Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Reasons / Activities Performed

Reasons for Pilgrimage
1. To remember special people (saints)
2. To fix the mind on God and to glorify Him
3. For spiritual development and to gain spiritual merit
4. For purification and atonement of sins
5. For meeting and taking guidance from holy people
6. To perform specific religious rites
7. For self-reflection and contemplation
8. For an uplifting and memorable experience (spiritual inspiration)

Activities Performed on Pilgrimage
1. Taking darshan of specific deities (or saints)
2. Participating in worship and glorification (e.g. kirtan)
3. Charity, especially to priests and temples
4. Austerities and penance (Like shaving head,following vows such as celibacy)
5. Listening to talks and receiving advice on spiritual life
6. Specific rites (such as the shraddha ceremony in Gaya)
7. Circumambulation of holy places (shrines, towns etc.)

Followers

Labels