I’m not sure when you’ll see the documentary on TV, but remember, here’s where you read about it first. It’s a 30-minute documentary that aims at giving evidence of the existence of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of lord Vishnu. Produced and directed by Manish Pandit, the film tackles the issue of whether his birth is “history or myth”. Does it succeed?
I’m not sure. Pandit’s immense research into the subject (he speaks to professors, researchers and believers) is commendable but it’s a controversial subject on which one cannot pronounce judgement within 30 minutes. Pandit does establish the birth of Krishna — very fascinatingly — with the help of astronomical, astrological and archaeological evidence. While Pandit, I hear, is still trying to finalise a channel to showcase this fascinating documentary, I think he might face a slight problem over sections where Hare Krishna converts (one of whom was readying to become a Catholic priest) speak about how they “didn’t find answers in the Bible or the Quran but in the Bhagwad Gita”. These are statements that might be labelled “controversial”. Take, for instance, Pandit’s interview with an African-American who candidly remarks: “Why wasn’t I handsome; why wasn’t I born in a different family? I was searching for answers but I was simply told that I was not to ask such questions. That’s when I turned to the Bhagwad Gita.”
It’s blasphemous, according to Christianity, to think that Krishna is actually the “Father” that Christ refers to. “Jesus,” explains another Krishna devotee, “is the son of god. Aren’t we all? He’s an exemplary son, but the Father, the pitamah, is really Krishna.” It’s just the sort of dialogue to find resentful voices among believers of another faith.
That the documentary will be successful on television is assured. Why? Because it moves from matters of the heart, of faith, to trace Krishna’s birth with scientific evidence. For instance, the documentary speaks to Rajesh Purohit, deputy director, Sri Krishna Museum, Kurukshetra, who gives evidence to prove that river Saraswati isn’t a mythical river but one that “supported a mighty civilisation”. He also talks about 200 archaeological sites spread along the 1,600-km course of the river. “There are coins that were discovered and showed Krishna and Balaram icons,” he adds. S R Rao, who excavated a 15th century BCE site on the west coast of Gujarat, tells Pandit that “This was Krishna’s Dwarka.” He shows a seal inscribed with a bull, unicorn and goat as mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.
The highlight, however, is Prof B N Narahari Achar’s views. A professor of physics at the University of Memphis, he shows Pandit astronomical references in the Mahabharata and performs sophisticated experiments. Achar uses planetarium software programmes that generate an exact picture of the sky for any given day and time, from any part of the earth. He explains the planetary positioning in detail while referring to the Mahabharata, and even arrives at the date of 3067 BCE as the year in which the infamous battle of the Kauravas and Pandavas took place.
There will be many reasons why this docu will find favour, but the foremost reason will be the precision with which the documentary approaches the subject of Krishna’s birth. In the end, you might not quite believe the findings, but I doubt that you will be able to question the faith with which this docu has been put together.
Ok. I was raised Christian. I also have to tell you that I witnessed people speaking in taungs in a small village somewhere in Central America. Growing up part of my childhood I saw things that if I told you.., you would think I 'm crazy. Yes, there were also aliens. Small little creatures flying over the Chamelecon River. I saw it, my cousins saw it and adults saw them. On day I was at a library in Norther Cali. Then, there was this book about a king Name Arjuna and some guys named Krishna.
I read the book...., I was speechless. How can human being poses so much knowledge? It was the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna that changed my point of view in life. I respect all religions.
A man must believe in something in order to exist and have a purpose in this life. I don't know much about Hinduism but I tell you. I thank whoever wrote that translation so I could read it. Thank you. My life got better since 2002.
Posted by: pratibha
January 06 , 2012, 21:19 IST
hello...crucialevidence.... i like the fact that u liked the conversation between krishna and arjuna actually you read "gita" the holy book of hindusim.. and trust me .. you would have truly made your life much better because this is wahat lord tells us... "live happy and balieve in god" :)
You are right it will be difficult for "channels " to air it because the world is ruled by Catholics and Islamists. They have money power and brute force. The article too seems to have this in background and a final strong insinuation that you being english speaking modern person will reject it. Obviously all Latin origin language speaking will reject everything from which India derives its faith and heritage.
What you have probably deliberately omitted is that Pandit has questioned divinity of Krishna which lends great credibility to it at the first instance.
Second why are the Latin origin speakers overwhelmingly opposing that there is king by name of Ramchandra or Krishna. They are so allergic to these names that even a word of this is finished in the bud by branding it hindu chauvinist and communal. These allergy itself proves that there is logic in what Pandit says.
Well Said Raja,
Its not just Hindus or Muslims or anyone else..if they can prove that their claims are correct let them prove it the way Dr. Maish Pandit is trying to do.
Let the divine light prevail on us and the truth be uncovered.
I think Abhilasha, a statement like ...."it's a controversial subject on which one cannot pronounce judgement within 30 minutes" is not justified.
The documentary is 30 minutes but the overall research time must have been much more than 30 minutes and much more comprehensive....see in the last paragraph u mention complex xperiments and research done with so many people...
overall the undertone of the article is very skepticle and almost ridiculing....
Well done the painstking task Mr. Manish Pandit has taken on preparing this documentary.
I do not understand what Abhilasa is trying to convey through her article feeling so sorry .I am sure the documentary is not trying to offend or gaining one up on any one.
Why should Hindus fear expressing their beliefs because it may offend some other faith? If it is true according to our faith then let us share it proudly. It's not like we are trying to offend anyone, as many faiths have done us.
Content Guide
It’s blasphemous, according to Christianity, to think that Krishna is actually the “Father” that Christ refers to. “Jesus,” explains another Krishna devotee, “is the son of god. Aren’t we all? He’s an exemplary son, but the Father, the pitamah, is really Krishna.” It’s just the sort of dialogue to find resentful voices among believers of another faith.
