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.
View along Lebuh China towards 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.
Detail of the War Emperor's Temple (Wu Ti Meow) - a clan temple at 36 King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Chinese temples and clan houses on King Street (Lebuh King). Georgetown, Penang. First from the right is Tua Pek Kong Temple.
Roof details of the War Emperor's Temple and Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Local Chinese man praying n front of Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street (Lebuh King) in Georgetown, Penang.
Roof details of Tua Pek Kong Temple and Chooi San Wooi Koon building on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Entrance of Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street (Lebuh King) in Georgetown, Penang.
Roof detail of the War Emperor's Temple on King Street 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.
Row of Chinese temples and association buildings on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
War Emperor's Temple (left) and Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Portraits of ancestors in the ancestral temple of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Georgetown, Penang.
Jars with incenses. Ancestral temple of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. 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.
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).
Rangoon (Yangon)
Old monk from Swedagon Paya Rangoon (Yangon) smoking cheroot.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A monk in prayer. Shwedagon Paya, Rangoon (Yangon).
The last rays of the setting sun cas long shadows in Nga Phe Kyaung (Jumping Cat) monastery on Inle lake in Shan State.
A wealth of forms, colors and materials in Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
The most beautiful "street corner" in Burma. Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
A girls selling flowers i n front of the entrance to Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
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.
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.
Scene from one of the ghats along the Ganges in Varanasi.
A priest of the Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat in 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.
View of the distant Dashaswamedh Ghat (with the dark red temple at the far right) from a boat on Ganges. Varanasi.
Dashaswamedh Ghat seen from the boat on Ganges. Varanasi.
Karvat Kashi - the leaning temple of Shiva at Scindia Ghat in Varanasi seen from the boat on Ganges.
Dashaswamedh Ghat seen from the boat on Ganges. Varanasi.
Karvat Kashi - the leaning temple of Shiva at Scindia Ghat seen behind the boats on Ganges and heaps of wood at Manikarnika Ghat - the burning ghat. Varanasi.
Area around the Manikarnika Ghat with the leaning temple of Shiva at the far right. Varanasi.
At the colourful entrance to a small shrine in Varanasi.
Temples of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi seen from behind the piles of wood gathered fur burning bodies, which arrive around the clock.
A man sitting on steps in Dhashashwamed Ghat. Varanasi.
A woman seen at Dhasashwamed Ghat in Varanasi.
A group of colorfully dressed Indian women climbing stairs to the Lakshmana Temple - one of the most famost and best preserved temples of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Sculptures inside Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
One of the most famous erotic sculptures of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh - on the exterior of Lakshmana Temple.
A sculpture of Apsara fighting (?) a mythical Hindu lion Sardula between Khandariya Mahadev Temple and Jagadamba Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Devi Jagadamba Temple with a sculpture of Lion and a King in the foreground. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Closeup of the intricate sculptures on Parswanath Temple of the Eastern Group of temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
A group of colorfully dressed Indian women in front of one of the 24 famous stone wheels carved around the base of the Sun Temple in Konark in Odisha.
Indian woman in sari standing on the elaborately carved remains of the Dance Pavilion (Nat Mandir) of the Sun Temple ion Konark, Odisha.
Photography on platform (of the Sun Temple in Konark) is strictly prohibited.
Young Indian girl met in the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha.
Elderly Indian lady sitting in front of the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha with a Dance Pavilion (Nat Mandir) in the background.
Three Indian women in front of one of the 24 famous stone wheels carved around the base of the Sun Temple in Konark in Odisha.
Entrance to the Dance Pavilion (Nat Mandir) of the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha.
A man selling garlands of flowers on Kali Temple Rd on the way to the the Kalighat Temple in Calcutta, West Bengal.
Beggars on Kali Temple Rd on the way to the Kalighat Temple in Calcutta, West Bengal.
People living on the street on Kali Temple Rd near the Kalighat Temple in Calcutta, West Bengal.
Crimson clad monks in front of a small shrine within the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodhgaya in Bihar.
One of the temples of Golgul-sa - a monastery near Singyeongju at the foot of Mt. Hamwol, where monks practice the local martial art of Sunmundo.
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.
Small building housing the belli n the Golgul-sa monastery near Singyeongju.
Sunrise over Golgul-sa monastery near Singyeongju.
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.
One of the most famous sights of Japan - the "floating" torii gate at the Shinto temple on the island of Itsukushima (Miyajima) in the city of Hatsukaichi near Hiroshima.
Itsukushima temple torii gate floating on the water. Hatsukaichi near Hiroshima.
Shinto priests of the Itsukushima temple. Hatsukaichi near Hiroshima.
View towards the floating torii gate from the Itsukushima temple.
Performance of the Noh theater in front of the Itsukushima temple with the floating torii gate at the background.
Modern, all-concrete building imitating wooden structure of old times on the way to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Japanese girl dressed in kimono in Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Orange torii gates tightly lining up a walking trail in Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
Japanese lady walking along the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Hundreds of orange torii gates tightly lining up a walking trail in Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
An elderly lady walking under the hundreds of orange torii gates tightly lining up a path in Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
Japanese (or Japanese looking) girls under the orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Walking along the path lined with hundreds of orange torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Japanese girl dressed in kimono in Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Japanese girls dressed in kimono in Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Japanese girl taking photo of her friend and the famous orange torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Japanese girl taking photo of her friend and the famous orange torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Thousands of tightly packed torii gates line up the walking paths of the Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
One of the paths further up the mount Inari lined with Hundreds of orange torii gates. Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
A lady praying in one of the many shrines of the Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
Giant tori gate (the largest in Japan) of the Heian Shrine in Kyoto.
