I have known Maharajah in white clothes in my picture for many years now , he plays the musical instruments at the Marriammen feast in the mornings before the animal sacrifice rituals ..and his music is very hypnotic ,, I once went into a trance and collapsed on the floor of the Temple .
Maharajah beckoned me into the Marriammen Temple .. but I was busy shooting outside , and later I entered the Temple with Ganesh the Butcher of Mother Marriammen.. I follow protocol and respect of the temple ..though all the priests here know me very well.. as a photographer I maintain decorum try not to get carried away and take my photography for granted .. there rituals are primary my photography is secondary .
Later in the evening Maharajah helps the guys get their cheeks pierced , insert hooks in the back and inserting needles in the arms backs of men women kids from which limes are hung in clusters .
Women get their tongue pierced too by small needle like Trishuls ,
There is a Maha Puja to Goddess Marriammen on the beach , this Goddess of Fertility , Small Pox and Goddess of Peace Humanity ..
The animal sacrifice is graphic ,and very different , but as a photographer I am merely shooting it so you should use your discretion and not judge me harshly ,, as mentioned time and again I dont endorse my views on their rituals and because they trust me , they invite me ,, since 2005 .
And this is one of my favorite segments I have shot it passionately ,, and hope to pierce my cheeks with a 18 feet rod too show my moral solidarity with the Tamils my friends and fellow Indians .
I also hope to visit Salem to shoot the Mother Marriammen feast one day..when I have more time and financial stability .
