Prayer by lighting a lamp. Dharasuram temple, Kumbakonam, South India. I was visiting the historic Dharasuram temple in Kumbakonam in South India. It is a protected monument by the Archeological Department of India and not so much of a regular temple although routine religious rituals are performed. As I went inside exploring the interior, I saw this young country girl with a traditional attire and bag lighting a lamp as a prayer to the deity. I was mesmerised by the sight with the light from the interior and the exterior mixing and illuminating the stones as if in a trance. I started following her actions in a very révérant mood, forgetting the touristy ambience of the place .