Religion
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Underground mykwa (Jewish ritual baths) in Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
A man praying in Srirangam temple, Tamil Nadu.
A way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Jewish tombs on the the cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish tombs on the the cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Women queuing to enter the temple, Goa.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Japanese temple. Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Buddhist monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Buddhist banners in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Entrance to the buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddha statue in one of the rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
View to the courtyard of Kun lam temple.
On the inner courtyard of the Kun lam temple.
A man by the offering table. Coloane Island.
Wall of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
Kathesimbu stupa, Kathmandu.
Shop selling ceremonial Tibetan religious objects, Bhaktapur.
Nepali couple leaving their temple. Kathmandu.
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Entrance to a temple in Kathmandu.
Celebrating a reigious holiday. Lahore.
Religious procession with drums on the streets of Lahore.
A temple in Bangkok.
Interior of the Mevlana mausoleum and his tomb. Konya.
Inside the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
Turkish woman wearing burqa (chador). Istanbul.
Top level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan man with his prayer wheel. Shigatse.
A man sticking incredibly thin golden leafs to the surface of Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda, Mon State.
Tibetan monks rolling prayer wheels. Lhasa.
Young bouy in front of a monastery.
A man praying at the Golden Rock. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Mon State.
An alley with densely arranged golden stupas in Shw Inn Thein complex in Indein village. Shan State.
Monks marching very early morning barefoot to collect alms from the households in Nyaungshwe on Inle lake in Shan State.
Kuthodaw temple in Mandalay is called "the largest book in the world", because it contains marble tables with the text of the entire buddhist teaching canon (tripitaka) in 729 litttle shrines.
Old lama from Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A man with prayer wheel. Shigatse.
Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
A wall of golden stupas line a path in Shwe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
The most beautiful "street" in Burma - an alley in Shwe Inn Thein temple lined on both sides with golden, white and brick stupas. Near Indein village in Shan State.
Young monk walking past the Kyautawgyi Paya in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Shemawdaw Paya in Bago with its height of 114m is the tallest stupa in Burma . It is 16 m taller than the Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon (Yangon).
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Padmasambhava Statue in the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
Inside the temple of Amun in Karnak at night.
An old Spanish church. Bohol.
A tower - the only visible part of a church buried by the eruption of the Mayon volcano together with the worshippers, who seeked shelter inside. Luzon island.
Tibetan monk in front of the temple door. Shigatse.
"Yes to God" - an inion on a bus stop in Masbate.
A man acting out Jesus Christ at Way of the Cross procession during Easter celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
One of the self-whippers under the cross on "Golgota" built during Easter celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Whippers under "Golgota" during the Way of the Cross procession preformed on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The swollen back of one of the self-whippers is cut with sharp pieces of glass to release blood and increase the theatrical dramatism of the Easter celebrations.
A general view of the hill with three crosses, to which three man are nailed as the culmination of the Good Friday celebrations. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Buddhist monk from Kandy.
Spiral incense in Kun lam temple.
The first of the volunteers acting out Jesus Christ moments before being nailed to the cross. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers acting out Jesus Christ is laid on the cross, to which his hands will be nailed. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The cross with a nailed man being raised. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the crucified men is raised up on the cross. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrations, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrations, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Real suffering of a man acting out crucified Christ after his hands had been nailed to the cross during Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers to be crucified on that day is being taken down from the cross. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Another volunteer is being rised on the cross during the Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The back of a whipper being hit during the Good Friday procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Bloody back of whipper during the Good Friday procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man flogging himself under the crosses, to which soon three local volunteers will be nailed. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A whipper under the still empty crosses. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A whipper with his back covered with blood during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Whippers with covered faces, crowns of thorns and blood all over them. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man whipping himself splatters his blood all around forcing onlookers to disperse and seek refuge. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Crucified men are being raised on their crosses during Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man taken down from the cross is getting first aid at the medical station. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A general wiev of the knoll with three crosses and square, on which the culmination of the Goiod Friday celebration took place. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man playing out Christ carries his cross during the recreation of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man carries a cross during Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A self-whipper among the crown of onlookers. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man demonstrates a wooden tool with sharp pieces of glass stuck into it, which is used for releasing blood from the backs of penitents ehipping themselves during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man wearing a symbolic crown of thorns made of grass among the crown of onlookers during the Good Friday Way of the Cross procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A self-whipper covered in blood in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Hammer, with which a man playing out Christ will have his hands nailed to the cross during Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man demonstrates nails, which will be used for fixing the hands of a volunteer to the cross during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man with a crown of thorns. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A crowd watching the "crucifixion" during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Procession with "Christ" is struggling to clear its way through the crowd of onlookers. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man playing out Christ moments before being nailed to the cross. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
Buddhist monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Sikh pilgrims going to the Golden Temple in their holy city of Amritsar, Punjab.
Father and son, who have arrived as pilgrims to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monk from the monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Monks during prayers in their gathering hall in the monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Swastika - an ancient Indian symbol of happiness. Sikkim.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Sadhu (holy man) in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Character personifying Evil. Kathakali dance performance, Kerala.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Holy pilgrim (sadhu) performing rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Inside the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai a trained elephant taps on the head anyone who gives him a coin.
Two pilgrims having meal in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Bride and groom during their wedding ceremony in Kochi, Kerala.
Temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Old man bathing on the bank of Ganges in Varanasi (Benares), Uttar Pradesh.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab) at night.
Sikh man at the window of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A holy cow dressed .