Japanese ladies during conversation in the garden of Shorenin Temple. Kyoto.
Lanterns hanging around the Main Hall of the Yasaka Shrine. Kyoto.
View from the entrance gate of the Yasaka Shrine towards Shijo Dori - one of the main shopping streets of Kyoto.
Small and beautiful shrine in Gion area of Kyoto.
Cherry trees in full blossom in front of a small shrine in the park surrounding Todai-ji temple. Nara.
Cherry trees in Todai-ji temple complex. Nara.
Cherry trees in Todai-ji temple complex. Nara.
Burning incences in front of a temple in Nara.
Kodaji-ji temple in Nara with Sakura (cherry) tree in full blossom.
Statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu inside Great Hall (Daibutsunden) of Todai-ji temple in Nara.
Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsunden) of Todai-ji temple in Nara.
Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsunden) of Todai-ji temple in Nara.
Ema, wooden prayer tablets in a temple in Nara.
Todai-ji Temple Nigatsudo Hall 5 –detail of a fountain. Nara.
Roofs of Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
Cherry trees bloosming around Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
Kofuku-ji Temple. Nara.
Jizo statues at Kofuku-ji Temple.in Nara.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - a famous Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto and a World Heritage Site.
Cherry blossom trees in the garden of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto.
Shinto priest giving a speech in Meiji Jingu temple before a wedding ceremony.
Red umbrella in Meiji Jingu temple grounds. Tokyo.
Shinto priest leading a wedding procession in Meiji Jingu temple grounds. Tokyo.
Bride and groom in a wedding procession in Meiji Jingu temple grounds. Tokyo.
Temple of Elijah the Prophet (also known as Saint Ilyinsky Orthodox Church) in Zharkent, Kazakhstan (former Soviet Union) near the CHinese border.
Panoramic view of Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of Madagascar, from the Upper Town (Haute-Ville). The tall clock tower is a part of FJKM Ambonin'Ampamarinana Temple.
Scenic view of Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of Madagascar, from the Upper Town (Haute-Ville). The tall clock tower is a part of FJKM Ambonin'Ampamarinana Temple.
Indian shop near the 200-year old Krishna Temple in Little India area of Manama.
Indian shop near the 200-year old Krishna Temple in Little India area of Manama.
Women praying in front of Shwezigon paya. Old Bagan.
A gilded statue of Buddha in Ananda Pahto. Old Bagan.
View of the Bagan plateau from the terrace of Shwesandaw temple. Old Bagan.
Children playing in front of a temple in Bagan.
View of the Old Bagan. In the far right corner is Htilominlo temple.
View of the Old Bagan. In the fat left corner is Dhammayangyi Pahto.
Sunset over Old Bagan.
A man praying in front of Mingalazedi temple (closed at that time). Old Bagan.
A pair of Buddha statues in Dhammayangyi Pahto. Old Bagan.
Devilish face decorating a pedestal of a temple in bagan.
Ananda Pahto - one of the most beautiful and most famous temples in Bagan
A scene from Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Three nuns in theri typical pink robes in Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A courtyard in front of Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A scene from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Evening at Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Mahabodhi temple, modeled after the Mahabodhi temple from Bihar in India. Old Bagan.
Richly decorated portal of the Sulamani Pahto. Old Bagan.
Shwedagon Paya at night. Rangoon (Yangon).
Golden arcades in Mahamuni temple in Mandalay.
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.
Golden arcades in Mahamuni temple in Mandalay.
Gawdaw Palin temple in the centre with two other stupas in the foreground. Old Bagan.
Burmese woman smoking cheroot - a traditional cigar. Kyautawgyi temple in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Burmese woman smoking cheroot - a traditional cigar. Kyautawgyi temple in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Children in the Kyautaugyi in Amarapura near 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).
The bottom of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and the devotees praying and sticking golden leafs to the holy rock. Mount Kyaiktyio.
Pilgrims light hundreds of candles in front of the holy Kyaiktyio Pagoda (Golden Rock). Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dusk. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Sunset over the Kyaiktyio Pagoda. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Dried fish on a stall near the Kyaiktyio pagoda. Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. 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.
Frescoes in the entrance to Kyautawgyi Paya in 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.
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.
Shwedagon Paya with the surrounding shrines and pagodas. Rangoon (Yangon).
Procession of young girls making offerings at Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Kyaiktyio pagoda overlooking the surrounding plains.
A man sticking incredibly thin golden leafs to the surface of Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda, Mon State.
Yadana Man Aung temple 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 row of old stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village, Shan State.
Local woman among the old stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
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.
The most beautiful "street corner" in Burma. Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
An enormous size of an unfinished Mantalagyi paya in Mingun can be best appreciated when compared to people.
Mantalagyi paya in Mingun or rather what king Bodawpaya managed to build.
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).
View towards Tung Chung from the cable car to Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha.
Famous Big Buddha on Lantau Island seen from the cable car between Tung Chung and Po Lin Monastery.
"Tourist walking street" leading to the Big Buddha statue near the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.
Fruit offerings in fron of a temple in Tai O village on Lantau Island.
Ulun Danu Bratan temple on the lake Bratan. Bali.
Ulun Danu Bratan temple with mountains at the background. Bali.
Ulun Danu Bratan temple with mountains and clouds at the background. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau at the foot of the volcano Gunung Batukau. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau. Bali.
Temple Luhur Batukau surrounded by tropical jungle. Bali.
Steep, craggy and beautiful - southern coast of Bukit peninsula with Luhur Ulu Watu temple seen at the very tip of the cliff. Bali.
