Available online
Description
This programme explores the complex blend of motives for pilgrimage in the Hindu tradition. It focuses fiirst on Ramdevra in Rajasthan where pilgrims come primarily with specific personal requests.... We see pilgrims making their devotions, and one of them possessed by the spirit of Ramdev. The second part of the programme looks at pilgrimage to Benares on the Ganges. Temple worship is described, and the ritual for feeding spirits of ancestors is shown in detail. The programme also explores the idea of ritual purification in the Ganges and looks at why it is the Hindu's ideal to die with part of his body immersed.
This programme explores the complex blend of motives for pilgrimage in the Hindu tradition. It focuses fiirst on Ramdevra in Rajasthan where pilgrims come primarily with specific personal requests.... We see pilgrims making their devotions, and one of them possessed by the spirit of Ramdev. The second part of the programme looks at pilgrimage to Benares on the Ganges. Temple worship is described, and the ritual for feeding spirits of ancestors is shown in detail. The programme also explores the idea of ritual purification in the Ganges and looks at why it is the Hindu's ideal to die with part of his body immersed.
| Module code and title: | AD208, Man's religious quest |
|---|---|
| Item code: | AD208; 09 |
| First transmission date: | 18-03-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | David Thompson |
| Contributor: | S. C. R. Weightman |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Hindu religion; Pilgrimages |
| Footage description: | The programme opens with shots of crowds of pilgrims at the shrine of Ramdev at Remdevra in Rajasthan. Over this Weightman comments on the nature of Hindu pilgrimage in general and at Remdevra in particular. Painting of the saint, Ramdev, whose history is briefly given. Film of the annual fair at Remdevra and of pilgrims singing ballads and attending the shrine. General shots of pilgrims. A hymn is translated in sub-titles. Film of pilgrims arriving at Remdevra. Individuals are singled out and Weightman gives their reasons for making the pilgrimage. Shots of pilgrims making offering to Ramdev and of a woman possessed by the spirit of the saint. Film of pilgrims bathing in the Ganges at Benares. Weightman explains the importance of this act of pilgrimage to Hindus. Film of shops and religious shrines in the town of Benares. Weightman describes the commercial activities supported by pilgrims. Shots of pilgrims in the Temple of Annapurna. Film showing poor pilgrims attending the ritual of Dinda-pradaiia as a group. Weightman provides commentary throughout. Two wealthy pilgrims are observed employing a priest to conduct their own pinda-pradama. They are seen making ritual preparations. English subtitles are provided for the actual ceremony itself. Two pilgrims are interviewed about their activities in Benares. The interview continues over film of the pilgrims at the Temple of Annapurna and other religious sites. They explain the importance of Benares as a religious centre. Film of a Hindu cremation and of ashes being placed in the Ganges. Weightman explains the significance of cremation for Hindu pilgrims. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72713 |
| Production number: | 00525_3435 |
| Videofinder number: | 1920 |
| Available to public: | no |
