This film looks at healing in the Hindu tradition, as well as the often permeable line between deities and human beings, in which God can be revealed in many ways.

1. In this film, pilgrims travel to Ramdevra, to the grave of King Ramdev (1404-58). During his life Ramdev became revered as a saint, by virtue of his piety and miraculous powers, and after death his tomb has become a place of pilgrimage for people seeking relief from various troubles. The greatest crowds gather for the annual celebration of Ramdev's death anniversary, and it is at this time that most of the people come.

2. The film opens with brief introduction to some of the pilgrims, and in each case it talks about their varying concerns (one is concerned for her son's health, another for her grandson's business, and two with their own health problems). It then gives some background on Ramdev's life, on the types of things that people come to request, and shows some scenes from the MELA or fair that goes with the annual festival. Music is one of the important elements here, either with singing songs in praise or Ramdev, or playing instruments, etc.

3. The group of pilgrims comes on a bus to Ramdevra, and then prepares and presents their offering at the shrine, receiving prasad as they leave. One of the women becomes possessed, and is taken to a neighboring temple to calm down. The pilgrims then stay there several more days--seeing the sights, wandering around, etc. etc.

4. The film has great shots of Indian crowds (elbow-to-elbow trying to get into the temple), as well as lots of images of Rajasthani village people (look for men in turbans, and women with white bangles up and down their arms). The chaos and noise in the temple are also true to life for an Indian festival crowd. The film ends with the report that a blind man regained his sight, and that a lame man walked (sound familiar?)

Back to the Film Index

Return to Jim Lochtefeld's Main Page

Return to the Carthage Home Page.

These pages are in progress.
Page maintained by James G. Lochtefeld.
Last modified 30 November 1999