Pilgrimage in Hinduism | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

The Role of Pilgrimage in Hinduism

What is Pilgrimage in Hinduism?

A pilgrimage in Hinduism is a sacred journey undertaken for a specific spiritual purpose. Hindus believe that holy sites are unique places where the divine and earthly realms converge, facilitating a connection between the two worlds. Pilgrimage is considered a vital practice in Hinduism and is encouraged whenever feasible. 

• The religion encompasses numerous sacred sites, each associated with specific deities, which hold profound significance for devotees. Undertaking a pilgrimage helps Hindus forge a deeper connection with Brahman, the ultimate reality. 
• It serves as a means to express devotion to God, gain insight into sacred sites, and meet fellow Hindus who share similar beliefs, all while striving toward moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Practices & Purposes of Pilgrimage

Why do Hindus go on Pilgrimage?

Hindus undertake pilgrimages for various reasons, each tied to the spiritual significance of specific locations. For instance, rivers are revered as sacred due to their life-giving properties, and visiting them allows devotees to express devotion to deities associated with creation. The Rig Veda, a key Hindu scripture, includes a hymn praising rivers, reinforcing their sanctity and the importance of river pilgrimages. The reasons for embarking on a pilgrimage include:

• Seeking atonement for past wrongdoings.
• Deepening faith and growing closer to God.
• Demonstrating dedication to their religion or a particular deity.
• Undertaking a spiritual journey on behalf of someone unable to do so.
• Requesting divine assistance or healing.
• Learning more about a sacred site.
• Following a family tradition of visiting a specific pilgrimage site.

What happens during Hindu Pilgrimage?

The activities performed during a Hindu pilgrimage vary depending on the location and the individual pilgrim’s intentions. Common practices include:

• Offering gifts or donations to God.
• Circumambulating (walking around) a temple as an act of reverence.
• Reciting prayers.
• Chanting mantras.
• Spending time in the divine presence of a deity.
• Scattering the ashes of a loved one in a sacred site.
• Bathing in holy waters, such as those of a sacred river.
• Collecting samples of sacred water, earth, or other items from the site.
• Purchasing and wearing special clothing associated with the pilgrimage.
• Shaving one’s head as a symbol of humility or renewal.
• Walking barefoot as a sign of respect and devotion.
• Focusing intently on God and spiritual contemplation.

Sacred Sites in Hinduism

• Hinduism recognizes numerous holy sites across India, but seven cities are considered the holiest: Kashi (Varanasi), Ayodhya, Mathura, Dwarka, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Haridwar. Other prominent pilgrimage destinations include Kumbh Mela, the River Ganges, Varanasi, and Vrindavana.
• The River Ganges holds paramount importance as it is considered an embodiment of Lord Shiva. Many Hindus aspire to visit Varanasi and bathe in the Ganges at least once in their lifetime, believing that doing so purifies the soul (atman) and aids in attaining moksha. After cremation, it is common for Hindus to scatter their loved ones’ ashes in the Ganges. 
• Varanasi, located at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, is revered as the "City of Lord Shiva." It is a place for reflection on the impermanence of life and the pursuit of moksha. Known as the "Gateway to Moksha," death in Varanasi is believed to grant immediate liberation. The city’s ghats, where cremations occur along the riverbank, are particularly famous.
• Vrindavana, located in the Mathura district, is another significant pilgrimage site, known as the "City of Light." It is associated with Lord Krishna, who is believed to have spent his childhood there. The town is home to numerous temples where devotees can worship and connect with Krishna’s divine presence.

What is Kumbh Mela?

• Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest pilgrimage, attracting up to 10 million participants. It occurs every three years at four different locations, with a grand festival held every twelve years at Prayaga, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers converge. 
• The festival commemorates a mythological event where nectar of immortality was spilled during a battle between gods and demons. Bathing in the sacred waters at Kumbh Mela is believed to purify devotees, and bathing on the day of the new moon is thought to liberate one from the cycle of samsara (rebirth).

What happens at Kumbh Mela?

• At Kumbh Mela, Hindus from diverse backgrounds gather to participate in ritual bathing, believing it cleanses them of sins. The bathing is followed by spiritual purification rituals and ceremonies to receive divine blessings. 
• Pilgrims offer garlands of marigolds to Mother Ganges by placing them in the river and perform rituals by scooping water from the river and letting it flow back through their fingers. 
• Traditionally, ash-smeared sadhus (holy men) adorned with marigold garlands lead the procession into the river. Beyond the festive atmosphere, Kumbh Mela is a time of deep devotion, with pilgrims focusing on prayer and seeking special blessings from the divine.