Altar of Fire (1976)

Altar of Fire (1976) poster

This film records a 12 day ritual performed by Mambudiri Brahmins in Kerala, southwest India, in April 1975. This event was possibly the last performance of the Agnicayana, a Vedic ritual of sacrifice dating back 3,000 years and probably the oldest surviving human ritual. Long considered extinct and never witnessed by outsiders, the ceremonies require the participation of seventeen priests, involve libations of Soma juice and oblations of other substances, all preceded by several months of preparation and rehearsals. They include the construction, from a thousand bricks, of a fire altar in the shape of a bird.

Director: Robert Gardner
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 45 min
Release Date:
Country: India, United States of America
Language: English
Original Language: en

Trailer

Altar of Fire Trailer
More Films by Director: Robert Gardner
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Altar of Fire about?
This film records a 12 day ritual performed by Mambudiri Brahmins in Kerala, southwest India, in April 1975. This event was possibly the last performance of the Agnicayana, a Vedic ritual of sacrifice dating back 3,000 years and probably the oldest surviving human ritual. Long considered extinct and never witnessed by outsiders, the ceremonies require the participation of seventeen priests, involve libations of Soma juice and oblations of other substances, all preceded by several months of preparation and rehearsals. They include the construction, from a thousand bricks, of a fire altar in the shape of a bird.
Who directed Altar of Fire?
Altar of Fire was directed by Robert Gardner.
How long is Altar of Fire?
Altar of Fire has a runtime of 45m (45 minutes).
What genre is Altar of Fire?
Altar of Fire is a Documentary film.
Where was Altar of Fire produced?
Altar of Fire was produced in India, United States of America.