Pilgrimage in Hinduism (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
The Role of Pilgrimage
What is Pilgrimage in Hinduism?
A pilgrimage is a special religious journey that is made for a specific purpose
Hindu holy places are believed to be where heaven and earth meet and so it is easier to pass from one world to the other at these sites
Hindus believe that pilgrimage is important and should be carried out if possible
Hindus have many different important and sacred places in their religion, and these are usually linked to different deities
A pilgrimage can help Hindus by connecting them with Brahman
Through pilgrimage, they can show their belief in God and gain a better understanding of an important holy site
It is also a way of meeting other Hindus who share their beliefs and trying to work towards achieving moksha
Practices & Purposes of Pilgrimage
Why do Hindus go on Pilgrimage?
Different places are considered important pilgrimage sites for different reasons
For example, rivers are considered sacred because water gives life
Visiting a river on pilgrimage therefore gives Hindus an opportunity to show devotion to gods involved in creation
The Rig Veda contains a hymn about rivers and praises them
As the Rig Veda is a source of wisdom for Hindus, it adds importance to their belief that pilgrimages to rivers are sacred
Hindus go on pilgrimage for the following reasons:
To make amends for something they have done wrong
To strengthen their faith and become closer to God
To show how committed they are to their religion or a particular deity
To make a spiritual journey on behalf of someone unable to do it for themselves
To ask for help or healing
To find out about a holy place
Because members of their family have always gone on a particular place on pilgrimage
What happens during Hindu Pilgrimage?
What happens during a pilgrimage is dependent upon the location and the individual
However, pilgrims often do some of the following on pilgrimage:
Make offerings to God
Circumambulate the temple
Say prayers
Chant mantras
Spend time in the presence of the deity
Leave ashes of a loved one
Wash in holy water
Collect samples of water/earth etc
Buy and wear special clothes
Shave heads
Walk barefoot
Focus on God
Sacred Sites in Hinduism
While India has many places that are considered holy, seven sacred sites are considered to be the holiest sites
These sites include the holy cities of Hinduism: Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Dwarka, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Haridwar
Popular pilgrimage sites include Kumbh Mela, River Ganges, Varanasi and Vrindavana
The River Ganges is the holiest river for Hindus as it is considered to be an extension of Lord Shiva
Many Hindus hope to visit Vananasi and bathe in the Ganges on a pilgrimage once in their lifetime
They believe that the river will help to purify the atman or soul and this will help a Hindu gain moksha
Many Hindus have their ashes scattered in the Ganges after their body is cremated
Varanasi is the point where two holy rivers meet, the Ganges and the Yumana rivers
It is considered the ‘City of Lord Shiva’. It’s where many Hindus go to reflect on the temporal nature of this life and the ultimate goal of Moksha
Varanasi is considered, ‘the Gateway to Moksha’, and death in the city is believed to bring immediate salvation
The city is famous for its ghats, where the deceased are cremated at the edge of the river
Vrindavana is another major pilgrimage site for Hindus
It is a town in the Mathura district in India and is known as the City of Light
Hindus visit this location as it is believed that Lord Krishna spent time here as a child
There are many temples in Vrindavana where Hindus can worship
What is Kumbh Mela?
Kumbh Mela is the site of the world’s largest pilgrimage with up to 10 million people attending
It takes place in four different sites, every three years, with a large festival at Prayaga every twelve years
This is a very holy river crossing, where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet the mythical river Saraswati
The festival remembers the spilling of the nectar of immortality during a battle between gods and demons
Therefore, bathing in the water here brings purification
If pilgrims bathe in the Ganges on the day of the new moon, they are believed to be released from the cycle of samsara
What happens at Kumbh Mela?
Hindus from all walks of life gather to share ritual bathing, believing that their sins will be washed away
The bathing is followed by spiritual purification and a ceremony that secures the blessings of the deity
Pilgrims also make offerings of garlands of marigolds by dropping them in the river for Mother Ganges
They offer water by scooping it from the river and letting it fall back through their fingers
Traditionally, naked sadhus smeared in ashes and wearing marigold garlands, lead the procession into the river
As well as the festivities, the Kumbh Mela is about devotion and passion
Hindus do not forget their duty to pray and receive special blessings
Worked Example
Explain two contrasting reasons why places of pilgrimage are important in Hinduism
[4 marks]
Answer:
Kumbh Mela held at four river-bank sites is important because the biggest Kumbh Mela is only available for a few days every twelve years and so it is an extremely special and rare occasion (2 marks)
Varanasi is important because it is beside the Ganges with its funeral ghats, as Hindus believe that having their ashes spread here is auspicious or merit-making (2 marks)
Reasoning
Detailed explanation of relevant contrast relating to the importance of Hindu pilgrimage
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You may be asked to evaluate the importance of pilgrimage in relation to other forms of worship
For example, a previous question asked;
‘Going on pilgrimage is the most important act that Hindus will perform in their lifetime’
Evaluate this statement
In your answer you should:
refer to Hindu teaching
give reasoned arguments to support this statement
give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view
reach a justified conclusion [12 marks]
Arguments in support of the statement could include
Going on pilgrimage is a life-changing experience and a once in a lifetime for Hindus as it demonstrates the total commitment to their faith
Some pilgrimages like Kumbh Mela are so powerful that they can be a transforming religious experience
The sacrifices made and actions performed will enable a Hindu to have a good rebirth/make progress towards moksha
Pilgrimage to the River Ganges and the rituals performed will ensure final liberation and this is the ultimate goal for all Hindus
Arguments in support of other views could include
Not all Hindus are able to go on pilgrimage as they may not be able to afford it, distance may be an issue or they may not have the physical and mental stamina
Other actions are more important and meaningful such as daily worship in the home as this deepens the individual’s spiritual life and has a lasting effect whereas the effect of pilgrimage might wear off
Living in accordance with dharma is more important for Hindus as this is performed everyday throughout their lives but pilgrimage is optional
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