| Upanishad Ganga | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama, Spiritual, Mythological |
| Created by | Chandraprakash Dwivedi |
| Developed by | Chinmaya Mission |
| Directed by | Chandraprakash Dwivedi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Original language | Hindi |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 52 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Swami Tejomayananda |
| Producer | Chinmaya Mission |
| Production locations | Varanasi, India |
| Running time | Approx. 45 minutes |
| Production company | Chinmaya Mission |
| Release | |
| Original network | DD National |
| Original release | 11 March 2012 – 24 March 2013 |
| External links | |
| [{{#property:P856}} Website] | |
Upanishad Ganga (Hindi: उपनिषद् गंगा) is an Indian television series based on the wisdom and stories of the ancient Hindu text, the Upanishad. The 52-episode series was directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, and produced by the Chinmaya Mission. It aired on DD National from 11 March 2012 to 24 March 2013.[1] and was the first-ever TV serial based on the Upanishads and dramatised its central teachings.[2][3]
Plot[edit | edit source]
The series is set in modern-day Varanasi, where a Sanskrit scholar and his playwright son stage theatrical renditions of Upanishadic teachings. Each episode features a dramatisation of key figures—such as Valmiki, Dara Shikoh, Ashtavakra, Meera Bai, and Yajnavalkya—tying ancient wisdom to relevant life lessons, to make Upanishadic wisdom accessible to a modern audience. [4]
Episodes[edit | edit source]
The series comprises 52 episodes. It begins with foundational teachings and gradually unfolds through short dramatizations:
- Episodes 1–4: Introduction to Vedic concepts and self-discovery
- 5–22: Stories of Valmiki, Dara Shikoh, Ashtavakra, and others.
- 23–42: Episodes focusing on Tulsidas, Nachiketa, Yajnavalkya.
- 43–51: Practical spiritual applications via Meera Bai, Sant Eknath.
- 52: A finale centred on gratitude and reflection.
Cast[edit | edit source]
The series had a large ensemble cast, each playing multiple roles over the course of the series. Abhimanyu Singh played 33 different roles. [3]
- Abhimanyu Singh as Sutradhar
- Ravi Khanvilkar as Sutradhar
- Sandeep Mohan
- Auroshikha Dey
- K.K. Raina
- Jaya Bhattacharya as Ratnavali, Jabala
- Mukesh Tiwari
- Rasika Dugal
- Vrajesh Hirjee as Ashtavakra
- Sai Deodhar
- Zakir Hussain
- Gagan Malik
- Manju Mugdale
- Digvijay Singh
- Vineet Kumar Singh
- Huma Qureshi as Wife of Yuvraj[5]
Production[edit | edit source]
The concept was conceived by Swami Tejomayananda, the then head of Chinmaya Mission, and was produced at a cost of US $1.6 million, under the direction of Chandraprakash Dwivedi, known for his historical serial Chanakya.[4] The screenplay was written jointly by Dwivedi and Farid Khan after four years of research with Chinmaya Mission. [4][6] The series were shot over a period of four years and the production cost crossed over 25 crores, before being aired. At the time, it was one of the most expensive serials on television.[3]
Reception[edit | edit source]
According to Express News Asia admin, the series received widespread appreciation from the audience and was acclaimed.[7] Hinduism Today described the series as highly professional, with excellent writing, staging, acting and cinematography.[6]
Distribution[edit | edit source]
In 2013, it was released as a Home video DVD series by Shemaroo Entertainment.[2]
Legacy[edit | edit source]
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it was re-aired by the DD Bharati channel of the state-run Doordarshan. [8][9] In January 2025, Chinmaya Mission and Sanatana Seva Sangham translated and released the series in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and English languages.[7]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Das, Soumitra (9 March 2012). "Chandraprakash Dwivedi upbeat about Upanishad Ganga!". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "First-ever TV serial on Upanishads released on home video". Business Standard. 15 December 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Maheshwri, Neha (13 January 2012). "33 roles for Abhimanyu Singh in one serial!". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "'उपनिषद गंगा': हजारों सालों से चली आ रही मेरी तुम्हारी कहानी". Dainik Bhaskar (in हिन्दी). 3 March 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
- ↑ "Huma Qureshi considering a comedy reality show?". India Today. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Television: Chinmaya Mission Creates a Hit TV Series". Hinduism Today. 1 April 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Chinmaya Mission and Sanatana Seva Sangham Release "Upanishad Ganga" in Multiple Languages". Express News. 29 January 2025. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
- ↑ "India Watches DD, India Fights Corona". Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. 28 March 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
re-broadcast of its old iconic serials
- ↑ "Doordarshan announces reruns of Chandraprakash Dwivedi's Chanakya, Shaktimaan, Shriman Shrimati". Firstpost. 31 March 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
External links[edit | edit source]
 Chinmaya Mission Official channel | |
 Upanishad Ganga in multiple languages |