"ascetics"

#13219413

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a flock of seagulls eagerly swoops down to snatch food thrown by visitors near Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the monk Hyejeong, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, witnesses a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13219414

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a flock of seagulls eagerly swoops down to snatch food thrown by visitors near Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the monk Hyejeong, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, witnesses a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13219418

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a view of the Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva at Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea, is observed. Dancheong, ornate designs painted in striking reds, blues, greens, and golds, not only enhance the aesthetic beauty of the sacred space but also symbolize protection and spiritual harmony. The craftsmanship reflects centuries of cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into Korea's enduring artistic and religious traditions. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the temple is founded by the monk Hyejeong, who, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, is said to witness a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13191014

13 January 2026

Sadhus prepare food outside their camp during the ongoing one-month-long annual traditional fair Magh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, on January 13, 2026.

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#13189402

13 January 2026

A Hindu holy man, or Naga sadhu, smokes marijuana on a chillum at the temporary Gangasagar Mela Camp during the Makarsankranti festival in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, on January 13, 2026.

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#13171349

9 January 2026

A saint is seen at the Gangasagar transit camp in Kolkata, India, on January 8, 2026.

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#13154523

4 January 2026

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, sits inside the Gangasagar Transit Camp in Kolkata, India, on January 4, 2026.

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#13154524

4 January 2026

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, takes marijuana while talking on his mobile phone inside the Gangasagar Transit Camp in Kolkata, India, on January 4, 2026.

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#13154525

4 January 2026

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, sits inside the Gangasagar Transit Camp in Kolkata, India, on January 4, 2026.

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#13073760

8 December 2025

Sadhus, or Hindu holy men, arrive for the land allotment of temporary tents ahead of the Magh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, on December 8, 2025.

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#13073763

8 December 2025

Sadhus, or Hindu holy men, arrive for the land allotment of temporary tents ahead of the Magh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, on December 8, 2025.

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#13073764

8 December 2025

Sadhus, or Hindu holy men, arrive for the land allotment of temporary tents ahead of the Magh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, on December 8, 2025.

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#12742445

11 September 2025

A Sadhu is in Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 1, 2024.

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#12742447

11 September 2025

A Sadhu is in Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 1, 2024.

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#12742456

11 September 2025

A Sadhu is in Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 2, 2024.

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#12742481

11 September 2025

A Sadhu is in Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 2, 2024.

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