Product Description

India is amongst the most spiritual countries in the world with its main religion Hinduism being one of the oldest in existence. Its eight hundred million adherents celebrate the many colourful festivals and holidays of this diverse doctrine, but India is also the home mysticism and sacred practices. For the first time on DVD, this award-winning television introduces us to the world of the Saddhus the Holy Men of Hinduism; the Fakirs God s poor men ; the Sikh Knights of God; Calcutta; the Ganges Guardians; and Benares, the holiest city in India. . Disc 1 The Sacred Meeting of the Saddhus The festival of Kumbha Mela is the world s largest religious gathering with over eighty million pilgrims. It is also the gathering place for the Saddhu brotherhoods, the Holy Men of Hinduism. The Path of A Fakir Fakirs are respected by Hindus and Muslims alike as men of wisdom and the mystics of Islam. They are God s poor men who possess nothing, and nothing possesses them. Disc 2 The Knights of God - Guru Gobind Singh was the last of the ten Gurus who transformed the Sikh faith. Today all practising Sikhs recognise his teachings that they should possess the spiritual qualities of a saint and the physical qualities of a warrior. The Last Life of Nirmala Nirmala has chosen to relinquish her previous life and serve as a nun with her sisters and the holy monks of Jain. She will take her vows during the holiday of the Big Unction which occurs every twelve years. Disc 3 The Guardians of the Ganges The Saddhus keep watch over the traditions of Hinduism. From bathing in the Ganges to travelling across India s holy places, they are the holy men whom pilgrims ask for advice and blessings. Possessed by the Gods The Teyyam is a sacred art and religious theatre. This ritual is unique to the Kerala region and during the nights of the dry season, the men are possessed by the gods in order to give the village divine protection. Disc 4 Durga, The Goddess with Clay Feet Every year in October, Calcutta celebrates Durga, the mother of all goddesses. Artisans create thousands of clay statues that will be coloured and dressed before being immersed in the river. Benares, the Soul of the Ganges It is the holiest city in India, home to one million people and sixty thousand pilgrims every day. Said to have originated from the goddess Shiva, the Ganges is the life of the city and the centre point of the feast of Ramilla.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25392 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-05-26
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Dolby, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 4
• Running time: 420 minutes

Synopsis
Features the complete first series of the show that explores the customs and beliefs of the religious guardians and mystics of India.