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A common reason that Hindus go on pilgrimages is to visit places that are of significance to certain deities. Some deities are believed to live or to have once lived, in specific places on Earth. To show their devotion to these deities, some Hindus go on pilgrimage to these places.

Places of 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.

Four examples of popular pilgrimage sites are:

• Kumbh Mela – Once every 12 years, up to 10 million people meet at the Kumbh Mela festival, held at one of four sites where the waters of the Ganges and Jumna rivers combine. 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.
• River Ganges – The Ganges is the holiest river for Hindus as it is considered to be an extension of Lord Shiva. As with other pilgrimage sites, this place is believed to have a deity directly linked to it.
• Varanasi – This is known as the city of light. It is on the banks of the Ganges and is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Hindus.
• Vrindavana – This is another major pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is a town in the Mathura district in India. 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.

Some Hindus do not consider going on pilgrimage to be as important as their daily worship. This may be because they are focused on their own personal dharma and do not see the need for pilgrimage. Regardless of whether they undertake pilgrimages, they will still be focused on worship and the attainment of moksha.

The Ganges

Some Hindus believe that the river Ganges flowed from Heaven with the aim of purifying humans. The Hindu scriptures mention the river Ganges and it is referred to as Mother Ganges. Many stories in Hindu scripture feature the river, and Lord Vishnu is said to have spent time at the Ganges.