Craggy coast of Bukit peninsula in the area of Luhur Ulu Watu temple.
Rarely seen arched gate leading to the inner (closed for non-Hindus) part of the Luhur Ulu Watu temple. Bali.
Coastal cliffs of Bukit peninsula in the area of Luhur Ulu Watu temple.
Tanah Lot temple - one of the most famous and most photographed in Bali.
Tanah Lot temple - one of the most famous and most photographed in Bali.
Rocky coast near the Tanah Lot temple. Bali.
Local woman making the morning offerings in a tiny shrine on Nusa Lembongan - an island south of Bali.
Tanah Lot temple. Bali.
A view of one of the inner courtyards of Pura Besakich - one of the most important temples in Bali.
Pura Besakih - a group of Meru towers. Bali
Main entrance gate of Pura Besakih. Bali.
Huge Pura Besakih is a forest of Meru towers, gates and pavilions' roofs - one of the most beautiful lsights in Bali.
Shrines (candi) of the 11th century temple complex of Gunung Kawi in Tampaksiring south of Ubud, Bali.
Shrines (candi) of the 11th century temple complex of Gunung Kawi in Tampaksiring south of Ubud, Bali.
Entrance gate of Luhur Batukau temple. 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.
Colorful and loud procession carrying Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people. Bali.
Entrance gate. Pura Besakih. 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.
Meru towers in Pura Besakih, Bali.
Steps with the main entrance gate to Pura Besakih, Bali.
People praying in Pura Besakih. Bali.
An entrance gate to the king's palace complex in Ubud, Bali.
Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount. Jerusalem.
Golden dome of the Dome of the Rock temple in Jerusalem.
Todaiji temple in Nara - the largest wooden building in the world.
An alley with a little temple. Kyoto.
Todaiji temple in Nara - the largest wooden building in the world.
Part of the facade of Todaiji temple in Nara.
A pond with water for the ritual washing of hands in front of the Kyiomizu temple in Kyoto.
Washing hands in front of the Kyiomizu temple in Kyoto.
Holy statue in the Kyiomizu temple in Kyoto being polished with thousands of hands.
Nun collecting alms. Kyoto.
A classic view from Kyoto.
Lanterns. Kyoto.
Two elderly Japanese men in one of the pavilions of the Toji temple in Kyoto.
Young men sitting by one of the pavilions of the Toji temple in Kyoto.
Inside one of the pavilions of the Toji temple in Kyoto.
The highest in Japan - 54 m tall pagoda of the Toji temple in Kyoto.
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.
Classical Tibetan architecture of Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
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.
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.
Tibetan woman dressed her best in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
A collection of decorative elements on top of the roofs of the Sera Monastery complex near Lhasa.
Golden fence surrounding Doi Suthep temple near Chiang Mai.
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.
Smiling stone face on one of the towers of Bayon.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Sunset over majestic towers of Angkor Wat.
Sunset seen from the Phnom Bakheng hill.
Famous stone faces of Bayon in Angkor.
Dramatic forms of roots entwining the walls of Ta Prohm temple.
Tangle of roots covering a wall of Ta Prohm temple.
A tiny shrine. Hong Kong Island.
Spiral cone shaped incenses from Kun lam temple.
Colorful stupas on a small street in Vientiane.
Colorful stupas on a small street in Vientiane.
One of the stupas of the Swedagon paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Wisdom Eyes of Bodnath Stupa in Kathmandu.
Lanterns in the shintoistic Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Roof detail in the shintoistic Meiji Temple in Tokyo.
Woman on the steps leading to the temple in Udaipur, Rajastan.
Jain woman praying in a small Jain temple in Ranakpur, Rajastan.
Detail of the roof of the Longshan Temple in Taipei.
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.
A man carrying a tray with food offerings (mostly tofu). Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
General view of the entrance building of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elaborate roof decorations. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A dragon at the ridge of the roof of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Women selling incense in front of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lingxing Gate at the front of the Confucius Temple in Taipei.
Old woman praying in front of the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple in Taipei.
Stelae in one of the halls of COnfucius Temple in Tainan.
The Paifang - Chinese style gate opposite the main entrance to the Confucius Temple. Tainan.
Statue of Budai (Laughing Buddha) in Wufei Temple. Tainan.
Adornments on the roof of the Wufei Temple. Tainan.
Turquoise colored tiling of the roof of the Koxinga Shrine. Tainan. The temple is devoted to the famous Chinese general of the Ming era, who defeated the Dutch forcing them to leave Taiwan.
Inner courtyard of the Koxinga Shrine. 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.
Small courtyard inside Lady Linshui's Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome mask in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Man playing horn 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.
A door next to the City God Temple. Tainan.
CIngtan Road with the City God Temple. Tainan.
Elaborately dressed statue inside the City God Temple. Tainan.
VIew throught a circular opening to the courtyard of the City God Temple. Tainan.
Inside a shop producing elaborately embroidered materials used for decorating the temples. Tainan
Performance of the Chinese puppet theater in front of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Portable stage for the Chinese puppet theater in front of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Close up view of the roof from the upper floor of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Adornments of the front facade of 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.
Courtyard of the Official God of War Temple. Tainan.
Furnace and chimney at the back of the Official God of War Temple. Tainan.
The entrance gate (Kaminarimon) to Senso-ji - the oldest (founded in 628 a.d) and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo (Asakusa district).
Hozomon Gate and Five Story Pagoda of the Senso-ji temple complex in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.
