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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: Perform acts of worship Consult with priests Read the scriptures Give offerings of food and flowers at the holy place
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Beliefs of Holy Places • For Hindus, making a pilgrimage is an important way of showing devotion to God • Pilgrims may join a procession and: • 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