On a Bed of Nails
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On a Bed of Nails
A passer-by gives a donation to a fakir who lies on a bed of nails Date: 19th century ?
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Media ID 14276035
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Ascetics Donation Fakir Lies Nails Passer
EDITORS COMMENTS
On a Bed of Nails: A Passer-by Gives a Donation to a Fakir (19th century) This evocative image captures a moment in the rich and complex history of Indian asceticism and spiritual practices. The photograph, believed to date back to the 19th century, depicts a fakir, a religious ascetic, lying calmly on a bed of nails. His serene expression and unflinching posture convey his mastery over his body and his deep spiritual focus. The scene takes place on the bustling streets of India, where the fakir has set up his makeshift shrine. A passer-by, intrigued and impressed by the fakir's display of endurance, approaches to offer a donation. The exchange between the two figures highlights the interplay of faith, curiosity, and generosity that characterized the religious landscape of India during this period. The use of a bed of nails as a symbol of spiritual prowess and penance is deeply rooted in Indian religious traditions, particularly in Hinduism and Jainism. Ascetics and holy men have practiced this extreme form of self-mortification for centuries, seeking to purify their bodies and minds and draw closer to the divine. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, shedding light on the unique and often enigmatic world of Indian ascetics and their spiritual practices. It also underscores the enduring allure of the mystical and the extraordinary, which continues to captivate and inspire us to this day.
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