Pilgrimage
Photo: Guptaele, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy site, originally for religious reasons, nowadays often for a more vague spiritual experience.
UnderstandBefore the advent of rail travel and steamships in the 19th century, long-distance travel was hardly a pleasure, and many of those who ventured far from home were motivated by faith.
Christian pilgrimagesIn medieval times, pilgrimages were an established tradition.
Hindu pilgrimagesPilgrimage, often called "yatra", has been commonplace in Hinduism due to the presence of numerous sacred sites.
Islamic pilgrimagesThe main and best known pilgrimage for Muslims is the Hajj, which is mandatory for all Muslims at least once in their lifetimes if their health and financial circumstances allow for it.
Buddhist pilgrimagesThe following four are considered the holiest places in Buddhism.
Other religions
Non-denominational
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Pilgrimage" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Guptaele, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons