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21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A walk towards the Divine

Varanasi (also known as Kashi and Benares) is one of the holiest and ancient cities of the world. It is a place to purify oneself and it is believed to be the place of the soul's liberation. The belief has lasted centuries and will do probably til the end of time. I visited the place and I could feel an unseen energy at a deep level. This photo was taken near the Kashi temple - the grandest amongst 2000 odd temples within the city. It shows self-absorbed devotees returning from the temple, charged with Shiva's blessings.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Varanasi, India
Camera: ILCE-7M3
Copyright: © Sandeep Maher