Transcript Hindu Holy Places

Hindu Holy Places
Beliefs of Holy Places
• For Hindus, making a pilgrimage is an important
way of showing devotion to God
• Pilgrims may join a procession and:
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Perform acts of worship
Consult with priests
Read the scriptures
Give offerings of food and flowers at the holy place
• Many Hindu hold places have connection with
water – believed to come from, and be a part of
God
• Bathing symbolizes purity of heart a Hindu must
have to appear before God
River Ganges
• River considered a
goddess that brings
life to land and people
of India
• Goddess Ganga
came to earth through
the god Shiva’s hair
to form river to
cleanse world of sin
Varanasi
• Varanasi is a city on the
Ganges said to be the
home of Shiva
• Hindus believe bathing in
the Ganges will wash
away sins and they will
be reborn to a better life
• Many Hindus hope to die
there and spread ashes
on Ganges to escape
samsara (cysle of life,
death and rebirth)
Prayag – Kumbh Mela festival
• Every 12 years millions share in ritual
bathing at the Kumbh Mela festival at
Prayag (where Ganges and Yamuna
rovers meet)
• Prayag (place of sacrifice) is where
Brahma offered first sacrifice after creating
the world
• Legend is that drops of divine nectar fell
there during a battle between gods and
demons
Mathura
• Pilgrims visit Mathura
because Krishna was
born there and this is
where Krishna eventually
killed the evil King (story)
• Its main temple is the
Keshava Deo Mandir,
where Krishna and
Radha are worshipped
• Many holy sites and
temples (thousands) near
by