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Significance of Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage, as detailed in various traditions such as Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, and others, signifies a spiritual journey to sacred places undertaken for religious or spiritual reasons. These journeys often reflect deep devotion, seek purification, and involve acts of service or devotion to attain divine blessings. Pilgrimages can result in personal growth, enlightenment, and a connection with the divine, making them significant practices across cultures and religions. The act of traveling to these holy sites emphasizes the importance of faith and spiritual fulfillment.1
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Synonyms: Journey, Expedition, Voyage, Pilgrimage journey, Sacred journey, Quest, Mission, Excursion, Tour

In Dutch: Bedevaart; In Finnish: Pyhiinvaellus; In Spanish: Peregrinaje; In German: Wallfahrt; In Swedish: 笔颈濒驳谤颈尘蝉蹿盲谤诲; In Malay: Ziarah; In French: 笔猫濒别谤颈苍补驳别

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Pilgrimage'

Buddhism Books

Pilgrimage in Buddhism denotes the practice of dharmayathra, or sacred journeys, aimed at spiritual growth and involves traveling to sacred sites for spiritual significance, similar to the Bodhisatta's pursuit of essential resources.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A journey to sacred places undertaken for spiritual significance, which the Bodhisatta embarked upon to procure necessities.[1]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The practice of engaging in dharmayathra, or sacred journeys, as a means of spiritual growth.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Pilgrimage'

Hinduism Books

Pilgrimage in Hinduism represents a significant spiritual journey to sacred sites, aimed at attaining purification, enlightenment, and spiritual benefits. These journeys are essential for performing rituals, seeking absolution, and deepening one's connection with the divine.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A journey to a sacred place as an expression of faith and devotion.[3] (2) A journey to a sacred place as an act of devotion or spiritual exercise.[4] (3) A sacred journey undertaken to visit holy places, which holds significance in spiritual practices.[5]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) A spiritual journey where devotees gather to perform parikrama and seek blessings through acts of service and devotion.[6] (2) A spiritual journey undertaken to holy sites, reflecting the deep devotion of a follower.[7]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A journey to sacred sites undertaken for spiritual benefit or religious observance.[8]

From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya

(1) The journey taken by Nityananda to sacred sites to sanctify them and gain spiritual insights.[9]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) A journey undertaken to a sacred place for religious or spiritual reasons, often with the intention of seeking divine blessings.[10]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A journey undertaken for spiritual purposes, as indicated by Baladeva's travels and visits to sacred sites.[11]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) Traveling to holy places for the purpose of performing righteous acts.[12]

From: Markandeya Purana

(1) Visits to sacred places that are associated with spiritual merit in Hinduism, underlining the cultural value of seeking purification through travel.[13]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) A journey to a sacred place, which was conceptually linked to the merit gained by King Dasaratha from the sage's visit.[14]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Journeys undertaken for religious reasons, which may allow for the performance of Shraddhas even when away from home.[15]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The journey undertaken by King Candraprabha to sacred sites, showcasing his dedication to his father's memory.[16]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) Journeys considered to be among the lowest forms of spiritual pursuit.[17]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Jain concept of 'Pilgrimage'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Pilgrimage signifies a perilous journey undertaken by monks or nuns to reach sacred sites, reflecting their commitment to spiritual growth while navigating potential dangers along the way.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) A journey taken by monks or nuns to sacred places, often involving caution due to various dangers encountered.[18]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Pilgrimage in local and regional sources

History Books

Pilgrimage embodies a journey of devotion, self-discovery, and spiritual growth, where individuals travel to sacred sites for enlightenment, community worship, and fulfillment, reflecting their personal or religious aspirations within various cultural contexts.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Describes love as a journey of devotion and personal growth, akin to a spiritual quest.[19] (2) A journey undertaken for religious reasons, which in this story is taken by the father as part of his life philosophy.[20] (3) A journey of self-discovery and fulfillment that the crowd undertakes, symbolizing a quest for meaning and purpose.[21] (4) A journey to sacred sites intended for spiritual growth, which Chandra Kiron sees as a means of escaping his current life.[22] (5) A spiritual journey undertaken to sacred places, essential to both Islamic and Hindu practices.[23]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The text mentions that they were to wait there for the Swami's return from this.[24] (2) The act of traveling to a sacred place, as described in the text, was something the Swami was enthusiastic about and was the central focus of the journey.[25]

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A journey made by devotees to a holy site, reflecting spiritual growth and community worship.[26]

From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka

(1) A journey undertaken by devotees to a sacred site, such as the Bodhi-tree at Anuradhapura, for spiritual benefit.[27]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)

(1) The journey undertaken by the characters, involving travel through various countries to acquire Buddhist texts and relics.[28] (2) A journey undertaken by Fa-Hian to sacred places, primarily for religious reasons, specifically the pursuit of Buddhist knowledge and texts.[29]

Plural form: Pilgrimages.