Religious trips can be anything from simple vacations, missionary sojourn, retreats or even pilgrimages. Whatever the purpose, religious destinations are bound to enrich your life in many ways. Many believe they are designed to give a deeper understanding of the spiritual world. And who knows if you are lucky enough, you might just find the all important path towards attaining enlightenment!
You can never draw a definite list of the most important religious travel destinations as it tends to vary from individual to individual. However, having said that, based on my judgment, following are the top five religious travel spots which you must visit in your lifetime –
1. Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi provides the perfect setting for the adventurous traveler who is in search of solace and spiritual wisdom. Nestled beside the River Ganges, this Indian city is the abode of Lord Shiva, the most prominent Hindu God. Millions of devotees come to the city every year to wash away their sins in the holy Ganges. As per the records, over 300,000 foreign and more than four million domestic tourists visit Varanasi annually.
Gautama Buddha delivered the first sermon close to Varanasi at a place called Sarnath. Many devotees hold a strong belief that death at this holy city would bring them salvation. This is the reason why it is known as the ‘spiritual capital of India.’ Many people also refer it as ‘the city of learning’ and ‘the city of lights.’ The fact that Varanasi falls among one of the oldest living cities on this planet, makes it all the more special.
2. Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall
To the believers of Islam and Judaism, Jerusalem in Israel happens to be the most sacred travel destination. Millions visit the popular Jewish pilgrimage site every year with the temple ruins and the holy Wailing Wall forming the center of attraction. The Wailing Wall represents the remains of the ancient Jewish temple made by King Solomon. The tourists are given the opportunity to witness mass prayers at this holy site. Taking photographs are allowed these days, and you can even kiss the sacred stone in order to absorb some of the divine blessings. The wall however, is showing signs of deterioration as many tourists and pilgrims make it a point to put their prayers in writing all over the sacred stone structure.
3. Sanctuary of Apollo
The sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, Greece still happens to be the most mysterious and enigmatic place in the world. When the structure was at its prime, numerous pilgrims frequented it to seek the answer of life after death. Even today, the interest has not ceased as millions of tourists follow the all important Sacred Way which once lead the ancient Delphic pilgrims.
4. Trinity Church
The historic Trinity Church stands tall amidst the dense urban jungle formed by New York skyline. The church offers Christian fellowship besides its daily religious rituals. The present church happens to be the third structure with magnificent neo-gothic buttresses, vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass windows. The first building of Trinity Church was built way back in 1698. Trinity Church also has a tiny museum which showcases ancient photographs, documents, and other precious items. The church remained undisturbed during the 9/11 terror attacks, and from then serves as a constant source of hope and inspiration for those who survived the disaster.
5. St. Peter’s Basilica
Finally, right in the center of Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is the most visited church in the world. More than 15 million people visit it every year. The church hosts most of the Papal activities and also has the most gorgeous interiors among all the Christian churches. Moreover, the presence of St. Peter’s tomb, easily make it one of the world’s most respected religious destinations.
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This is very interesting to read about the Religious Travel Destinations. I am impressed with the city of Varanasi. I visited this place very recently. The temple of Lord Viswanath is really a very old temple pertaining to some thousands of centuries old. The first mention of the temple and the city was made in the Maha Bharata, the sacred religious book of Hindus.
I could have visited the Trinity Church but for the 9/11 attack. People were totally frightened and ran helter-skelter. It was a day of Panic. I really felt very sad about the attack. The road was blocked. The lucky is that I could have a glimpse of it from a distance. It is intact. I returned to India after that. Later I heard that there was not even a scratch to the walls of the Chruch.
It is right that religious importance depends upon individual view. There are many places in India which are known for learning and teaching during the ancient times. One such city was Varanasi. It was a city of learning. People from different countries were reaching Varanasi to pursue their learning and knowledge in various subjects. India could establish trade relations with many other countries. During the period of the Mughals, the city was renovated. The silk industry was given a different touch. During the period of Jahangir weaving of silk sarees took a different turn. He introduced the use of Gold and Silver Jaree in the Saree. This was meant for the people of Royal family.
The interesting thing with Varanasi is that most of the Silk Saree and Weaving Industry is in the hands of Muslims only. They are experts in the weaving of Silk sarees. They are weaving these sarees from generations and are known by the name ANSARI.
The lanes of these areas will be very narrow and one has to engage a cycle rickshaw only to go through these lanes and to see the manufacturing of Sarees. It was really a good experience.
Excellent list. Thanks for pulling it together and explaining the significance of each site.