President Barack Obama's inauguration

Barack Obama was publicly sworn in Monday for a second term as US president, again shouldering the power and burdens of office in testing times, before a flag-waving crowd of hundreds of thousands.

Image courtesy: AFP

Obama raised his right hand and rested his left on Bibles once owned by Martin Luther King and Abraham Lincoln, on an outdoor platform set on the West Front of the US Capitol building and below its elegant white dome.

Image courtesy: AFP

The president was earlier announced with a peal of trumpets and walked down the steps from the iconic building to a huge cheers of "Obama, Obama" from a vast crowd stretching into the distance down the National Mall below.

Image courtesy: AFP

Singer Kelly Clarkson performs after US President Barack Obama took the oath of office during the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in at the US Capitol.

Image courtesy: AFP

Musician James Taylor sings before US President Barack Obama took the oath of office. The oath was administered by US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.

Image courtesy: AFP

The mood surrounding Obama's second inaugural is more subdued than it was four years ago, when the swearing in of the nation's first black president drew 1.8 million people to the Mall.

Image courtesy: AFP

President Barack Obama greets Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton.

Image courtesy: AP

The president and Michelle Obama started the morning at a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church, just across Lafayette Square from the White House. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, joined the first couple at the service.

Image courtesy: AFP

The president was cheered in the streets as his motorcade slowly made its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House and arrived at the Capitol.

Image courtesy: AP

Members of the Lee University Festival Choir and PS 22 Chorus perform before the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol

Image courtesy: AP

Sasha and Malia Obama arrive at the ceremonial swearing-in of their father President Barack Obama.

Image courtesy: AP

Bundled-up Obama supporters trekked into town to join snaking lines for Secret Service checkpoints guarding a steel-fenced secure zone around the White House and the inaugural parade route.

Image courtesy: AFP

Former President Bill Clinton arrives on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington

Image courtesy: AP

Crowds congregate in The National Mall for the ceremonial swearing-in for President Barack Obama.

Image courtesy: AP