14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Messenger of the Gods

After finishing their ritual bath and offering prayers to the gods, the devotees crowd a fire prepared by the men attendants. According to ancient Hindu texts the god of fire, Agni, is conceptualized as existing on three levels: on earth as fire, in the atmosphere as lightning, and in the sky as the sun. Agni is considered the mouth of the gods.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2014
Date Uploaded: 11.2016
Photo Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright: © Mick Stetson