Gopuram (tower) of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam - the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world,
A view through an arch in Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi.
Follower of the Jain religion covering his mouth, so as not to swallow any insect incidentally. Ellora, Maharashtra.
Unusual juxtaposition of symbols - christian cross and a red star together on a church in Kerala.
Soldier praying in a mosque in Teheran.
This men from Yazd is probably the follower of an ancient Zoroastrian religion.
Beautiful Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
A street in Teheran decorated with black banners during the holy month of Muharram .
Portraits of two Ayatollahs - Khomeini and Khamenei on a wall near the Imam Square in Isfahan.
Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd.
Imam Mosque at night. Isfahan.
Inside the mausoleum of imam Ali in Shiraz - the second holiest place in Iran after the tomb of imam Reza in Mashad.
A woman in black chador next to the tomb of imam Ali covered in silver. Shiraz.
Inside a small mosque in Tehran.
The tomb of imam Ali. Shiraz.
A prayer next to the tomb of Imam Ali. Shiraz.
Beautiful Jame mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
Inside the Jame mosque in Yazd.
Zoroastrian temple, Yazd.
Statue of a Franciscan monk in the old city of Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew walking the street of a Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew with three sons near the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew reading holy ures while walking down the street in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Israeli soldiers praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews reading and praying in the outdoor library in the northern, covered part of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall.
Romanesque church of St. Anne on Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem built by the Crusaders between 1131 and 1138.
Residents of the ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim reading announcements. Jerusalem.
In a courtyard of Mea Shearim. Jerusalem.
Typical, orthodox Jewish family has many children. Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
A street in Jewish ultraorthodox neighbourhood of Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. Bethlehem .
Cloisters around the courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. , Bethlehem .
A monk in front of the entrance to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem.
A view of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem from the nearby hill.
Builidings of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem and the surrounding landscape.
Haredi Jew with an abundant beard near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew reading holy ures near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Old Jew near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews paying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew. Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A stand selling kippas (yarmulkas) in the Jewish Quarter overlooking mount ZIon, Western Wall and the Al-Aksa mosque. Jerusalem.
Front facade of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem.
VIa Dolorosa and Ecce Homo arch in Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem.
A view of the domes of the Church of Condemnation from via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns in the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns singing during the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Gentle ramp leading to the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) - the holiest place of worship for Jews. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew washing before approaching the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the northern, covered part of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
At the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Old Jew in prayer at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing a shtreimel - round fur hat usually used on Shabbat or other holiday. Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews wearing various kinds of traditional dresses praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing a shtreimel (round fur hat) talking on the mobile phone near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing wearing a shtreimel (round fur hat) walking along the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew in a streimel (round fur hat) praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew in a streimel (round fur hat) near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Two Haredi Jews talking near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Nuns walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A corner near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church carrying a green cross. Jerusalem.
Al-Aksa mosque and Israeli security patrolling the area around it. Temple Mount, Jerusalem.
Jewish children of Mea Shearim ultraorthodox neighborhood. Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest walking towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Chapel of the Angel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priests entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A priest of the Coptic Church walking past the Israeli policeman. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews from Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Children from a Haredi Jewish family. Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews walking down the street in Jerusalem Old City.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall with characteristic tefillin on his forehead - a black leather box containing scrolls of parchment with verses from the Torah. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew with characteristic tefillin on his forehead - a black leather box containing scrolls of parchment with verses from the Torah. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the northern, covered portion of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall with tefillin (leather box containing scrolls with verses from the Torah) on his arm and forehead. Jerusalem.
White clad Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Western Wall with a row of praying Jews at its foot. Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount. Jerusalem.
Wall and the surrounding of the Greek Orthodox monastery Mar Saba on a slope of the Kidron Valley.
Some buildings within the Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery compound are literally built into the rock.
A courtyard of the Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery in Kidron Valley.
Walls of Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Copper dome of a church in Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Dome of the Rock with with the old city of Jerusalem in the background seen from the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock with with the old city of Jerusalem in the background and the city walls in the foreground seen from the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem.
Text of the Pater Noster (Our Father) in Polish (one of more than 100 languages) in the cloisters of the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives.
Old priest from the Russian Church of the Ascension. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Praying at the spot where Jesus was crucified in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Coptic priest overlooking the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
An old Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jew kissing the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Members of Jewish families of all ages praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Israeli soldier praying at the Western Wall.
Old Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Young Jew praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. In the gap are seen prayer notes on paper left by the faithful Jews in the cracks of the Western Wall since 300 years.
Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Church of the Dormition, Mount Zion, Jerusalem.
An ancient courtyard on Mt. Zion, Jerusalem.
The Western Wall - the holiest place of Judaism. Jerusalem.
A Jew in front of the Wailing Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. At the far end is the arched entrance to the northern, covered portion of the Western Wall.
Dome of a small church in Akko in northern Israel.
Golden dome of the Dome of the Rock temple in Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jew in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.
in the old city of Jerusalem.
Old lady without feet and hands holding incense. Angkor Wat.
Two monks by the northern water reservoir within the Angkor Wat complex.
Old nun taking care of a Buddha statue in dark arcades of Preah Khan temple.
A monk deep in his thoughts. Angkor Wat.
A monk from Angkor.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Young monk in the early morning sun. Angkor Wat.
Young monk in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
A nun from Preah Khan temple.
Vat Haysoke temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Wat Si Saket temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Statues of Buddha around Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos. The symbol of Buddhist religion and independence.
