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pilgrimage
> Hello!
> I am a student researching on the subject of 'pilgrimage' as viewed by
> the various religions. I am having difficulty getting info on the
> phenomena of pilgrimage in Hinduism. I would greatly appreciate a
> positive response to the following questions:
> 1 what is the religious significance of the pilgrimage
To develop religious fervour in yourself.
But I've heard this quote-
" God, thou art Omnipresent, but forgive me for seeking you only on pilgrimage
spots..."
> 2 what is the historical background
In India, people understand that if a saint resides at a place, the place
becomes sacred. For instance, Buddha said," The place where I was born(Lumbini),
the place where I attained enlightenment(Bodh Gaya)...are worthy pilgrimage
spots".
> 3 who goes on the pilgrimage and why
I think this is only very slightly different from 1. Anyway, this is to have the
company of holy people...people who're like-minded can come together.
For example, if I want to study physics, I would like the company of a
physicist...
> 4 what are the criteria for going on such pilgrimage
sorry..I don't understand this question...but I'll make an attempt-
1) For purity of the mind
2) To develop the feeling of "close-ness" with God.
3) Sometimes, people pray to God saying that if such and such thing comes out
okay, they'll pay him a visit ! ...:-)
> 5 how do modern Hindus view pilgrimage today?
I go to Thirupati ever so often to develop faith in the Lord...and also
for making my prayers turn out true...(see 3) above)...:-)
My father went somewhere(God knows where exactly) to "give up" eating some
of his choice eatables(like apple, some vegetable,etc.)...this he thought
was a step towards renunciation...:-) But in many places, I've read that such
renunciation may not work. If renunciation comes, it comes in a flash...
like when a fruit becomes ripe, it falls down by itself...
I don't know about other people.
> Thanking you in advance for your kind assistance.
hope it helped...
> Yours truly,
> Sharon Holmes.
Sincerely Yours,
Kartik
