The practice of this ritual was generally discontinued among Brahmins by the late Vedic period, during the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in India. Nevertheless, a continuous, unbroken 3,000 year tradition has been claimed to exist among a few Nambudiri Brahmin families in Kerala, South India."
In 1975 Indologist Frits Staal documented in great detail the performance of an Agnicayana performed by Nambudiri Brahmins according to Samaveda tradition[5] at Panjal, Kerala.[6][7] The last performance before that had been in 1956, and the Nambudiris were concerned that the ritual was threatened by extinction. It had never before been observed by outsiders. The scholars contributed towards the cost of the ritual, and the Nambudiris agreed that it should be filmed and recorded. The ritual was performed from 12 to 24 April 1975. An effigy was used to symbolize the goat sacrifice, due to overwhelming opposition by animal protection groups
The fact that this ritual has survived 3,000 years is mind blowing. This ritual gives us a glimpse of the culture of ancient civilizations. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring and mind blowing ritual.
ReplyDeleteI actually noticed something about the ritual that reminded much of an instance that was presented in a Super Mario game (Super Mario Sunshine) in an episode where Mario had to collect red and blue coins on a traveling sand bird.
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ccISk5aQUEQ/maxresdefault.jpg
It seems to be an incredible ritual. It was an interesting article to read.
ReplyDeleteFor a ritual to survive for 3,000 years is impressive, but I feel like they should have used a goat as sacrifice during the performances in 1975 because it is important to the ritual. However, I do see why they used an effigy.
ReplyDeleteI think it is dedication and devotion that has allowed this 3,000-year-old ritual to survive for so long and since it was documented in 1975, the knowledge of it will most likely never be lost.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about such ritual nor did I know it is the longest ritual of our history, wow, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this wonderful video! I didn't have the slightest idea that a ritual such as this one even existed. The efforts put in by the chosen person everyday to keep the fire lit is quite impressive and demonstrates the immense respect that the tribe shares for this sacred ritual.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching this video, I had no idea this ritual existed and it was very nice to see it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the amount of devotion demonstrated by this tribe is really incredible. When you stop and think about all the different people that have taken part in this ritual over its 3000 year old history its all the more remarkable.
ReplyDeleteI hold great respect for the Brahmans who dedicated their life to the worship of their god, Agni. Today's society does not revolve around religion the way that older societies did. So seeing the extent of devotion that those families had towards their religion is really a quality to admire.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see how much effort and thought the Brahmans put into executing such a detailed ritual.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, this is the first time I hear of this ritual. Followers of this religion are very devoted and dedicated to keep this ritual alive for many years.
ReplyDeleteThis is insane! The Brahmans must have had so much patience! I wonder if any of the people working on the ritual ever got bored lol
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the culture last for 3,000 years. This is shocking compared to my culture. This movie allows us to see how another culture operates
ReplyDeleteRitual is a beautiful thing as it is different in each culture and religion. I respect ritual very much even if i don't practice it. Keeping it alive for so long is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased that this extraordinary performance was recorded and made into a documentary since for most of us this is the first time learning about this Agnicayana Ritual in India.
ReplyDeleteA video like this one impacted me, it really shows how important is to leave the past behind and how these cultures live in a present and in a futuristic life. Spending so much time doing something and then just getting rid of the hard work shows how time is not important for them, it just represents numbers passing. The important thing is to live the today and think about the future and what awaits for us.
ReplyDeleteThe effort required to keep the fire going is tremendous and admiring. So much devotion tot the ritual really shows how much respect they have for the ritual and the fact that it has been kept going for 3,000 years is so impressive!!
ReplyDeleteTHIS RITUAL DEPICTS DEEP SPACE COSMOLOGY.
DeleteANCIENT SIDHAS WITH EIGHT SIDHEES, KNEW ASTRAL TRAVEL.
THE RITUAL DEPICTS
FINAL PRALAY
WHERE ANTI MATTER ( VISHNU TATAV with GARUD as Vahan having divine nector ) DESTROYS
-THE DARK MATTER ( SHIVA TATAV )
as well as
- ATOMIC MATTER ( BRAHMAA TATTAV) .
THE PRATPAR TATAV REMAIN UNDISTURBED AND INFINITE.
This happens after about once every two trillion years as per VEDIC COSMOLOGY.
The Eagle comes during MRIGSHIRA MONTH in direction of EAGLE NEBULA and serpent constellation ( in line of largest galaxy in cosmos IC 1101) that lies in line of BLACK HOLE as well as GREAT ATTRACTOR ( KAAL ) and GIANT ATTRACTOR ( VISHNU).
7000BC TRADITION CARRIED THROUGH SUCH AN ELABORATE TRADITION.
TRADITION STILL CARRIED WITH OR WITHOUT WRITTEN INDUS OR VEDIC SANSKRIT SCRIPT.
THANKS KERLA.