General view of Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Entrance garte to Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Buddha statue in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Lighting incenses in front of the A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Rich decoration over the entrance to a Kun lam temple.
The entrance to a Kun lam temple.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Spiral incense in A-ma temple.
Inside A-ma temple.
Tiny shrine/altar on the courtyard of a Chinese house.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Inside the Kun lam temple.
Spiral incenses in Kun lam temple.
Plates with names and photographs of the deceased by which their families pray. Kun lam temple.
Tiny shrine for burning incense. Taipa village on Taipa Island.
Little shrine with incense and offerings. Taipa Island.
Local women in front of the A-Ma (Tin Hau) temple.
Tiny outdoor shrine of the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
Little Kam Fa Temple also known as Sam Seng to honor the Heavenly Empress Kam Fa, Kun Iam and Va Kuong. Coloane Island.
Wishes and prayers from the faithful inside the A-Ma temple.
Top part of the front elevation of San Juan church in San Chuan Chamula.
Tamplo del Pocito (Chapel of the Well) on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Yellow dome of Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill with Mexico City at the background.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill. Mexico City.
Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu.
The eyes of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Central spire of the Bodnath stupa with thirteen levels symbolizing stages of a path towards Buddhahood.
Holy sadhu posing for paid photos for tourists in Durbar Square in Patan.
Holy sadhu posing for paid photos for tourists in Durbar Square in Patan.
Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
The spire of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Tibetan monks resting under the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Small, but charming backstreet temple in Bhaktapur.
"Holy sadhu" posing for tourists on Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Small stupas near Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu.
Durbar Square in Kathmandu. From the left are temples Maju D. Narayan and Shiva Parvati.
Stupa Swayambubath seen from the nearby street.
Young boys leaving the mosque after the noon prayers. Bahla.
Houses of Shia Muslims are enshrouded with black as a sign of mourning the holy martyrs. Mutrah district, Muscat.
Black shrouds wave in the wind among Shia houses in the Mutrah district of Muscat.
Golden reliquary with the tooth of Buddha inside in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.
Head of the stone sculpture of Buddha from Polonnaruwa.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa, built between 1187 and 1196 AD.
Reclining Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Wooden statue of Shiva with flute in an antique shop on the suburbs of Kandy.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist monk by the road near Haputale.
Buddhist monk in Kandy.
Small buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by garlands of prayer flags.
Buddhist prayer flags in Kandy.
Buddhist monk in front of a small blue temple near Kandy.
Buddhist monks in yellow robes. Kandy.
Woman praying at a small Buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by prayer flags.
Reclining Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Standing Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist temple in the countryside near Kandy.
The five-ton golden Buddha in Wat Traimit in Bangkok.
Colorful houses in the area with housing for Buddhist monks in Bangkok.
Youn Buddhist monk from Bangkok.
People poring water on the golden statue of Buddha in front of Wat Phra Singh. Chiang Mai.
Entrance to the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex 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.
Offerings of flowers near the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Young man praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People praying in front of the main chedi of Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Inside a temple in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.
Young monks from a temple in Chiang Mai.
Prayer time in one of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Head of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Feet of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Inside the buddhist Chiang Dao Cave in northern Thailand.
Buddha statues in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Buddha statues flooded by light from above in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
During Songkran (Thai New Year) festival monks visit local houses, collect alms and pray with the residents.
A girl praying in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
People pouring water on a small chedi. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Green tiled tower over the mausoleum of Mevlana (known also as Rumi) - a 13th century Muslim saint, who founded the famous Muslim sect of Whirling Dervishes. Konya.
The ritual of washing of the feet prior to entry to a mosque. Istambul.
Mihrab (niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca) in Saint Sophia mosque.
The Byzantine Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora - current museum in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Istanbul is unique because of its very well preserved mosaics and frescoes from XIV century.
The oldest and most stately lama from the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Young monk on the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of the temples of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Tibet.
A monk from one of the monasteries near Lhasa doing laundry.
Window and The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) flanked by two deer over the entrance to the main temple of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Monks from the Sera Monastery near Lhasa doing laundry.
A monk from the Sera or Ganden Monastery near Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims praying in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim circling the temple in a typical fashion: stretching himself on the ground, standing up and then stretching himself on the ground again, but further by the length of his body. Shigatse.
Human remains found near the location of the "sky burial" in the vicinity of the Sera Monastery near Lhasa. During this ritual the body is left at the rock to be eaten by vultures.
One of the many holy statues of Buddha in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
A monk praying in the arcades of a courtyard in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Neverending lines of yak-butter lamps lit by the faithful Tibetans in the cloisters of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim lighting a candle in Jokhgang temple in Lhasa.
Dark interior of the Jokhang temple lit only by the candles creates an unforgettable, mistic atmosphere. Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims are performing various rituals along their way through the maze of shirnes and holy statues inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of the fierce looking deities in the Kumbum stupa in Gyantse.
One of many giaant Buddha statues in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Old Tibetan monk with his dog in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
This black rock is a place of "sky burial" - a funerl ritual, when the body is placed outside in the open space to be consumed by vultures. Sera Monastery near Lhasa.
Monks chanting and rythmically striking cymbals (rol mo) during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Elderly smiling monk from Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
An old monk accompanied by young boys during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks on a stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks having salty tea with yak butter in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan monks dancing on the stage in the 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.
Monks in masks performing their typical, slow motion dance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
General view of the Drepung Monastery near Lhasa - one of the most reputed centers for learning and practicing Tibetan Buddhism.