Giagantic lantern in the Hozmon Gate on the way to the Main Hall (Hondo) of the Senso-Ji temple in Asakusa district of Tokyo.
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.
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.
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.
Temple Ulun Danu Bratan with its eleven level Meru tower, Bali.
Temple Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali.
An entrance gate of Tanah Lot temple, Bali.
Rough sea and sharp rocks surrounding Tanah Lot temple, Bali.
A group of pilgrims on the way to the inner temple (closed for tourists) of Pura Besakih, Bali.
A forest of multilevel Meru towers in Pura Besakih, Bali.
The most famous feature of Balinese temples - multilevel Meru towers.
Meru tower above the roofs of temple buildings of Pura Besakih, Bali.
Decorative golden ornament in Pura Beskih, Bali.
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.
A street in the precincts of Pura Besakih, Bali.
Procession with Barong - a mythical creature protecting the Balinese people met on the way from Pura Besakih to Bangli. Bali.
Wall decoration in Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor.
Inside the Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor.
Hieroglyphs cover the columns and walls of the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Hieroglyphs cover the columns and walls of the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Beautifully adorned columns in the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Beautifully adorned columns in the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Temple of Amun in Luxor.
Gigantic seated statueas in front of the pylons of the Amun temple in Luxor.
Temple of Amun in Luxor at dusk.
Temple of Amun in Karnak.
Statue of Ramses II in front of the main alley of the temple of Amun in Karnak.
Inside the temple of Amun in Karnak at night.
Very well preserved colored reliefs on the walls of the Hatshepsut temple in Deir el-Bahri.
A part of the temple of Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor with Osiris columns.
Ramessesum. Luxor.
Ramessesum. Luxor.
Grand collonade in the temple of Amon in Luxor.
Statue of Ramses II in the Temple of Amon in Karnak.
Temple of Amon in Karnak after dusk.
The temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri. A wall ending with a falcon head.
Female bas-relief. Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahri.
Well preserved colerd reliefs on the wall of Hatshepsut temple in Deir el-Bahri.
Hieroglyphs with still preserved colors in the temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri.
The temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri just before the entrance to level three (then closed because of the works conducted by the polish archeologists).
Decoration of a wall in the Ramesseum temple near Luxor showing the pharaoh killing his enemies while riding on a chariot.
Decorated wall in Ramessesum. Luxor.
Tin Hau temple in Repulse Bay. In the background - The Lily, the unique residential building designed by Norman Foster.
In front of a Chinese temple. New Territories.
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.
A tiny statue in front of a Chinese temple on of Hong Kong Outlaying Islands.
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.
Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus (left) and Temple of Saturn in Forum Romanum in Rome seen from Via di San Pietro in Carcere.
Forum Romanum with the collonade of the Temple of Saturn seen from Via di San Pietro in Carcere. Rome.
11 Corinthian columns of the temple of Hadrian (built in 145 AD) incorporated into the facade of the Roman Stock Exchange (Borsa di Roma) on Piazza di Pietra.
Collonade of the temple of Vesta (near right) and the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin (far left), under arcades of which is Bocca del Verita (Mouth of Truth) - one of the most iconic Roman artefacts.
Theatre of Marcellus and the three remaining columns of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus (right) at night. Rome.
Collonade of the Theatre of Marcellus (left) and the three remaining columns of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus (right) at night. Rome.
A gate leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
On the way to the main sanctuary within the Golden Temple complex. Amritsar, Punjab.
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.
Temple carving from Ellora temples, Maharashtra.
Buddha statue in one of the rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
One of the world famous rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
One of the world famous rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Women queuing to enter the temple, Goa.
Japanese temple. Darjeeling, West Bengal.
One of the rock temples in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Trained elephant in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai gently taps the head of anyone who gives him a coin.
One of the gopurams (towers) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Colorful sculptures on one of the gopurams (towers) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Sculptures on one of the world famous temples in Khajuraho, Madhya 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.
Gopuram (tower) of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam - the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world,
Man sleeping under the magnificent sculptures in Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirappali.
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.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
The Golden Temple in the light of setting sun. Amritsar, Punjab.
The famous rock temples of Ellora where carved from a sheer rock from top down. In the background is the original level of rocks high above the current temple. Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora in Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora in Maharashtra.
Sadhu (holy man) in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Elderly woman carrying a lot on her head. Sri Meenakshi temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A man praying in Srirangam temple, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Holy pilgrim (sadhu) performing rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of 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.
Colorful gopuram (tower) of the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A group of children in front of the temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Magnificent sculptures of the largest temple complex in India in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam in Tiruchirappali, Tamil Nadu.
Famous seaside temples in Mahabalipuram are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Zoroastrian temple, Yazd.
Majestic towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Angkor Wat and its reflection in the northern water reservoir.
Two monks by the northern water reservoir within the Angkor Wat complex.
Reliefs from Ta Prohm or Preah Khan temple. Angkor.
Old nun taking care of a Buddha statue in dark arcades of Preah Khan temple.
Face from Bayon. Angkor Thom.
One of the world famous, mysterious faces in Bayon at dawn. Angkor Thom.
A monk deep in his thoughts. Angkor Wat.
Tourists descend the steep stairs of Angkor Wat holding tightly the handle for security.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunrise.
Roots of trees attacking ancient walls of Preah Khan temple.
Mighty trunk/root climbing the wall of Ta Prohm temple.
Children "orchestra" performing next to Banteai Srei temple.
A monk from Angkor.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Famous reliefs of apsaras in Angkor Wat.
