Why do people make pilgrimages? Why visit places that are considered sacred, holy, divine? There are many answers to these questions. Everyone has their own motivation, spiritual or otherwise. However, going on a pilgrimage is a tradition that is almost as old as humanity itself.
Pilgrimage is an important spiritual practice in many religious traditions. Believers go on a journey to a sacred place seeking spiritual meaning, penance, or communion with the divine.
Let’s look at it.
Pilgrimages are not obligatory for Christians. However, many consider the practice a way to strengthen their faith. Cities such as Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela are popular Christian pilgrimage destinations.
What makes a place holy to Christians? Believers traditionally visit sites associated with the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Other destinations are also popular, especially those associated with early Christian saints and martyrs.
The most famous pilgrimage in Islam is the Hajj to Mecca, considered one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith. This pilgrimage must be performed at least once in a lifetime.
During the Hajj, pilgrims perform a series of rituals, including the Tawaf, which consists of walking seven times around the Kaaba, and the Sa’i, a journey between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
But this is not the only pilgrimage a Muslim can make.
In Hinduism, pilgrimage is a common and deeply rooted practice. Pilgrimages are made to numerous sacred sites all throughout India –Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
A notable event is the Kumbh Mela. Held every 12 years, it attracts millions of devotees. Spiritual purification and blessings from the gods are sought through ritual bathing in sacred rivers and offerings to temples.
For Buddhism, pilgrimage is a way to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha. Sacred sites include Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal; Bodh Gaya in India, where he attained enlightenment; Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon; and Kushinagar, where he died.
A Buddhist pilgrimage is an opportunity to meditate, reflect on the Buddha’s teachings, and accumulate spiritual merit.
In Judaism, the pilgrimage to Jerusalem has deep historical and religious significance. In ancient times, Jews made pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem on Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Feast of Weeks), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).
Today, Jews continue to visit Jerusalem and the Western Wall of the Temple, Judaism’s holiest site, as an act of devotion and remembrance of their historic heritage.
In Shintoism, pilgrimage focuses on visiting shrines called jinja, where kami (spirits or deities) are worshipped. One of the most important pilgrimage destinations is the Ise Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
Another is the Izumo Taisha Shrine, which is believed to house the kami of marriage. Shinto pilgrimages usually involve purification rituals, offerings, and prayers for blessings, protection, and happiness.
As you can see, pilgrimage is a universal practice that connects believers to the divine through devotion, effort, and spiritual quest.
Although each tradition has its own goals and rituals, the act of pilgrimage reflects a common desire to approach the sacred and renew the spirit.