European girl and a young monk on a terrace in the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Rock painting on a rock next to the Sera Monastery near Lhasa.
Wheel of Dharma and two deers over the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa seen above the roofs of Tibetan houses in the old centre of Lhasa.
Chinese policeman among Tibetan monks during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan man with his kettle and a prayer wheel. Shigatse.
Monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Two of them are playing telescoping trumpets (zangs dung).
Tibetan monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks next to a window decorated in typically Tibetan style. 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.
Sisum Namgyel, the Tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama. Tashilunpo Monastery, 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.
Potala Palace seen from the roof level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa with the Wheel of Dharma and two deers in the foreground.
A stand selling religious accessories for pilgrims at the Barkhor Square at the front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The main facade of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa - the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.
Landscape of the upper part of the Tibetan Plateau on the way from the Nepali border dotted with piles of prayer stones left by passing pilgrims.
Three most important lamas of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse on stage during the festival.
Tibetan monks in ceremonial robes chanting on the stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks with ceremonial banners. Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
The oldest and most eminent lama from the Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Monks in ceremonial dresses and their iconic yellow hats signature of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, which is also practiced by Dalai Lama. Tashilunpo Monsatery, Shigatse.
Monks in ceremonial dresses and their iconic yellow hats on the stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Young novice monk in the alley of the Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
St. Stephen's church in Armonk, New York.
St. Florian church used by polish community in Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan.
A plaque with the name of St. Florian's church in Latin and Polish. Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan.
Women praying on the bank of Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
Old woman performing rituals with water from Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
No photography. Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
Monks' laundry. Jaisalmer, Rajastan.
Holy sadhu, Udaipur, Rajastan.
Jain woman praying in a small Jain temple in Ranakpur, Rajastan.
The Dharma Wheel flanked by two deers (male and female) at the top of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Far in the background is the Potala Palace - the winter seat of the Dalai Lama - the spiritual loeader of Tibet.
A bunch of twigs with Tibetan prayer flags and horns of a ram at the corner of a roof of the typical Tibetan house.
Masters of ceremony and a collection of Tibetan hats during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks and their prayer wheels. Lhasa.
Three monks watching a performance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan spectators watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of Tibetans watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Young Tibetan lighting yak butter lamps in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tired Tibetan pilgrim asleep under the prayer flags on Barkhor Square in Lhasa.
Tibetan prayer flags with Himalayan scenery at the background on the way from the Nepali border to Shigatse in Tibet.
Lama form the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse wearing ceremonial hat with red freckles during the festival.
A glimpse from the dark interior of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa into the open courtyard surrounded by hundreds of yak butter lamps.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
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.
An old and stately lama from the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Gilded stupas and shrines of the Shwedagon Paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Multitude of stupas, shrines, statues and towers in Shwedagon Paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Pigeons on the gigantic stupa of Shwemawdaw Paya,in Bago.
Old monk from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Old monk from Swedagon Paya Rangoon (Yangon) smoking cheroot.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Young nuns from Kinpun. Shan State.
Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A monk in prayer. Shwedagon Paya, Rangoon (Yangon).
Fragment of the front facade of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
Shy young monk from Bangkok.
Orange robe hang to dry in front of the monk's living quarters in Bangkok.
Shadow and light in the Kun lam temple.
Spiral cone shaped incense from Kun lam temple.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
A hand of the man crucified during the Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga. The nail is real and the hand is really pierced and nailed to the cross.
Feet of the man crucified during the Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga. The nails are real, but they are placed between the toes doing no harm. The wodden shelf provides support for the feet.
A crowd of local onlookers, tourists and reporters under the cross with the first volunteer crucified during the Good Friday celebrations, barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Jewish family praying at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Crosses of Jerusalem.
Old Haredi Jew crossing the street in Mea Shearim - an ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Mystic interior of the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary (Tomb of the Virgin Mary) at the foot of Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Spiral cone shaped incenses from Kun lam temple.
Inside the mosque in Yazd.
One of the stupas of the Swedagon paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Shadow of an orthodox Jew on the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Wisdom Eyes of Bodnath Stupa in Kathmandu.
Buddhist monk praying at Swayambunath Stupa in Kathmandu.
Readings of the holy texts on Sunday morning in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman with a book of holy texts. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Devotees praying in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman reading from a book of holy texts. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A table with offerings of fruits and flowers in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A table with offerings of fruits and flowers in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman praying. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Huge censer (vessel for burning incense) in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Devotees praying in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Inside the main hall of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Offerings of flowers. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
General view of the inner courtyard and the main hall of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Old woman praying in front of the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple in Taipei.
Statue of Budai (Laughing Buddha) in Wufei Temple. Tainan.
Lady Linshui's Temple near the Koxinga Shrine is mostly visited by women, who come to pray for the good fortune and protection of their children. Tainan.
Inside Lady Linshui's Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome mask in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Censer (incense burner) in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome, black faced statues in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
City God Temple. Tainan.
Elaborately dressed statue inside the City God Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
A woman praying at the upper floor of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Underground mykwa (Jewish ritual baths) in Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
A man praying in Srirangam temple, Tamil Nadu.
A way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Jewish tombs on the the cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Jewish tombs on the the cemetery next to Ibn Danan Synangogue in Fez.
Women queuing to enter the temple, Goa.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Japanese temple. Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Buddhist monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Buddhist banners in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Entrance to the buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddha statue in one of the rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
View to the courtyard of Kun lam temple.
On the inner courtyard of the Kun lam temple.
A man by the offering table. Coloane Island.
