Swimming in the Ganges
December 21, 2007
At the end of the pujas, we were off for a dip in the Ganges. I had thought about the (supposed) risks of swimming in one of the world’s most polluted rivers…but when the time came there was no question. In I went and it was a spectacular experience. There really is something special about the Ganges. And, to answer the obvious question, I did not get sick in spite of being in the river for about 15 minutes!
An offering of light
December 20, 2007
We started at about 8 am and were still going well after dark…
The crowd gathers…
December 19, 2007
The ancestor yagya was very long and as we continued a crowd began to gather. By the end there was a large collection of observers including lots of newspaper reporters and TV cameramen from the local stations. 
The yagya itself was fascinating with one pot, with a white flag for Brahma who rules over heaven, one for Vishnu with the red flag because he rules over the earth, and one for Shiva with a black flag because he rules the under world. Each received different kinds of offerings presumably based on the needs of the inhabitants of the different lokas.
Ancestor puja
December 18, 2007
We began with some pujas and then we moved down to the Ganges for special offerings that were made in the water as special mantras were recited.
Ancestor Yagyas
December 17, 2007
The next morning we walked from our hotel down to Asi Ghat where the priests had prepared for us to participate in the ancestor yagya. This was taking place on the day of the year that was most astrologically appropriate for it, so there were many people from all over India in the city for this same purpose. But we were performing this yagya on a scale that is not usually seen.
A great day…
December 16, 2007
It was a completely unexpected pleasure to visit the ashram and have contact with the sanyasi. I was left with the feeling that we had done something good for them and they for us! I have seen over and over again the amazing experiences that are possible when visiting India in the company of priests and pundits because these experiences are just not available to tourists. You would never even know the ashram was there, much less be allowed in! 
Shiva temples
December 15, 2007
The ashram contained a number of little temples, or rooms really, where you would find a Shiva lingam. They were usually simple but nicely decorated and obviously cared for.
Parvati Temple
December 14, 2007
A small Parvati temple in the ashram.
Sandals
December 13, 2007
These are traditional sanyasi sandals, but they don’t look comfortable at all!
Beards!
December 12, 2007
I have never seen such an amazing collection of dramatic beards!
