Baba Anant Amarnath in Varanasi

Baba Anant Amarnath usually resides in Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu but made the journey to the Maha Kumbh Mela and then on to Varanasi. Along with so many other sadhu's he was camping on the ghats, in temporary structures of sticks and tarpaulins. The sadhu's all come together for the Kumbh Mela and migrate to Varanasi mid February to await and celebrate Shivarartri. It's a magical time with the steps so alive with fire and prayers. This photograph was taken on one of my early morning walks, just after sunrise and blissful before the craziness of the intense crowds kicked in. I would be invited to sit with the sadhus, enjoying whatever level of conversation was possible and the energy of our exchange. In the background is a big red rolled up fleece blanket, the kind that all pilgrims and baba's use when sleeping out. The tent is the vibrant orange and yellow of devotion and his tattoos etch Shiva into his being.