Wall of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
Kathesimbu stupa, Kathmandu.
Shop selling ceremonial Tibetan religious objects, Bhaktapur.
Nepali couple leaving their temple. Kathmandu.
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Entrance to a temple in Kathmandu.
Celebrating a reigious holiday. Lahore.
Religious procession with drums on the streets of Lahore.
A temple in Bangkok.
Interior of the Mevlana mausoleum and his tomb. Konya.
Inside the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
Turkish woman wearing burqa (chador). Istanbul.
Top level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan man with his prayer wheel. Shigatse.
A man sticking incredibly thin golden leafs to the surface of Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda, Mon State.
Tibetan monks rolling prayer wheels. Lhasa.
Young bouy in front of a monastery.
A man praying at the Golden Rock. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Mon State.
An alley with densely arranged golden stupas in Shw Inn Thein complex in Indein village. Shan State.
Monks marching very early morning barefoot to collect alms from the households in Nyaungshwe on Inle lake in Shan State.
Kuthodaw temple in Mandalay is called "the largest book in the world", because it contains marble tables with the text of the entire buddhist teaching canon (tripitaka) in 729 litttle shrines.
Old lama from Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A man with prayer wheel. Shigatse.
Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
A wall of golden stupas line a path in Shwe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
The most beautiful "street" in Burma - an alley in Shwe Inn Thein temple lined on both sides with golden, white and brick stupas. Near Indein village in Shan State.
Young monk walking past the Kyautawgyi Paya in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Shemawdaw Paya in Bago with its height of 114m is the tallest stupa in Burma . It is 16 m taller than the Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon (Yangon).
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Padmasambhava Statue in the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
Inside the temple of Amun in Karnak at night.
An old Spanish church. Bohol.
A tower - the only visible part of a church buried by the eruption of the Mayon volcano together with the worshippers, who seeked shelter inside. Luzon island.
Tibetan monk in front of the temple door. Shigatse.
"Yes to God" - an inion on a bus stop in Masbate.
A man acting out Jesus Christ at Way of the Cross procession during Easter celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
One of the self-whippers under the cross on "Golgota" built during Easter celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Whippers under "Golgota" during the Way of the Cross procession preformed on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The swollen back of one of the self-whippers is cut with sharp pieces of glass to release blood and increase the theatrical dramatism of the Easter celebrations.
A general view of the hill with three crosses, to which three man are nailed as the culmination of the Good Friday celebrations. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Buddhist monk from Kandy.
Spiral incense in Kun lam temple.
The first of the volunteers acting out Jesus Christ moments before being nailed to the cross. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers acting out Jesus Christ is laid on the cross, to which his hands will be nailed. Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The cross with a nailed man being raised. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the crucified men is raised up on the cross. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrations, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The crucified man is symbolically pierced with a wooden spire. Good Friday celebrations, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Real suffering of a man acting out crucified Christ after his hands had been nailed to the cross during Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The first of the volunteers to be crucified on that day is being taken down from the cross. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Another volunteer is being rised on the cross during the Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The back of a whipper being hit during the Good Friday procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Bloody back of whipper during the Good Friday procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man flogging himself under the crosses, to which soon three local volunteers will be nailed. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A whipper under the still empty crosses. Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A whipper with his back covered with blood during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Whippers with covered faces, crowns of thorns and blood all over them. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man whipping himself splatters his blood all around forcing onlookers to disperse and seek refuge. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Crucified men are being raised on their crosses during Good Friday celebrations in barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man taken down from the cross is getting first aid at the medical station. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A general wiev of the knoll with three crosses and square, on which the culmination of the Goiod Friday celebration took place. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man playing out Christ carries his cross during the recreation of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man carries a cross during Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A self-whipper among the crown of onlookers. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man demonstrates a wooden tool with sharp pieces of glass stuck into it, which is used for releasing blood from the backs of penitents ehipping themselves during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man wearing a symbolic crown of thorns made of grass among the crown of onlookers during the Good Friday Way of the Cross procession in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A self-whipper covered in blood in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Hammer, with which a man playing out Christ will have his hands nailed to the cross during Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man demonstrates nails, which will be used for fixing the hands of a volunteer to the cross during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man with a crown of thorns. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
A crowd watching the "crucifixion" during the Good Friday celebrations in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Procession with "Christ" is struggling to clear its way through the crowd of onlookers. Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga.
A man playing out Christ moments before being nailed to the cross. Barangay San Pedro Cutud near San Fernando, Pampanga.
Buddhist monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Sikh pilgrims going to the Golden Temple in their holy city of Amritsar, Punjab.
Father and son, who have arrived as pilgrims to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monk from the monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Monks during prayers in their gathering hall in the monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Swastika - an ancient Indian symbol of happiness. Sikkim.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Sadhu (holy man) in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Character personifying Evil. Kathakali dance performance, Kerala.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Holy pilgrim (sadhu) performing rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Inside the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai a trained elephant taps on the head anyone who gives him a coin.
Two pilgrims having meal in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Bride and groom during their wedding ceremony in Kochi, Kerala.
Temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Old man bathing on the bank of Ganges in Varanasi (Benares), Uttar Pradesh.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab) at night.
Sikh man at the window of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A holy cow dressed .
Gopuram (tower) of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam - the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world,
A view through an arch in Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi.
Follower of the Jain religion covering his mouth, so as not to swallow any insect incidentally. Ellora, Maharashtra.
Unusual juxtaposition of symbols - christian cross and a red star together on a church in Kerala.
Soldier praying in a mosque in Teheran.
