Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
WJEC RELIGIOUS STUDIES: HINDU PILGRIMAGES (WHY MIGHT HINDU GO ON A…
WJEC RELIGIOUS STUDIES: HINDU PILGRIMAGES
WHY MIGHT HINDU GO ON A PILGRIMAGE?
To remember special people (saints)
To fix the mind on God and to glorify him
For spiritual development and to gain spiritual merit
For purification and atonement of sins
For meeting and taking guidance from holy people
For self-reflection and contemplation
For an uplifting and memorable experience (spiritual inspiration)
To perform specific religious rites
WHY DOES A SITE BECOME A PLACE OF PILGRIMAGE?
*
There are many special places that Hindus may visit on pilgrimage. They can be special for the following reasons *
River and Lakes
Hills and mountains
Sites associated with particular deities
Places connected with gurus, saints and other religious leaders
Towns and villages mentioned in sacred stories
Places considered to be replicas or gateways to, the higher realms
Places where holy people congregate
VARANASI
Associated with Shiva because it is believed he once lived there
People who die here gave their ashes scattered in the River Ganges
Providing they have repented and died in faith they are said to be freed from re-birth
Pilgrms often take home bottles of the sacred water fro the Ganges river
VRINDAVAN
The city is on the River Yamuna, and is accepted as the site of Krishna's birth
Often called the Bethlehem of India
Pilgrims follow a special route around the city to see places associated with Krishna in his youth
Temples are dedicated to Lord Krishna to remember his history e.g. where there is a completion
Pilgrimage has a levelling effect - any class or caste divisions are forgotten and people worship together
WHAT MIGHT A HINDU DO AT A PILGRIMAGE SITE?
(DEPENDS ON NATURE OF THE SITE)
Taking
darshan (seeing)
of particular deities of saints
Participating in
worship
and glorification
Charity
especially to priest and temples
Austerities and penance
(such shaving head and taking vows such as celibacy)
Listening to talks and
receiving advice
on spiritual life
Specific
rites
( such as the shraddha ceremony in Gaya)
Circumambulation
(walking around) of holy places (shrines, towns e.g)
WHY SHOULD HINDUS NOT GO ON PILGRIMAGE?
The money spent through going on pilgrimage would be better spent on helping others, which in turn would gain spiritual benefit through accumulation of good karma. Acts of kindness should be a priority
A devotee can worship Shiva, Agni and the goddess Ganga from their own home using murtis and through conducting their own aarti ceremony. Attending Varanasi aarti is a waste of time when you can do it at home without the distractions of tourists and people around you
Aarti and puja's primary purpose is to allow a devotee to connect with Brahman through Shiva, Agni, and Ganga in a personal way. This would be better achieved at home without the distractions of tourists and pilgrims around you
Brahmins are at the local mandir to guide one through communal worship and to help translate sacred texts. This will allow the devotee to connect with Brahman, through deities, and use the money saved for another purpose e.g. charity
THE ROLE OF PILGRIMAGE MIGHT PLAY IN THE SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF HINDUS
Pilgrimage has a value in this life and the next
Pilgrimage gains good karma
It helps to balance good and bad deeds
Pilgrimage helps to benefit ancestors
WHY SHOULD A HINDU GO ON PILGRIMAGE?
Going on a pilgrimage to Varanasi allows the devotee to bathe in the Ganges - and doing so, according to the Puranas, will take away sins. This leaves the devotee feeling spiritually refreshed
Going to Varanasi allows the devotee to observe and take part in Ganga Aarti. This also involves Agni Puja and is an act of collective worship and devotion to Shiva, Agni and the goddess Ganga who is personified through River Ganges
Going on pilgrimage, to any site of sacred significance, allows a devotee to join others from their community i communal worship. It also gives a devotee time away from their busy lives to reflect on spiritual growth
Gangajal, the water from the River Ganges, is considered the most pure and sacred water on Earth and so travelling to Varanasi would allow the devotee to bring home some to use in their puja and personal worship
Varanasi is one of the holiest cities on earth for Hindus. The city is dedicated to Shiva and through travelling to Varanasi, a devotee is able to remain mindful of Shiva and connect with Brahman through him