Rising sun is reflected in the northern pond. Angkor Wat.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Young monk in the early morning sun. Angkor Wat.
Delicate sculptural ornaments in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Finial of one of the richly decorated gates on the main axis of Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
View through a window. Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Three monks in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
Young monk in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
Little barefoot boy in front of Angkor Wat.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Banteay Srei near Angkor. Bas-reliefs on the walls of this temple are among the finest examples of sculptural masterpieces in the world.
Pavilions of Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
One of the richly decorated portals in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
One of the masterpieces of figurative art in Bateay Srei temple near Angkor.
Detail of the fine ornamentation in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Rarely visited ruins of Phnom Bok temple on a hill about 25 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap.
Stone rubble left from a part of Phnom Bok temple on a hill about 25 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap.
Richly decorated stone portal in Preah Khan temple.
A temple in Angkor.
Khmer boy sitting under the huge "window" of one of the temples in Angkor.
Ta Som temple overgrown with trees.
A tree embracing the eastern towers of Ta Som temple with roots of fantastic shapes.
Dark and atmospheric interior of Preah Khan temple.
Double story building of still unknown purpose within the precincts of Preah Khan temple.
Bayon. Stone face smiling mysteriously in the rays of the sunset.
Smiling face. Bayon temple in Angkor.
One of the towers in Bayon temple with its famous smiling faces on four sides. Angkor.
Faces from Bayon temple in Angkor.
Faces from Bayon temple in Angkor.
A nun from Preah Khan temple.
Face from Bayon temple. Angkor.
Tangles of roots of unimaginable forms devouring the walls and rich decorations of Ta Prohm temple.
Roots of gigantic banyan trees entwining the walls and decorations of Ta Prohm temple.
Roots of banyan trees holding the walls of Ta Prohm temple in the merciless embrace create a unique, surrealistic atmosphere.
Banyan trees have been growing for hundreds of years over the 900 years old Ta Prohm temple creating breathtaking scenery of nature devouring even the most magnificent man made structures.
Huge banyan tree overgrowing the Ta Prohm temple.
Gigantic roots creeping over the Ta Prohm temple.
Huge banyan tree overgrowing the Ta Prohm temple.
A temple in Angkor.
Detail of a building near one of the temples in Angkor.
Old lady without feet and hands (possibly lost from a mine explosion) taking care of one of the monuments in Angkor Wat.
Old lady without feet and hands holding incense. Angkor Wat.
General view of the Angkor Wat temple in the morning sun.
Wide promenade leading to the famous temple of Angkor (Angkor Wat) is full of people since early morning hours.
Roots of trees in Ta Prohm temple may resemble human hands.
Mighty roots of a tree embracing one of the buildings of Ta Prohm temple.
Vat Haysoke temple. Vientiane.
Auto rickshaw under the wall of one of the temples in 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.
Young monks in front of the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum). Vientiane.
Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum). Vientiane.
Statues of Buddha around Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Richly decorated entrance to Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
A dragon in front of the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum) in Vientiane.
One of the dragons guarding the entrance to the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum). 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.
Stone dragon in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Richly decorated door of Hor Phakeo temple (now museum). Vientiane.
Buddha statue in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Black Stupa (That Dam) near the Ekalath Metropole hotel. Vientiane.
View to the courtyard of Kun lam temple.
Detail of the temple decorations.
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.
This deliberately designed hole in the wall allows to see the inside of a temple on Taipa Island.
Stone stelas within the precincts of the A-Ma temple.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Fierce looking lion guarding the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
Temple shop with firecrackers and incenses.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Tiny shrine for burning incense. Taipa village on Taipa 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.
On the inner courtyard of the A-Ma temple.
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.
Detail of the old arcade on Rua das Lorchas leading to the A-ma temple.
Charming alley within the precincts of the Kun lam temple.
Wishes and prayers from the faithful inside the A-Ma temple.
One of the smaller temples in Uxmal in some distance from the main pyramids.
One of the temples in Palenque aside from the main square.
Tamplo del Pocito (Chapel of the Well) on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque.
One of the less visited temples in the jungle. Uxmal.
Steps of the Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque.
Famous heads of serpents in the Quetzalcoatl temple in Chichen Itza.
Temple (pyramid) of Kukulcan seen through the stone columns. Chichen Itza.
Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque.
Sculpted serpents' heads on the wall of Quetzalcoatl temple in Teotihuacan.
Stupa Swayambubath seen from the nearby street.
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Children fighting for the best place in a photo at the entrance to a small temple in Bhaktapur.
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Lion guarding a temple near Durbar Square in Bhaktapur.
Gathering of women in front of one of the temples in Kathmandu during Teej Festival known also as "Festival of Women".
On the steps of Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Entrance to a temple in Kathmandu.
Durbar Square, Kathmandu.
Temples at Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Children hiding behind the huge statues of lions on the steps of Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Durbar Square in Patan.
The spire of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Local men in front of the entrance to a small temple in Kathmandu.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Bhaktapur.
Nepali couple leaving their temple. Kathmandu.
Small stupas near Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu.
Girl from Bhaktapur on the steps of the Nyatapola Temple.
Mother with children on the steps of the Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Kathmandu.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Kathmandu.
Gathering of women during the Teej holiday in front of Indrapur Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Durbar Square in Bhaktapur with three level pagoda of Bhairava Nath Temple.
Bhairavnath Temple on Taumadhi Square seen from behind the Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Tibetan monks resting under the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
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.
Woman praying at a small Buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by prayer flags.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa seen above thr trees.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Stair in Polonnaruwa with a richly carved moonstone in front of them - typical feature of ancient architecture of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Stone columns and standing 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.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa, built between 1187 and 1196 AD.
