"divine representation"

#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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#13186710

12 January 2026

A person dressed in a costume of Goddess Kali begs for alms at Gangasagar Transit Camp in Kolkata, India, on January 12, 2026.

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#13186715

12 January 2026

A person dressed in a costume of Goddess Kali begs for alms at Gangasagar Transit Camp in Kolkata, India, on January 12, 2026.

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#13186716

12 January 2026

A person dressed in a costume of Goddess Kali begs for alms at Gangasagar Transit Camp in Kolkata, India, on January 12, 2026.

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#13186717

12 January 2026

A person dressed in a costume of Goddess Kali begs for alms at Gangasagar Transit Camp in Kolkata, India, on January 12, 2026.

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#13132872

27 December 2025

Chhinnamasta, also known as Chhinnamastika or Chhinnamasta Kali, is a Hindu goddess symbolizing both aspects of Devi - a life-giver and a life-taker. The Hindu goddess Chhinnamasta holds significant importance in both Tantric and Tibetan Buddhism, where she is known as Chinnamunda or Trikaya-vajrayogini. She embodies contradictions, representing sexual self-control and energy. The self-decapitated nude goddess usually stands or sits on a divine copulating couple, holding her own severed head in one hand and a scimitar in another. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck and are drunk by her severed head and two attendants. Here, the Chhinnamasta goddess is worshipped with the playing of dhak, drums, and shehnai (a type of wind instrument) in a temple in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on December 25, 2025.

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#13132874

27 December 2025

Chhinnamasta, also known as Chhinnamastika or Chhinnamasta Kali, is a Hindu goddess symbolizing both aspects of Devi - a life-giver and a life-taker. The Hindu goddess Chhinnamasta holds significant importance in both Tantric and Tibetan Buddhism, where she is known as Chinnamunda or Trikaya-vajrayogini. She embodies contradictions, representing sexual self-control and energy. The self-decapitated nude goddess usually stands or sits on a divine copulating couple, holding her own severed head in one hand and a scimitar in another. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck and are drunk by her severed head and two attendants. Here, the Chhinnamasta goddess is worshipped with the playing of dhak, drums, and shehnai (a type of wind instrument) in a temple in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on December 25, 2025.

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#13132877

27 December 2025

Chhinnamasta, also known as Chhinnamastika or Chhinnamasta Kali, is a Hindu goddess symbolizing both aspects of Devi - a life-giver and a life-taker. The Hindu goddess Chhinnamasta holds significant importance in both Tantric and Tibetan Buddhism, where she is known as Chinnamunda or Trikaya-vajrayogini. She embodies contradictions, representing sexual self-control and energy. The self-decapitated nude goddess usually stands or sits on a divine copulating couple, holding her own severed head in one hand and a scimitar in another. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck and are drunk by her severed head and two attendants. Here, the Chhinnamasta goddess is worshipped with the playing of dhak, drums, and shehnai (a type of wind instrument) in a temple in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on December 25, 2025.

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#13132878

27 December 2025

Chhinnamasta, also known as Chhinnamastika or Chhinnamasta Kali, is a Hindu goddess symbolizing both aspects of Devi - a life-giver and a life-taker. The Hindu goddess Chhinnamasta holds significant importance in both Tantric and Tibetan Buddhism, where she is known as Chinnamunda or Trikaya-vajrayogini. She embodies contradictions, representing sexual self-control and energy. The self-decapitated nude goddess usually stands or sits on a divine copulating couple, holding her own severed head in one hand and a scimitar in another. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck and are drunk by her severed head and two attendants. Here, the Chhinnamasta goddess is worshipped with the playing of dhak, drums, and shehnai (a type of wind instrument) in a temple in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on December 25, 2025.

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#13132879

27 December 2025

Chhinnamasta, also known as Chhinnamastika or Chhinnamasta Kali, is a Hindu goddess symbolizing both aspects of Devi - a life-giver and a life-taker. The Hindu goddess Chhinnamasta holds significant importance in both Tantric and Tibetan Buddhism, where she is known as Chinnamunda or Trikaya-vajrayogini. She embodies contradictions, representing sexual self-control and energy. The self-decapitated nude goddess usually stands or sits on a divine copulating couple, holding her own severed head in one hand and a scimitar in another. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck and are drunk by her severed head and two attendants. Here, the Chhinnamasta goddess is worshipped with the playing of dhak, drums, and shehnai (a type of wind instrument) in a temple in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on December 25, 2025.

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#13132905

27 December 2025

Chhinnamasta, also known as Chhinnamastika or Chhinnamasta Kali, is a Hindu goddess symbolizing both aspects of Devi - a life-giver and a life-taker. The Hindu goddess Chhinnamasta holds significant importance in both Tantric and Tibetan Buddhism, where she is known as Chinnamunda or Trikaya-vajrayogini. She embodies contradictions, representing sexual self-control and energy. The self-decapitated nude goddess usually stands or sits on a divine copulating couple, holding her own severed head in one hand and a scimitar in another. Three jets of blood spurt out of her bleeding neck and are drunk by her severed head and two attendants. Here, the Chhinnamasta goddess is worshipped with the playing of dhak, drums, and shehnai (a type of wind instrument) in a temple in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on December 25, 2025.

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#12937616

2 November 2025

An Indian artist dresses as the Hindu deity Bhagawathy and performs during the Spiritual Walk procession in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India, on November 2, 2025.

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#12814323

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is seen inside her palanquin as she is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar to her family home in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025. The ceremonial farewell features traditional music, rituals, and processions marking the conclusion of her tenure upon reaching puberty. Revered as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she remains an important figure in centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Her successor, Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is formally enthroned at Kumari Ghar on the auspicious day of Asthami.

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#12814329

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is seen inside her palanquin as she is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar to her family home in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025. The ceremonial farewell features traditional music, rituals, and processions marking the conclusion of her tenure upon reaching puberty. Revered as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she remains an important figure in centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Her successor, Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is formally enthroned at Kumari Ghar on the auspicious day of Asthami.

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