Into the third week of September, our religion class has begun to discuss outlooks on pilgrimage. The definition for pilgrimage is “a universal quest for the self.” (p.197) We have started looking at two theorists, Mircea Eliade and Edith and Victor Turner. The Turners believed Pilgrimage involved “leaving social convention and joining a temporary communitas.” (p.201) Eliade believed there was a sacred and profane, “the ‘sacred’ is REALLY real and exists as a force larger than society.” (p. 200) Eade and Sallnow and Emile Durkheim are theorists we are planning on covering this week. I was very interested in exploring the major places sought out for pilgrimages. Some major cities are, Lourdes, France, Jerusalem, Mecca, Bodhgaya, and Benares. These are all cities frequently visited by millions of Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu peoples.
Lourdes, France has developed into a major pilgrimage spot for Roman Catholics. It is home of a beautiful grotto where fourteen year old St. Bernadette, received a message from the Virgin Mary herself. She allegedly appeared to her 18 times at the grotto. Pilgrims travel in search of healing from the water of the natural spring that appeared in the grotto. Connected with this pilgrimage is often the consumption of or bathing in the Lourdes water. Many believe that the waters possess certain healing powers. There has been 67 recognized miraculous healings. Five million people travel to the small town each year in search of their own miracle.
Jerusalem is considered one of the world’s holiest cities. It is sacred to three world faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is a place where Jewish come to visit the temple of Solomon and Muslims believe the prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven. Christians come to walk in Jesus’ footsteps and follow his Crucifixion. There are three holy cites in Jerusalem, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This city is a very popular pilgrimage cite because it is rich with history and religion.
Mecca is considered the center of the Islamic world and the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. This sacred land is located on the western part of the Arabian Peninsula in Saudi Arabia. A Muslim follows fundamental practices called “The Five Pillars of Islam”. The hajj pilgrimage is the fifth pillar, which requires a male or female to make at least one trip to Mecca in his or her lifetime. When a pilgrim comes to Mecca, they come dressed in a simple white garment that symbolizes purity. They enter a state of holiness when they enter the masque in Mecca and walk around the shrine of Ka’ba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Next, entering into the shrine, the pilgrim kisses the sacred stone. A pilgrimage to Mecca is forbidden to all people outside the Muslim faith.
Bodhgaya is among one of the four most sacred pilgrimage places for Buddhists. It is situated on the Phalgu river in Northern India. Gautama Buddha is believed to have found enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree at Bodghaya. Pilgrims tie pray flags to the branches and meditate under it. Monks sit at the base of the tree to meditate and chant. The Bodhi Tree is not the only attraction in Bodhgaya. Two others include, Vajrasana and the Mahabodhi temple. The serene atmosphere is ideal for meditation.
Benares is located in Northern India, between the Varuna and Ashi rivers. It is a sacred city that stands as a Hindu symbol of religion, tradition, and history. Pilgrims come in search of divine blessings at the ghats in Benares. A ghat is a series of paved steps that lead to water with temples built into its side. These structures were built and owned by the royal families of India. In the morning, the waters are filled with people in hope that the water will wash away their sins. The five major ghats in Benares are, Assi, Dasawamedha, Barnasangam, Panchganga, and Manikarnika. It is the oldest place of learning and is filled with centuries of tradition.
