"worshipping Vishnu"

#12945907

4 November 2025

PRAHLAD, the son of HIRANYAKASHYAPU, is tied to a pillar during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Kartik Dabali, Patan Durbar Square, in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, which extends into November 4. This scene depicts his punishment for worshipping Vishnu against his father’s command. Moments later, NARSINGH emerges from the pillar at twilight to rescue him and slay HIRANYAKASHYAPU, symbolizing the victory of dharma.

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#12873948

18 October 2025

A light burst shot captures a decorated temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on October 17, 2025, flooded with people as they prepare to celebrate Tihar or Diwali. During Tihar, people light earthen lamps and candles in their homes for three days while performing Pooja of Goddess Laxmi. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi showers blessings on houses that glow with lights throughout the night. Laxmi Pooja and the worship of the cow are performed on the same day because the goddess Laxmi emerged bearing a lotus along with a divine cow when the Devata (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara), as stated in the Vishnu Purana. On the occasion of Laxmi Pooja, also known as Diwali, people in Nepal and India do not let any nook and corner of the house remain dark, lighting lamps, candles, and lights to appeal to Goddess Laxmi for blessings. The Pooja is especially performed by the ladies of the family in the presence of all members, reciting the Sri Sukta hymn with the offering of coconut, which is believed to appease Goddess Laxmi.

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#11976006

24 January 2025

Deities are at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old tradition of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is seen. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976007

24 January 2025

A Hindu priest performs prayers at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 05, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976008

24 January 2025

Deities are at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old tradition of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is seen. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976009

24 January 2025

A Hindu devotee offers prayers at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is also present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976010

24 January 2025

Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976011

24 January 2025

Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976012

24 January 2025

The entrance to the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu is in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976013

24 January 2025

Steps lead to the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is seen. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976014

24 January 2025

Devotees offer food to monkeys at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976015

24 January 2025

Devotees offer food to monkeys at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976016

24 January 2025

A shrine at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 5, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976017

24 January 2025

A Hindu priest performs prayers at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 05, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976020

24 January 2025

A Hindu priest performs prayers at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 05, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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#11976023

24 January 2025

A Hindu priest performs prayers at the Sree Kallely Oorali Appooppan Kavu in Kalleli, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India, on April 05, 2024. The Oorali Appooppan Kavu is an ancient temple located on the banks of the Achankovil River in Kalleli in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple, the abode of the supreme power of nature, strictly adheres to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous Dravida-Naga tribes. The forest temple, open 24 hours, is located on the Achankovil-Konni-Sabarimala forest path. Oorali Appooppan is the lord of mountain gods, the protector of 999 mountains. It is believed that Appooppan is a gallant warrior who rules over Pandi Nadu (Tamil Nadu) and Kerala. Besides Oorali Appooppan, the presiding deity, Oorali Ammoomma, considered to be Appooppan's mother, is present. Opposite these two main deities is Vadackancherry Valiyachan, believed to be the one who has seen Appooppan. Kaula (kari) Ganapati, a tantric aspect of Ganesha, demigod Kuttichathan, and Harinarayana Thampuram, the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, are other sub-deities besides Valiyachan in the temple.

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