Hinduism Puja and Pilgrimage

Why do Hindus go on Pilgrimages? A personal act of thanksgiving and and as an expression of faith Water is natural cleansing agent essential to life Pool or river in a sacred place washes away sins, enter new life Seven sacred rivers of India: Ganges river, Yamuna River, Sarasvati (Saraswati) River, Godvari river, Narmada river, Indus (Sindhu) River) and Kaveri river. All seven river associated with pilgrimages. Highest motive for pilgrimage is to seek spiritual liberation or moksha. Purpose is to engage in some soul searching and deep contemplation of the real purpose of life. Other reasons may involve asking the deity of that place to cure them of an illness, fulfilment of a vow or promise they may have made to their chosen deity when seeking some favour or blessing. Pilgrimage plays What do Hindus do on Pilgrimage? When they arrive they may do the following: They perform puja at the place of pilgrimage and make offerings for their departed relatives (Shraddha rites). They may circumambulate (walk around) the temples in a variety of was. Sometimes they prostrate themselves while doing so. Measuring their image in a series of prostration as they circumambulate the temple expresses this desire to do penance. The highlight of the pilgrimage is the darshan - viewing the image of the deity in the inner sanctum. They might also visit a family priest who would offer advice and a sense of continuity, as he and his forefather may have been in touch with this family for generations.