The Dashashwamedh, a photo from Uttar Pradesh, North

Photographer's Note

The Holiest of the Holy Ghats of Banaras - the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is to take a dip in the holy Ganges at this particular Ghat that millions of Hindu Pilgrims come to Varanasi.
It is located close to "Kasi Vishwanath Temple" and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu mythologies are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another legend, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Dasa - Ashwamedha yajna performed here.
Ashwamedha - The Ashvamedha (Sanskrit: अश्वमेध aśvamedhá; "horse sacrifice") was one of the most important royal rituals of Vedic religion, described in detail in the Yajurveda (TS 7.1-5, VSM 22–25[1] and the pertaining commentary in the Shatapatha Brahmana ŚBM 13.1–5). The Rigveda does have descriptions of horse sacrifice, notably in hymns RV 1.162-163 (which are themselves known as aśvamedha), but does not allude to the full ritual according to the Yajurveda.

holmertz, papagolf21, No_One, krzychu30, jhm, ikeharel, abmdsudi, Cricri, ChrisJ, delpeoples, PaulVDV has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

holmertz (103642) 2013-11-27 13:35

Hello Arunava,
This is a fine view towards some of the very characteristic and very interesting buildings of the Varanasi ghats. For a European this must be one of the most exotic places on earth. When I came here long ago, quite young and an unexperienced traveller, I was overwhelmed by what I saw in those streets and stairways. The sky is a bit grainy but it doesn't really disturb me because the warm and intense colours of the buildings catch my entire attention.
Kind regards,
Gert

papagolf21 (152607) 2013-11-27 14:55

Bonsoir, Arunava,
La note d'accompagnement richement documentée est très intéressante et permet de mieux comprendre l'image présentée.
Le résultat est digne d'intérêt.
Très bonne soirée.
Amitiés.
Philippe

aleXundar (1256) 2013-11-28 0:14

Hello Arunava,
The fantastic colors caught my eye even in the thumbnail. Now I see that details are also superbly captured. Taking advantage of the soft morning light, you have created a beautiful image from a well-chosen Pov. I like the water and reflection thereon.
Very well done.

Regards,
Alekhya

No_One (4) 2013-11-28 0:30

Hi Arunava,
This looks like a busy place in your capture. Though I can imagine the crowds would be much mroe substantial at times, it still seems here that there are many many people along the shoreline. Once again, I find this to be a fascinating and eclectic blend of styles of building, and a fascinating place to see. Your note is as ever excellent to help me appreciate the importance and history here.
Thanks as always
Noel

krzychu30 (15512) 2013-11-28 2:12

Hello Arunava,
beautiful scene and excellent note explaing us the rich of India´s religious and cultural life.
The light is truly exeptional here and affect the color scheme of the scene really nicely.

Have a nice day
Krzysztof

jhm (211738) 2013-11-28 4:28

Hello Arunava,

The colours are very strong but a very well detailed picture.
A splendid architecture picture.
Excellent composition, lovely soft presentation
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John

abmdsudi (95869) 2013-11-28 8:08

Namaste Arunava
I must congratulate you on best effort here, that you have strike the right balance of light, rich colours - but not over saturated and white balanced so well as the sky tone appears so natural, the sharpness looks moderate and so pleasant on the eye!! Above all I love your pp treatments is just great - keep it up. There are lots of gems in this awesome vibrant image by the famous river, lovely golden color of the buildings, touch the ghats, wonderful water reflections and the depth. A great photo works - the best light quality happens only at golden light hour and your time surely will be rewarded as shown. A quality shot.
Very well done, My compliments :))
Best regards

Cricri (176) 2013-11-28 10:40

Hi Arunava
Une note d'information aidant a mieux comprendre cette belle présentation, une composition intéressante, bien présenter dans un excellent rendu des couleurs
Belle soirée
cricri

Silvio1953 (222959) 2013-11-28 11:16

Ciao Arunava, fascinating composition with fantastic buildings, wonderful warm colors and splendid light, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

ChrisJ (172436) 2013-11-29 15:29

Hello Arunava,

The red ochre colors contrast well against the hazy blue sky. Nice fg reflections in the river with good sharpness and saturation. The croeds of people add scale and context. Good repetition of the towers. Tfs!

delpeoples (60342) 2013-12-01 5:04

Namaskar dear Arunava

Once Gain the golden light here is exquisite and beautifully highlights the ancient architecture aswell as beautifying the water. I like the front-on POV, there is good sharpness and good choice of the landscape format. Thanks for sharing.

Have a beautiful day
Lisa

PaulVDV (63478) 2013-12-01 9:17

Hello Arunava,
The many intense golden and reddish colours make the Dashashwamedh Ghat stand out strongly against the light blue sky. The colours of the buildings also get well reflected in the darker water.
Wonderful presentation of this renowned pilgrimage site.
Best regards, Paul

macjake (98544) 2015-08-01 20:56

Hi Arunava
yes, I remember this place well.
its unforgettable.
good for you to ride out onto the water to get this shot.
the lighting is soft and exposed very well.
wouldn't change anything to the compo or the subject.
nice shot
cheers
Craig