Each of us at least once in my life heard of a pilgrimage. Many people of the same faith go to sacred places that are revered by one or another religion. They do it singly or in groups - it doesn’t matter. The main thing is to have pure intentions and a submissive body, as well as a soul full of remorse, and a heart that is distinguished by sincere faith. Pilgrimage is the desire of the lost lambs of God to worship the holy lands and cities.
A bit of history
From the deep ancient, immemorial times, the term “pilgrimage” came to modern language. This is a derivative of the word palm. The branches of this tree were brought from the sacred territories by the first Christians who went there to receive the blessing of the Most High. They usually traveled during the great feast on the eve of Easter, which glorified the entry of Christ into Jerusalem. In Russia and other Orthodox countries, it is called Palm Sunday. But do not think that only Christians were engaged in pilgrimage. For example, in ancient India, local residents traveled to the lands a couple of times a year, where, according to legend, certain deities lived. In this way, they tried to absorb the energy of revered creatures that remained here in every stone and tree. And in Greece, pilgrims from all over the country traveled to Delphi: the prophetess Pythia lived in a local church, who predicted fate on behalf of higher powers.
The essence of the pilgrimage changed slightly in the Middle Ages. It was then that it became what we know it today. In the heyday of the Christian religion, people began to massively go to Jerusalem to visit the
Church of the Holy Sepulcher, erected even under Emperor Constantine. In the 15th century, signs and special routes were developed for travelers from Europe: from the Rhone River to the banks of the Jordan. The Crusades finally strengthened the tradition of pilgrimage to the territory of the Holy Land. It is known that today, about 200 million people annually observe the rite.
The main types and essence of pilgrimage
Believers go on a dangerous, long and difficult journey, not only for prayer and forgiveness for their sins. Often their goal is much more noble: to find the meaning of life, to know their destiny, to find grace, to show devotion to religious beliefs. Sometimes the desires of the pilgrims are absolutely earthly: to ask for the long-awaited baby, to be healed of the disease, to get rid of mental suffering. In any case, such a journey involves a certain attitude of man towards reality. The idea is absolutely simple: voluntarily take on the difficulties, accept the difficult conditions of the road, spend some time in restrictions in order to achieve a higher goal. This symbolizes the refusal of mankind from material values and physical pleasures for the sake of spiritual and eternal ideals.
Depending on various signs, types of pilgrimage are distinguished. It can be foreign and domestic
trips, tours to cities or to sacred places in the wilderness, voluntary and compulsory, individual and group, long or short trips. By the way, as for the time period, earlier, according to the Orthodox canons, a trip that lasted at least 10 days was considered a real pilgrimage. Travel can also take place at any time of the year or be timed to a particular holiday.
Geography
Recently, pilgrimages have been distinguished by a new psychological base and geographical orientation: this is not only a trip to holy places, but also a journey for recreational purposes. Therefore, representatives of different faiths go to the East in order to learn there a new religion for themselves and the secrets of folk treatment that these lands are famous for. In India, China, Japan, Tibet and Nepal they settle in temples: they communicate with monks, attend divine services with their permission, and adopt healing practices from them. For example, in Delhi and its district, Ayurveda is very popular - a complex science specializing in rejuvenation, treatment of the body. The doctrine is aimed at restoring the harmony of man and the Universe, since it is precisely the violation of this balance that provokes the development of physical and mental ailments. Instead, many tourists visit China to practice qigong, a complex of breathing and movement exercises that help replenish energy and mental strength. The purpose of such trips is not only to help heal, but also to be enriched morally and spiritually.
As regards religion specifically, today the main places of pilgrimage in the world are:
- Republic of the CIS. Some of them (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus) are the center of Orthodoxy.
- Europe Here the currents of Catholicism and Protestantism dominate.
- North and Latin America. Christianity prevails.
- Africa Islam is widespread, but Christian centers are also found.
- Asia It is inherent in Islam, as well as Judaism and Buddhism.
Each continent has its own holy memos, which are mandatory for visiting and viewing.
