In the famous Sri Meenakshi Temple of Madurai, Lord Shiva’s’ ‘going to bed ceremony’ is played out with much pomp and ceremony to the delight of a frenzied crowd of devotees.

From a gallery outside the main temple, you can witness this ceremony taking place from afar. The image of Shiva is carried each night in an elaborate chariot, from his shrine to his wife Parvati’s residential quarters in a different part of the temple.

It’s an eye-opening experience of India’s deep spirituality.