Lingam - common phallic symbol in Buddhist temples seen through multiple openings in Polonnaruwa.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Stair leading to a temple in Polonnaruwa with a richly carved moonstone in front of them - typical feature of ancient architecture of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
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.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi in Sri Lankan style within the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Small chedis with thin spires in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Young monks from a temple in Chiang Mai.
People praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok, known also as the Marble Temble because of its interior finished entirely with marble.
Youn Buddhist monk from Bangkok.
Wat Arun at the bank of Chao Praya river in Bangkok.
Elaborated detail of the temple door in Bangkok.
Mythical guardians supporting golden chedis in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in 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.
Triple dragon guarding the entrance to Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.
306 steps leading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and flanked by two giant Naga serpents acting as guardrails.
Offerings of flowers near the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Mythical guardian supporting the pedestal of a golden chedi in the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in 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.
Ornate shrines and pavilions around the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). At the backgreoun is Phra Si Rattana Chedi built in Sri Lankan style. Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
A girl praying in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
Mytical guardian supporting a stepped chedi in the Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) complex within the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Richly decorated external walls of Wat Phra Kaew (Emeral Buddha Temple) in the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Inside a temple in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.
Ornamental detail. Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha temple).
The main chedi (stupa) of the Doi Suthep temple near Chiang Mai.
Roofs of the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) seen from under the Phra Mondop - the library. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Gilded umbrellas next to the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) in the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Mondop - the library, seen from under the Phra Sri Rattana Chedi. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Giant demon guardians (Yaksha) among the temples and pavilions of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Side entrance to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai.
Detail of Phra Sri Rattana Chedi. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
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.
Ome of two golden chedis seen from under the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
One of the temples of Wat Arun complex in Bangkon after sunset.
Golden chedi in front of the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
This extraordinary murals, which cover the 2km compound wall surrounding Wat Phra Kaew temple complex depicts the story of Ramakien - the Thai national epic based on the Indian epic Ramayana. Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Prayer time in one of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Richly decorated roofs of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) behind the white wall surrounding the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (left) and Phra Mondop - the library (right). Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Inside the buddhist Chiang Dao Cave in northern Thailand.
The five-ton golden Buddha in Wat Traimit in Bangkok.
Phra Mondop - the library at the foreground and Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (far left) in Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) , where statues of the past rulers of Thailand are enshrined. Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Sri Lankan in style Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (far left) in Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
People praying in front of the main chedi of Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Part of the richly decorated fence in Doi Suthep temple complex near Chiang Mai.
People pouring water on a small chedi. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Entrance to Wat (temple) Benchamabophit in Bangkok, known also as the Marble Temble because of its interior finished entirely with marble.
Main Chedi at Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep,15 km from Chiang Mai.
Head of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Mythical guardians along one of the chedis in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
A temple in Bangkok.
Wat Arun seen from the opposite bank of the Chao Praya river. Bangkok.
Buddha statues flooded by light from above in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Phra Si Rattana Chedi within the Emeral Buddha temple complex (Wat Phra Kaew), Grand Palace, Bangok.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Dragons guarding the entrance to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
The Temple of Athena, funded by Alexander the Great, Priene.
Antique Pool in Pamukkale littered with original marble columns, plinths and capitals from the nearby ancient Greek Temple of Apollo.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Column base from the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Tatrapylon - the monumental gateway which greeted pilgrims approaching the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Inside the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
General view of the Drepung Monastery near Lhasa - one of the most reputed centers for learning and practicing Tibetan Buddhism.
A corner of the building within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex decorated with traditional ornaments and medallions. Shigatse.
Monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Buildings of the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse with the golden roof of the main temple towering above.
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.
Golden roofs of Sisum Namgyel, the Tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama above the white buildings of the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in 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.
An entrance gate to the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
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.
Mythical dragon decorating the corner of one of the roofs of the Jokhang Temple in 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.
The main facade of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa - the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.
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.
A group of monks with ceremonial banners. Tashilunpo Monastery, 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.
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.
Decorations of the roofs of 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.
Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Detail of the top of the roof of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Top level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
On the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Young monk on the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The famous Gyantse Kumbum - a three-dimensional mandala meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos.
Gyantse Kumbum - on of the most famous temples in Tibet.
Gyantse Kumbum and the surrounding buildings of the Palcho Monastery.
One of the temples of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Tibet.
A steep street within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse seen through the main entrance gate.
Window and The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) flanked by two deer over the entrance to the main temple of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Golden dragon decorating the corner of the buildiing within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
Tibetan women in festive dresses in front of the Jokhang Temple in 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.
In the arcades 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.
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.
Tibetan with his child. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
One of many giaant Buddha statues in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
General view of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Monks chanting and rythmically striking cymbals (rol mo) during the festival in 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 having salty tea with yak butter in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan monks dancing on the stage in the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan women selling herbs on Barkhor square in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims sitting around the Barkhor square with the front facade of the Jokhang Temple seen at the background. Lhasa.
Richly decorated entrance to one of the many shrines of the Kum Bum pagoda in Gyantse.
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.
Detail of decoration of Thien Mu pagoda near Hue.
Ruins of My Son - the religious and burial complex built by the Hindu rulers of Champa kingdom between 4th and 14th century AD.
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.
Steps leading to the Thien Mu pagoda from the Parfume River. Hue.
Thien Mu pagoda and a shopping cart near Hue.
Thien Mu pagoda. Hue.
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.