This men from Yazd is probably the follower of an ancient Zoroastrian religion.
Beautiful Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
A street in Teheran decorated with black banners during the holy month of Muharram .
Portraits of two Ayatollahs - Khomeini and Khamenei on a wall near the Imam Square in Isfahan.
Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd.
Imam Mosque at night. Isfahan.
Inside the mausoleum of imam Ali in Shiraz - the second holiest place in Iran after the tomb of imam Reza in Mashad.
A woman in black chador next to the tomb of imam Ali covered in silver. Shiraz.
Inside a small mosque in Tehran.
The tomb of imam Ali. Shiraz.
A prayer next to the tomb of Imam Ali. Shiraz.
Beautiful Jame mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
Inside the Jame mosque in Yazd.
Zoroastrian temple, Yazd.
Statue of a Franciscan monk in the old city of Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew walking the street of a Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew with three sons near the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew reading holy ures while walking down the street in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Israeli soldiers praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews reading and praying in the outdoor library in the northern, covered part of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall.
Romanesque church of St. Anne on Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem built by the Crusaders between 1131 and 1138.
Residents of the ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim reading announcements. Jerusalem.
In a courtyard of Mea Shearim. Jerusalem.
Typical, orthodox Jewish family has many children. Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
A street in Jewish ultraorthodox neighbourhood of Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. Bethlehem .
Cloisters around the courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. , Bethlehem .
A monk in front of the entrance to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem.
A view of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem from the nearby hill.
Builidings of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mara Saba near Bethlehem and the surrounding landscape.
Haredi Jew with an abundant beard near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew reading holy ures near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Old Jew near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews paying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew. Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A stand selling kippas (yarmulkas) in the Jewish Quarter overlooking mount ZIon, Western Wall and the Al-Aksa mosque. Jerusalem.
Front facade of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem.
VIa Dolorosa and Ecce Homo arch in Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem.
A view of the domes of the Church of Condemnation from via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns in the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns singing during the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Gentle ramp leading to the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) - the holiest place of worship for Jews. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew washing before approaching the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the northern, covered part of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
At the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Old Jew in prayer at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing a shtreimel - round fur hat usually used on Shabbat or other holiday. Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews wearing various kinds of traditional dresses praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing a shtreimel (round fur hat) talking on the mobile phone near the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
A Jew wearing wearing a shtreimel (round fur hat) walking along the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew in a streimel (round fur hat) praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew in a streimel (round fur hat) near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
A Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Two Haredi Jews talking near the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Nuns walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A corner near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church carrying a green cross. Jerusalem.
Al-Aksa mosque and Israeli security patrolling the area around it. Temple Mount, Jerusalem.
Jewish children of Mea Shearim ultraorthodox neighborhood. Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest walking towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Chapel of the Angel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priests entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A priest of the Coptic Church walking past the Israeli policeman. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews from Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Children from a Haredi Jewish family. Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jews walking down the street in Jerusalem Old City.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall with characteristic tefillin on his forehead - a black leather box containing scrolls of parchment with verses from the Torah. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew with characteristic tefillin on his forehead - a black leather box containing scrolls of parchment with verses from the Torah. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jews praying at the northern, covered portion of the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
An orthodox Jew praying at the Western Wall with tefillin (leather box containing scrolls with verses from the Torah) on his arm and forehead. Jerusalem.
White clad Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Western Wall with a row of praying Jews at its foot. Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount. Jerusalem.
Wall and the surrounding of the Greek Orthodox monastery Mar Saba on a slope of the Kidron Valley.
Some buildings within the Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery compound are literally built into the rock.
A courtyard of the Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery in Kidron Valley.
Walls of Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Copper dome of a church in Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Dome of the Rock with with the old city of Jerusalem in the background seen from the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock with with the old city of Jerusalem in the background and the city walls in the foreground seen from the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem.
Text of the Pater Noster (Our Father) in Polish (one of more than 100 languages) in the cloisters of the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives.
Old priest from the Russian Church of the Ascension. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Praying at the spot where Jesus was crucified in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Coptic priest overlooking the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
An old Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jew kissing the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Members of Jewish families of all ages praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Israeli soldier praying at the Western Wall.
Old Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Haredi Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Young Jew praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. In the gap are seen prayer notes on paper left by the faithful Jews in the cracks of the Western Wall since 300 years.
Jew praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Church of the Dormition, Mount Zion, Jerusalem.
An ancient courtyard on Mt. Zion, Jerusalem.
The Western Wall - the holiest place of Judaism. Jerusalem.
A Jew in front of the Wailing Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Crowds of Jews praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. At the far end is the arched entrance to the northern, covered portion of the Western Wall.
Dome of a small church in Akko in northern Israel.
Golden dome of the Dome of the Rock temple in Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jew in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.
in the old city of Jerusalem.
Old lady without feet and hands holding incense. Angkor Wat.
Two monks by the northern water reservoir within the Angkor Wat complex.
Old nun taking care of a Buddha statue in dark arcades of Preah Khan temple.
A monk deep in his thoughts. Angkor Wat.
A monk from Angkor.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Young monk in the early morning sun. Angkor Wat.
Young monk in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
A nun from Preah Khan temple.
Vat Haysoke temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Wat Si Saket temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Statues of Buddha around Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos. The symbol of Buddhist religion and independence.
General view of Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Entrance garte to Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Buddha statue in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Lighting incenses in front of the A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Rich decoration over the entrance to a Kun lam temple.
