Pilgrimage

Question 0

Describe pilgrimage at the Ganges (River)

Answer 0

This is the most important river in India, and there is a ‘Mother Ganga’ riding a crocodile. The myth is that King Bhagiratha wanted to wash away the sins of his forefathers, so he drew Ganga down from the skies; she feared earth and so she rushed down on Shiva’s hair in a mighty torrent. Other myths suggest that she was devoted to Krishna, but Radha got jealous so she cursed Ganga to flow on earth as water

Question 1

What are the reasons for pilgrimage?

Answer 1

• to remember special people
• to fix the mind on God
• spiritual development + good karma
• purification + rid of sins
• guidance from holy people
• religious rites
• self reflection + uplifting experience

Question 2

What are the other names for Varanasi?

Answer 2

• city of Shiva (established by him; he still resides there)
• Banaras
• city of death (moksha; go there to die)
• city of light (wisdom, destroys ignorance)

Question 3

Describe pilgrimage at Varanasi

Answer 3

People bathe, worship + scatter ashes in the Ganges (sins washed away), attend cremations (flames - Shiva’s dance of destruction as he releases souls), visit holy men (guidance) and Vishwanath (Shiva’s temple - simple black lingum, pour honey +milk over it) and stay in ashrams. They do this to fulfil promises (Shiva), prep. for death, gain wisdom and spiritual development, and perform puja/cremations

Question 4

Describe pilgrimage at Kumbh Mela

Answer 4

This is the world’s largest pilgrimage (100m in 2013). People bathe in the Ganges (sacred bathing - most important) and at the Sangam, and talk with holy people. The myth is that the Demi-Gods hid the pot of immortal nectar from the Demons at Haridwar (4), Ujjain (4), Nashik (4) and Allahabad (12 - where Ganges converges with Yamuna and Saraswati, where universe originated). There is a procession to the water (holy men first) and some people stay for the whole 41 days (live on banks in villages), others go just for the first day