One of the better preserved temples in My Son - the religious and burial complex built by the Hindu rulers of Champa kingdom between 4th and 14th century AD.
A small shrine in Hanoi.
A courtyard with a little shrine. Hue.
Stone stelae in the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.
Buddhist monk from Kandy.
Old monk from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Old, once green arcade on Rua das Lorchas leading to the A-Ma temple.
Spiral incense in Kun lam temple.
Buddhist monk praying at Swayambunath Stupa in Kathmandu.
A place for burning incences in a tiny shrine in Tao O village on Lantau Island.
View from the topmost of the nine terraces of the Borobudur stupa at sunrise.
Buddha statue and silhouettes of the bell-shaped stupas in Borobudur at sunrise.
Photographic madness in Borobudur at sunrise.
Mountains make a fantastic background to already beautiful landscape of Borobudur bell-shaped stupas.
Borobudur stupas at sunrise.
Borobudur stupas at sunrise.
View to the east from Borobudur stupa at sunrise.
Marapi volcano (Gunung Merapi) seen from Borobudur stupa at sunrise.
Three topmost circular terraces of the Borobudur stupa.
Girls from the Indonesian school at Borobudur stupa.
Terraces of Borobudur seen from the eastern entrance.
Borobudur stupa seen from the south-east in the early morning hours.
A tourist taking photographs in Borobudur.
The lady with a red umbrella. Borobudur.
Tourist handicraft sellers in front of Borobudur.
The temple of Candi Sambisari near Prambanan lies five meters below the surrounding fields and was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1966.
General view of the temples of Prambanan.
Bas-relief and one of the temples of the Prambanan complex.
Exquisite ornamentation on a temple in Prambanan.
A statue of Nandi (bull) - the vehicle of Lord Shiva inside the vahana (vehicle) temple in Prambanan.
A view from the VIshnu temple towards two vahana (vehicle) temples of Hamsa (swan) and Garuda (bird). Prambanan.
Indonesian boys in Sewu temple located within the Prambanan Temple Compound.
Sewu temple. Prambanan.
An actor playing in the Ramayana performance in the open air theater in Prambanan.
An actor on the stage of the open air theater with the temple of Shiva in the background. Prambanan.
A scene from Ramayana ballet in Prambanan open air theater.
General view of the open air theater with the temple complex in the background. Prambanan.
Hindu epos of Ramajana shown in traditional Balinese style at the courtyard of the king's palace in Ubud, Bali.
A monkey with its young one near Luhur Ulu Watu temple. Bali.
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.
In front of Cheng Hoon Teng - the oldes Chinese temple in Malacca.
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.
View from inside to the inner courtyard of Thean Hou Hainan temple. Goergetown, Penang.
Confucian temple of Khoo Kongsi - the most famous of Penang Hokkien clanhouses.
Rich and elaborate detail of Khoo Kongsi temple. Georgetown, Penang.
Beautiful Chinese scene engraved in stone inside Khoo Kongsi temple. Georgetown, Penang.
Inside the Jhoo Kongsi Confucian temple. Georgetown, Penang.
Chinese beauty depicted among series of other paintings on the wall inside Khoo Kongsi 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.
View along Lebuh China towards 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.
Detail of the War Emperor's Temple (Wu Ti Meow) - a clan temple at 36 King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Chinese temples and clan houses on King Street (Lebuh King). Georgetown, Penang. First from the right is Tua Pek Kong Temple.
Roof details of the War Emperor's Temple and Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Local Chinese man praying n front of Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street (Lebuh King) in Georgetown, Penang.
Roof details of Tua Pek Kong Temple and Chooi San Wooi Koon building on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Entrance of Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street (Lebuh King) in Georgetown, Penang.
Roof detail of the War Emperor's Temple on King Street 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.
Row of Chinese temples and association buildings on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
War Emperor's Temple (left) and Tua Pek Kong Temple on King Street in Georgetown, Penang.
Portraits of ancestors in the ancestral temple of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Georgetown, Penang.
Jars with incenses. Ancestral temple of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. 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.
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).
Rangoon (Yangon)
Old monk from Swedagon Paya Rangoon (Yangon) smoking cheroot.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A monk in prayer. Shwedagon Paya, Rangoon (Yangon).
The last rays of the setting sun cas long shadows in Nga Phe Kyaung (Jumping Cat) monastery on Inle lake in Shan State.
A wealth of forms, colors and materials in Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
The most beautiful "street corner" in Burma. Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
A girls selling flowers i n front of the entrance to Mahabodi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
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.
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.
Scene from one of the ghats along the Ganges in Varanasi.
A priest of the Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat in 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.
View of the distant Dashaswamedh Ghat (with the dark red temple at the far right) from a boat on Ganges. Varanasi.
Dashaswamedh Ghat seen from the boat on Ganges. Varanasi.
Karvat Kashi - the leaning temple of Shiva at Scindia Ghat in Varanasi seen from the boat on Ganges.
Dashaswamedh Ghat seen from the boat on Ganges. Varanasi.
Karvat Kashi - the leaning temple of Shiva at Scindia Ghat seen behind the boats on Ganges and heaps of wood at Manikarnika Ghat - the burning ghat. Varanasi.
Area around the Manikarnika Ghat with the leaning temple of Shiva at the far right. Varanasi.
At the colourful entrance to a small shrine in Varanasi.
Temples of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi seen from behind the piles of wood gathered fur burning bodies, which arrive around the clock.
A man sitting on steps in Dhashashwamed Ghat. Varanasi.
A woman seen at Dhasashwamed Ghat in Varanasi.