Christian pilgrimage
For more than two thousand years, representatives of the Christian world want to see the Holy Land - Jerusalem. Those who make an Orthodox pilgrimage, the Holy Sepulcher beckons and attracts like no other place on the planet. This territory is the cradle of all Christianity, overflowing with the beauty of Palestinian landscapes, the secret of night services and the marvelous atmosphere of sacred memorials. Israel is a holy country in itself. We learn about him already from the first pages of the Bible: Christ was born on this earth, here he grew up, preached and was executed. The pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulcher was widespread even in the time of ancient Russia. But the founder of the modern trend is rightfully considered the mother of the emperor Constantine, St. Helena. At an advanced age, she went here in search of the cross on which Jesus' earthly life ended. The discovery of a “true and honest" crucifix is invariably associated with this historical figure.
Religious pilgrimage is always performed with the blessing of the church. This is not only a trip to the Holy Land, but also constant prayers, repentance, spiritual work on oneself, purification and humility. The path of pilgrims usually begins in the Negev: the vast expanses of the desert are associated with the appearance of the patriarchs and important events from the Old Testament. At the heart of the journey is a visit to Jerusalem. From here you can organize tours to Galilee, Bethlehem, Jericho, to the Dead Sea and other sacred places. This route is conditional. Each pilgrim can complement it with other interesting places.
Main holy places
Jerusalem is a holy city not only for Orthodoxy, but also for representatives of Judaism and Islam. Many events are connected with him, including the birth and death of Christ. What objects should the Orthodox pilgrimage begin with here? First, you should definitely visit the Jerusalem Temple. Unfortunately, only ruins remained from it - including the famous Wailing Wall. Secondly, go to the Mount of Olives and to the Garden of Gethsemane - here Jesus prayed before he was arrested. Thirdly, it is important for pilgrims to see the temple of the Passion of the Lord: it was built in the 20th century, but it simply perfectly recreates the architecture of those times when Christ walked through these streets.
Bethlehem is another Christian shrine. In the Arab territory is the temple of the Nativity of Christ. It is built around a large grotto in which a small Savior was born among cattle. What is most interesting is that every Christian denomination has its own place in this church. Do not forget about visiting Nazareth - Galilee. It was here that Mary learned from the angel that she would soon become the mother of the long-awaited Messiah. In the same city, a slightly older Jesus settled, who returned with his parents from Egypt, where he escaped from the persecution of Herod. In Galilee, he spent all his childhood and youth, performed the first miracles and found loyal followers and students.
Pilgrimage to Europe
The first country to go is, of course, Italy. Its capital is Rome - the Eternal City, the arena of the affirmation of world Christianity. The local Orthodox and Catholic churches are popular places of pilgrimage, because it is their walls that store many shrines associated with the apostles. For example, the relics and relics of the great disciple and follower of Jesus are stored in St. Peter's Basilica. Also here are the graves of other faithful followers of the Christian church, not to mention the unsurpassed masterpieces and monuments of world art. In another Italian city - Loreto - be sure to visit the basilica, which is called the true home of Mary. According to legend, the heavenly angels, in order to protect the mother of Christ, transferred her house several times: in the end, he ended up in Loreto.
The third most important pilgrimage destination is Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The local tomb of St. James is located in the local cathedral, so guarding the road to this relic was a matter of honor for many kings and knights' orders. If you want to make a pilgrimage to the monastery, then be sure to choose Athos. The shrine, located on the Greek peninsula, is one of the most mysterious places on the planet, which is shrouded in many legends and myths. They say that Mary herself preached faith in Christ here. Since then, the monks who have escaped from the mundane bustle, live and pray on Mount Athos. And every person who gets here feels a special graceful atmosphere, which permeates every piece of land.
What to see in Russia?