The entrance to a Kun lam temple.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Spiral incense in A-ma temple.
Inside A-ma temple.
Tiny shrine/altar on the courtyard of a Chinese house.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Inside the Kun lam temple.
Spiral incenses in Kun lam temple.
Plates with names and photographs of the deceased by which their families pray. Kun lam temple.
Tiny shrine for burning incense. Taipa village on Taipa Island.
Little shrine with incense and offerings. Taipa Island.
Local women in front of the A-Ma (Tin Hau) temple.
Tiny outdoor shrine of the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
Little Kam Fa Temple also known as Sam Seng to honor the Heavenly Empress Kam Fa, Kun Iam and Va Kuong. Coloane Island.
Wishes and prayers from the faithful inside the A-Ma temple.
Top part of the front elevation of San Juan church in San Chuan Chamula.
Tamplo del Pocito (Chapel of the Well) on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Yellow dome of Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill with Mexico City at the background.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill. Mexico City.
Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu.
The eyes of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Central spire of the Bodnath stupa with thirteen levels symbolizing stages of a path towards Buddhahood.
Holy sadhu posing for paid photos for tourists in Durbar Square in Patan.
Holy sadhu posing for paid photos for tourists in Durbar Square in Patan.
Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
The spire of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Tibetan monks resting under the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Small, but charming backstreet temple in Bhaktapur.
"Holy sadhu" posing for tourists on Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Small stupas near Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu.
Durbar Square in Kathmandu. From the left are temples Maju D. Narayan and Shiva Parvati.
Stupa Swayambubath seen from the nearby street.
Young boys leaving the mosque after the noon prayers. Bahla.
Houses of Shia Muslims are enshrouded with black as a sign of mourning the holy martyrs. Mutrah district, Muscat.
Black shrouds wave in the wind among Shia houses in the Mutrah district of Muscat.
Golden reliquary with the tooth of Buddha inside in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.
Head of the stone sculpture of Buddha from Polonnaruwa.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa, built between 1187 and 1196 AD.
Reclining Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Wooden statue of Shiva with flute in an antique shop on the suburbs of Kandy.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist monk by the road near Haputale.
Buddhist monk in Kandy.
Small buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by garlands of prayer flags.
Buddhist prayer flags in Kandy.
Buddhist monk in front of a small blue temple near Kandy.
Buddhist monks in yellow robes. Kandy.
Woman praying at a small Buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by prayer flags.
Reclining Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Standing Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist temple in the countryside near Kandy.
The five-ton golden Buddha in Wat Traimit in Bangkok.
Colorful houses in the area with housing for Buddhist monks in Bangkok.
Youn Buddhist monk from Bangkok.
People poring water on the golden statue of Buddha in front of Wat Phra Singh. Chiang Mai.
Entrance to the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex 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.
Offerings of flowers near the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Young man praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People praying in front of the main chedi of Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Inside a temple in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.
Young monks from a temple in Chiang Mai.
Prayer time in one of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Head of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Feet of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Inside the buddhist Chiang Dao Cave in northern Thailand.
Buddha statues in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Buddha statues flooded by light from above in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
During Songkran (Thai New Year) festival monks visit local houses, collect alms and pray with the residents.
A girl praying in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
People pouring water on a small chedi. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Green tiled tower over the mausoleum of Mevlana (known also as Rumi) - a 13th century Muslim saint, who founded the famous Muslim sect of Whirling Dervishes. Konya.
The ritual of washing of the feet prior to entry to a mosque. Istambul.
Mihrab (niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca) in Saint Sophia mosque.
The Byzantine Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora - current museum in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Istanbul is unique because of its very well preserved mosaics and frescoes from XIV century.
The oldest and most stately lama from the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Young monk on the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of the temples of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Tibet.
A monk from one of the monasteries near Lhasa doing laundry.
Window and The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) flanked by two deer over the entrance to the main temple of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Monks from the Sera Monastery near Lhasa doing laundry.
A monk from the Sera or Ganden Monastery near Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims praying in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim circling the temple in a typical fashion: stretching himself on the ground, standing up and then stretching himself on the ground again, but further by the length of his body. Shigatse.
Human remains found near the location of the "sky burial" in the vicinity of the Sera Monastery near Lhasa. During this ritual the body is left at the rock to be eaten by vultures.
One of the many holy statues of Buddha in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
A monk praying in the arcades of a courtyard in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Neverending lines of yak-butter lamps lit by the faithful Tibetans in the cloisters of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim lighting a candle in Jokhgang temple in Lhasa.
Dark interior of the Jokhang temple lit only by the candles creates an unforgettable, mistic atmosphere. Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims are performing various rituals along their way through the maze of shirnes and holy statues inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of the fierce looking deities in the Kumbum stupa in Gyantse.
One of many giaant Buddha statues in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Old Tibetan monk with his dog in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
This black rock is a place of "sky burial" - a funerl ritual, when the body is placed outside in the open space to be consumed by vultures. Sera Monastery near Lhasa.
Monks chanting and rythmically striking cymbals (rol mo) during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Elderly smiling monk from Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
An old monk accompanied by young boys during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks on a stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks having salty tea with yak butter in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan monks dancing on the stage in the 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.
Monks in masks performing their typical, slow motion dance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
General view of the Drepung Monastery near Lhasa - one of the most reputed centers for learning and practicing Tibetan Buddhism.
European girl and a young monk on a terrace in the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Rock painting on a rock next to the Sera Monastery near Lhasa.