A group of colorfully dressed Indian women climbing stairs to the Lakshmana Temple - one of the most famost and best preserved temples of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Sculptures inside Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
One of the most famous erotic sculptures of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh - on the exterior of Lakshmana Temple.
A sculpture of Apsara fighting (?) a mythical Hindu lion Sardula between Khandariya Mahadev Temple and Jagadamba Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Devi Jagadamba Temple with a sculpture of Lion and a King in the foreground. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Closeup of the intricate sculptures on Parswanath Temple of the Eastern Group of temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
A group of colorfully dressed Indian women in front of one of the 24 famous stone wheels carved around the base of the Sun Temple in Konark in Odisha.
Indian woman in sari standing on the elaborately carved remains of the Dance Pavilion (Nat Mandir) of the Sun Temple ion Konark, Odisha.
Photography on platform (of the Sun Temple in Konark) is strictly prohibited.
Young Indian girl met in the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha.
Elderly Indian lady sitting in front of the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha with a Dance Pavilion (Nat Mandir) in the background.
Three Indian women in front of one of the 24 famous stone wheels carved around the base of the Sun Temple in Konark in Odisha.
Entrance to the Dance Pavilion (Nat Mandir) of the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha.
A man selling garlands of flowers on Kali Temple Rd on the way to the the Kalighat Temple in Calcutta, West Bengal.
Beggars on Kali Temple Rd on the way to the Kalighat Temple in Calcutta, West Bengal.
People living on the street on Kali Temple Rd near the Kalighat Temple in Calcutta, West Bengal.
Crimson clad monks in front of a small shrine within the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodhgaya in Bihar.
One of the temples of Golgul-sa - a monastery near Singyeongju at the foot of Mt. Hamwol, where monks practice the local martial art of Sunmundo.
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.
Small building housing the belli n the Golgul-sa monastery near Singyeongju.
Sunrise over Golgul-sa monastery near Singyeongju.
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.
One of the most famous sights of Japan - the "floating" torii gate at the Shinto temple on the island of Itsukushima (Miyajima) in the city of Hatsukaichi near Hiroshima.
Itsukushima temple torii gate floating on the water. Hatsukaichi near Hiroshima.
Shinto priests of the Itsukushima temple. Hatsukaichi near Hiroshima.
View towards the floating torii gate from the Itsukushima temple.
Performance of the Noh theater in front of the Itsukushima temple with the floating torii gate at the background.
Modern, all-concrete building imitating wooden structure of old times on the way to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Japanese girl dressed in kimono in Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Orange torii gates tightly lining up a walking trail in Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
Japanese lady walking along the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Hundreds of orange torii gates tightly lining up a walking trail in Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
An elderly lady walking under the hundreds of orange torii gates tightly lining up a path in Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
Japanese (or Japanese looking) girls under the orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Walking along the path lined with hundreds of orange torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Japanese girl dressed in kimono in Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Japanese girls dressed in kimono in Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
Japanese girl taking photo of her friend and the famous orange torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Japanese girl taking photo of her friend and the famous orange torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Thousands of tightly packed torii gates line up the walking paths of the Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
One of the paths further up the mount Inari lined with Hundreds of orange torii gates. Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.
A lady praying in one of the many shrines of the Fushimi Inari Taisha temple complex in Kyoto.
Giant tori gate (the largest in Japan) of the Heian Shrine in Kyoto.
Japanese ladies during conversation in the garden of Shorenin Temple. Kyoto.
Lanterns hanging around the Main Hall of the Yasaka Shrine. Kyoto.
View from the entrance gate of the Yasaka Shrine towards Shijo Dori - one of the main shopping streets of Kyoto.
Small and beautiful shrine in Gion area of Kyoto.
Cherry trees in full blossom in front of a small shrine in the park surrounding Todai-ji temple. Nara.
Cherry trees in Todai-ji temple complex. Nara.
Cherry trees in Todai-ji temple complex. Nara.
Burning incences in front of a temple in Nara.
Kodaji-ji temple in Nara with Sakura (cherry) tree in full blossom.
Statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu inside Great Hall (Daibutsunden) of Todai-ji temple in Nara.
Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsunden) of Todai-ji temple in Nara.
Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsunden) of Todai-ji temple in Nara.
Ema, wooden prayer tablets in a temple in Nara.
Todai-ji Temple Nigatsudo Hall 5 –detail of a fountain. Nara.
Roofs of Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
Cherry trees bloosming around Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
Kofuku-ji Temple. Nara.
Jizo statues at Kofuku-ji Temple.in Nara.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - a famous Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto and a World Heritage Site.
Cherry blossom trees in the garden of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto.
Shinto priest giving a speech in Meiji Jingu temple before a wedding ceremony.
Red umbrella in Meiji Jingu temple grounds. Tokyo.
Shinto priest leading a wedding procession in Meiji Jingu temple grounds. Tokyo.
Bride and groom in a wedding procession in Meiji Jingu temple grounds. Tokyo.
Temple of Elijah the Prophet (also known as Saint Ilyinsky Orthodox Church) in Zharkent, Kazakhstan (former Soviet Union) near the CHinese border.
Panoramic view of Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of Madagascar, from the Upper Town (Haute-Ville). The tall clock tower is a part of FJKM Ambonin'Ampamarinana Temple.
Scenic view of Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of Madagascar, from the Upper Town (Haute-Ville). The tall clock tower is a part of FJKM Ambonin'Ampamarinana Temple.
Indian shop near the 200-year old Krishna Temple in Little India area of Manama.
Indian shop near the 200-year old Krishna Temple in Little India area of Manama.