Documentary
Five reasons to watch ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ on Discovery Channel
Mumbai: Gautama Buddha’s teachings have stood the test of time, shaping the spiritual heritage of countless individuals across the globe. The allure of his wisdom is further explored in the latest addition to the ‘Secrets’ franchise – ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics.’ Set to premiere on 26 February 2024, at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel, this documentary – created by showrunner Neeraj Pandey, hosted by acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, and directed by Raghav Jairath – promises an intriguing journey into the historical and cultural significance of Buddha’s relics. Here are five compelling reasons why you should mark your calendars for this enlightening experience:
1. Journey towards enlightenment: Gautama Buddha’s final days
Have you ever wondered how Gautama Buddha spent his Final days and how he laid the foundation for his teachings to be spread worldwide through his relics? ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ answers just that through a comprehensive telling of the history of relics and the mystical stories behind their origins.
2. The classification and significance of Buddha Relics
The documentary skillfully presents a clear picture of the classification and significance of Buddha relics. It showcases various sites where Buddha relics are enshrined and venerated, such as Stupas like Piprahwa and Vaishali. It also illustrates how, after Buddha’s passing, the distribution of his relics among kingdoms ignited a powder keg of tension.
3. A stellar lineup of experts
Embarking on a captivating journey ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ brings together a diverse panel of experts, including scholars, practitioners of Buddhism, historians, and archaeologists. With insights from renowned spokespersons such as filmmaker Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Dr. B. R. Mani, and Dr. Tishyarakshita Bhargav, among others, on the final days of Buddha, the distribution of his relics, Buddha’s last journey, and the locations of the relics, the documentary unveils the intricate tapestry of historical and mythological narratives intertwined with these relics.
4. Gautama Buddha’s last meal
Buddha’s last meal has been the subject of countless speculations and is shrouded in mystery. Various theories paint a vivid picture of Buddha’s final meal. ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ examines the significance of this event through various accounts and historical evidence. Amidst these enthralling narratives, one prevailing belief emerges, portraying Buddha savoring a delectable delicacy called Sukara-maddava, which could be related to pork, mushroom, or truffle.
5. Relevance of Buddha relics
The documentary also emphasizes the significance of Buddha relics in the modern world and how they serve as potent symbols of enlightenment and peace. It also underscores how they have safeguarded and unified Buddha’s followers and how they have endured despite foreign invasions in the past.
Unlock the secrets of enlightenment. Don’t miss the premiere of Secrets of the Buddha Relics on Discovery Channel on Monday 26 Feb 2024 at 9 pm, also available on discovery+.
MUMBAI: From Ranthambore with roar. This World Tiger Day, BBC Player is sinking its claws into the untamed heart of India with Legendary Tigers of India, a gripping documentary that prowls onto screens this Independence Day, 15 August . Narrated by the late, legendary conservationist Valmik Thapar, the film is more than just stripes and stares. It’s a moving chronicle of survival, strength, and the shifting story of India’s national animal. Thapar, one of the world’s foremost tiger experts, spent a full monsoon-to-monsoon year tracking a new generation of Bengal tigers deep within Ranthambore, one of India’s most iconic tiger reserves.
With intimate access and five decades of experience behind the lens and in the wild, Thapar offers rare glimpses of tigers not just as apex predators, but as emotionally complex, intuitive creatures navigating shrinking habitats and growing human presence.
The film roars to life from Thapar’s own jungle home at the forest’s edge, blending dramatic visuals with a deeply personal narrative. From mother cub dynamics to solitary alpha males, the documentary captures the instinctual ballet of survival, mating, territoriality and raw jungle drama woven through the lens of ecological urgency and reverence.
Premiering exclusively on BBC Player in India via Tata Play Binge and Prime Video (add-on subscription required), this special release is BBC’s tribute to India’s tiger legacy. With India currently home to more than 70 per cent of the world’s wild tigers 3,682, as per the 2023 census the documentary feels both timely and timeless.
In an age of noisy content, Legendary Tigers of India invites audiences to pause, listen, and marvel. Not just at the majesty of the tiger, but at a conservation journey that began with 1,411 tigers in 2006 and roared back in triumph. This isn’t just a documentary. It’s a call to protect what still prowls.
