indian cinema heritage foundation

Dashera (1956)

  • Release Date1956
  • GenreFantasy
  • FormatB-W
  • LanguageHindi
  • Length3944.11 meters
  • Gauge35 mm
  • Censor RatingU
  • Censor Certificate NumberU-15421-MUM
  • Certificate Date25/02/1956
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What eternal force sustains the earth since ages? The question was put before the Assembly of Gods by Lord Vishnu. Dharma Dev maintained that religion was the guiding spirit of man. All Gods supported this except Kali Dev. He challenged Dharma Dev to show him one single man on earth who does not succumb to the temptation of money. He said that gold can buy religion in Kaliyug. Dharma Dev protested against the claims of Kali Dev and told him there is one man by name Seth Shriyal who will not swerve from the path of Dharma, in spite of the temptations, Kali Dev may put in his way Kali Dev took up the challenge and decided to take the trial of the generous, upright and honest Seth Shriyal, who was loved and respected by all the people of the town, also because of his staunch devotion to God. Vikram was his jealous neighbour Kali Dev inspired Vikram to act in such a way that Shriyal may be disgraced in the eyes of the people.

Shriyal had no issue. Vikram was taunting his wife Chandra for the same. But at last, by the grace of Laxmi Devi, Chandra, wife of Shriyal became pregnant. Vikram, through the inspiration of Kali Dev devised ways and means so that Chandra may not deliver the child, but his own servant upset the plan by a clever trick.

Both Vikram and Kali tried there best to tempt Shriyal from the path of Dharma, but they failed in all their efforts. They made Shriyal begger to penny and also threw him out of his house by cheating. They also made him an accused in a theft and the King of the place threw him into the well of death, but Shriyal came out of all these trials and tribulations most successfully.

Again in the Assembly of Gods, Kali Dev pointed out that he failed in his efforts only because of Lord Vishnu was helping Shriyal all the time he tried to remove him from the path of religion. Lord Vishnu said that it was not the case and assured the Assembly and Kali Dev that Shriyal would not give up his faith in Dharma even if he himself tried to tempt him, but Kali Dev would not believe him.

Ultimately, Lord Vishnu came out to try Shriyal and this was the severest trial any human being had passed through in the history of mankind.

What is that trial? Whether Shriyal successfully passed through that trial? See it on the silver screen.

(From the official press booklet)
 

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