Wheel of Dharma and two deers over the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa seen above the roofs of Tibetan houses in the old centre of Lhasa.
Chinese policeman among Tibetan monks during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan man with his kettle and a prayer wheel. Shigatse.
Monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Two of them are playing telescoping trumpets (zangs dung).
Tibetan monks dancing during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks next to a window decorated in typically Tibetan style. 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.
Sisum Namgyel, the Tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama. Tashilunpo Monastery, 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.
Potala Palace seen from the roof level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa with the Wheel of Dharma and two deers in the foreground.
A stand selling religious accessories for pilgrims at the Barkhor Square at the front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The main facade of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa - the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.
Landscape of the upper part of the Tibetan Plateau on the way from the Nepali border dotted with piles of prayer stones left by passing pilgrims.
Three most important lamas of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse on stage during the festival.
Tibetan monks in ceremonial robes chanting on the stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks with ceremonial banners. Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
The oldest and most eminent lama from the Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Monks in ceremonial dresses and their iconic yellow hats signature of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, which is also practiced by Dalai Lama. Tashilunpo Monsatery, Shigatse.
Monks in ceremonial dresses and their iconic yellow hats on the stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
Young novice monk in the alley of the Tashilunpo Monsatery in Shigatse.
St. Stephen's church in Armonk, New York.
St. Florian church used by polish community in Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan.
A plaque with the name of St. Florian's church in Latin and Polish. Hamtramck, Detroit, Michigan.
Women praying on the bank of Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
Old woman performing rituals with water from Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
No photography. Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajastan.
Monks' laundry. Jaisalmer, Rajastan.
Holy sadhu, Udaipur, Rajastan.
Jain woman praying in a small Jain temple in Ranakpur, Rajastan.
The Dharma Wheel flanked by two deers (male and female) at the top of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Far in the background is the Potala Palace - the winter seat of the Dalai Lama - the spiritual loeader of Tibet.
A bunch of twigs with Tibetan prayer flags and horns of a ram at the corner of a roof of the typical Tibetan house.
Masters of ceremony and a collection of Tibetan hats during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan monks and their prayer wheels. Lhasa.
Three monks watching a performance during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Tibetan spectators watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of Tibetans watching the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Young Tibetan lighting yak butter lamps in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tired Tibetan pilgrim asleep under the prayer flags on Barkhor Square in Lhasa.
Tibetan prayer flags with Himalayan scenery at the background on the way from the Nepali border to Shigatse in Tibet.
Lama form the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse wearing ceremonial hat with red freckles during the festival.
A glimpse from the dark interior of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa into the open courtyard surrounded by hundreds of yak butter lamps.
Old sadhu (holy man) from Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
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.
An old and stately lama from the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Gilded stupas and shrines of the Shwedagon Paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Multitude of stupas, shrines, statues and towers in Shwedagon Paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Pigeons on the gigantic stupa of Shwemawdaw Paya,in Bago.
Old monk from Swedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
Old monk from Swedagon Paya Rangoon (Yangon) smoking cheroot.
Kyaiktyio Pagoda at dawn. Mt. Kyaiktyio, Shan State.
Young nuns from Kinpun. Shan State.
Shwedagon Paya. Rangoon (Yangon).
A monk in prayer. Shwedagon Paya, Rangoon (Yangon).
Fragment of the front facade of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
Shy young monk from Bangkok.
Orange robe hang to dry in front of the monk's living quarters in Bangkok.
Shadow and light in the Kun lam temple.
Spiral cone shaped incense from Kun lam temple.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
A hand of the man crucified during the Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga. The nail is real and the hand is really pierced and nailed to the cross.
Feet of the man crucified during the Good Friday celebrartions, San Fernando, Pampanga. The nails are real, but they are placed between the toes doing no harm. The wodden shelf provides support for the feet.
A crowd of local onlookers, tourists and reporters under the cross with the first volunteer crucified during the Good Friday celebrations, barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Jewish family praying at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.
Crosses of Jerusalem.
Old Haredi Jew crossing the street in Mea Shearim - an ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Mystic interior of the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary (Tomb of the Virgin Mary) at the foot of Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Spiral cone shaped incenses from Kun lam temple.
Inside the mosque in Yazd.
One of the stupas of the Swedagon paya complex in Rangoon (Yangon).
Shadow of an orthodox Jew on the Western Wall. Jerusalem.
Wisdom Eyes of Bodnath Stupa in Kathmandu.
Buddhist monk praying at Swayambunath Stupa in Kathmandu.
Readings of the holy texts on Sunday morning in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman with a book of holy texts. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Devotees praying in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman reading from a book of holy texts. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A table with offerings of fruits and flowers in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
A table with offerings of fruits and flowers in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Elderly woman praying. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Huge censer (vessel for burning incense) in the courtyard of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Devotees praying in Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Inside the main hall of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Offerings of flowers. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
General view of the inner courtyard and the main hall of the Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Lighting candles. Longshan Temple, Taipei.
Old woman praying in front of the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple in Taipei.
Statue of Budai (Laughing Buddha) in Wufei Temple. Tainan.
Lady Linshui's Temple near the Koxinga Shrine is mostly visited by women, who come to pray for the good fortune and protection of their children. Tainan.
Inside Lady Linshui's Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome mask in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Censer (incense burner) in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
Fearsome, black faced statues in the Dongyue Temple. Tainan.
City God Temple. Tainan.
Elaborately dressed statue inside the City God Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
A woman praying at the upper floor of the Matsu Temple. Tainan.
Inside the Matsu Temple. Tainan.