In our country there are also many shrines in which a tired and lost soul can find shelter, find peace, receive a blessing. The Russian pilgrimage begins with the Solovetsky archipelago, where the famous monastery is located - the cultural and spiritual center of the North. In Soviet times, it was used to keep prisoners, but after that sad time ended, the old spirit of antiquity turned back to these walls. To penetrate the sacred atmosphere, you need to live at least a week in Solovki. You should definitely visit the Trinity-Sergius Lavra - the largest monastery in Russia. This is not only a treasury of ancient Russian art, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As for the Diveevo monastery, it is called another earthly inheritance of the Virgin. In the XVIII century, he was taken under his care by Hierodeacon Seraphim, who later became a revered Russian saint. Here lie his relics, which have miraculous powers. Do not miss the opportunity to collect healing water from a source in the monastery. They say that it helps with any physical and mental ailments. Another monastery popular among pilgrims is the Pskov-Pechersk monastery. It is located in the dungeons. Caves are used as tombs, since the remains of people here do not decompose. Nearby, the Assumption Church was built, in which miraculous icons are stored.
Hajj in Islam
That is the name of the pilgrimage of Muslims. It should be done at least once in a lifetime by every representative of this religion. Those who have gone the hard way are called “hajis”. To make a trip, a Muslim must come of age, practice Islam, be mentally healthy and wealthy enough to support not only himself during the pilgrimage, but also his family left at home. During the Hajj, he should not smoke, drink alcohol, enjoy intimate relationships, engage in trade, and so on.
The pilgrimage of Muslims begins with putting on a person in white robes, which, being the same for everyone, hide his social and social status. The first rite is a tour around the House of Allah, the Kaaba, the main Muslim shrine located in Mecca. After this, a man seven times runs the distance between the sacred hills of Marva and Safa, after which he drinks healing water from the source Zam-Zam. Only after that he leaves for the Arafat valley, which is located near Mecca. The culmination of the rite is unceasing prayers in the area. The ritual is complex, as the pilgrim must stand motionless under the scorching sun from noon to sunset. Having stood the test, he is allowed to general collective prayer. The next day, a man goes to another valley - Mina. Then he throws seven stones into the pillar - the symbol of Satan, takes part in the ritual of sacrifice and returns to Mecca for the last round around the Kaaba.
Mecca and Medina
These are the main pilgrimage cities for Muslims. According to the Qur'an, the prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca, where he began his sacred mission - a prophecy. As already mentioned, in this city is the Kaaba - a ritual stone, which attracts hundreds of thousands of Muslims every year. The boulder is located in the courtyard of the Grand Mosque - one of the main Islamic minarets. Religious doctrine says: every believer should visit its territory. Usually such a journey takes place in the lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah. Muslims believe that pilgrimage and hardship are synonymous. Therefore, despite the presence in Mecca of many comfortable hotels, they stay in poor campgrounds, simply laid out on damp ground.
Medina is another important place for a person who professes Islam. Translated from Latin, its name sounds like "a radiant city." His visit is included in the mandatory Hajj program, since it is here that the grave of Muhammad is located. In addition, the city became the first settlement in which Islam triumphed. The Great Mosque of the Prophet was built here, the capacity of which reaches 900 thousand people. The building is equipped with an automatic system of umbrellas to create shade, as well as modern air conditioning and escalators.
Holy places of Buddhists
For representatives of this ancient religion, pilgrimage is a way to achieve supreme bliss by breathing in the sacred air in sacred territories. By the way, they are located in Tibet, China, Buryatia, but the largest number of them is nevertheless located in India - the cradle of Buddhism. The first most visited place is the Bodhi tree, under which, according to legend, the Buddha loved to meditate. It was in the shade of the greenery that he reached the greatest Nirvana. The second important memo is the city of Kapilavastu: in it the Buddha spent his childhood, he knew all sides of the ugly existence of man. And he decided: to renounce civilization in order to comprehend the paths of salvation and sacred truth.
The pilgrimage to the holy places among the Buddhists is not complete without a visit to the Royal Palace near Patna. On a hill nearby, Buddha told his followers about his teachings. Chic mansions are literally surrounded by attractions. Considering them, do not forget about the last place on the list, but not in importance, - Sarnath. Then the Buddha read his first sermon. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Varanasi to experience the sacred words of the saint, filled with eternal wisdom and deep meaning in life, through the ages.