14 Sacred Sites That Attract Millions of Pilgrims

Pilgrimage has long been the way for people to set out on journeys of faith, culture, and an attempt to connect with something greater than themselves for centuries. From ancient temples on top of mountains to serene mosques whose prayer calls we can hear, people of all ages, beliefs, and backgrounds visit these places, drawn there by faith, some by curiosity, some by the pure desire to see beauty born of devotion.

Let’s take a look at some of the most visited sacred places in the world.

Mecca, the Islamic Center of the World

The holiest city in Islam is Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, where Prophet Muhammad was born. More than two million Muslims make the Hajj pilgrimage here every year, one of Islam’s Five Pillars. In the Grand Mosque, at the heart of the building, a cube-shaped structure, draped in black silk, the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure draped in black silk is circled by worshippers in prayer. Anyone, who has been lucky enough to be a part of Hajj, will tell you that the sheer scale of devotion experienced during Hajj is breathtaking, and is unparalleled elsewhere.

The Vatican, the Heart of Catholicism

The Roman Catholic Church has its seat in the Vatican, a city-state inside the city of Rome. More than five million people visit the Vatican each year to behold the famed St. Peter’s Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo ceiling fresco. Pope Francis himself attracts huge crowds when he delivers his weekly blessings in St. Peter’s Square. The melding of faith and art is something impressive here.

Varanasi, the Spiritual Soul of India

Life and death share a sacred dance in India’s Varanasi, on the banks of the River Ganges. Varanasi is known as one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, where millions come to wash away their sins in the river or perform funeral rites for the dead. On sunrise boat rides, you could see rituals and chants, an oil lamp flickering amid a sensory overload that humbles one and inspires.

Lourdes, a Place of Miracles

Lourdes is famous for its healing waters and nestles in the French Pyrenees. The springs where St. Bernadette had visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858 are a magnet for pilgrims who bathe here. The Catholic Church recognizes over 70 miracles that are said to have taken place here. There’s more to it than the spiritual pull, however — there’s a community spirit of helping sick and disabled visitors who come to the site, and this makes the air seem a little thicker.

Jerusalem, a Convergence of Faiths

Jerusalem is a holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. This city intersects history and devotion, including the Western Wall for the Jewish; the Church of Holy Sepulcher purported to house Jesus’s tomb; and the Al Aqsa Mosque. People are often struck by how deeply woven faith is into this city of the ancient stones.

Bodh Gaya, Where Enlightenment Was Found

Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) reached enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya, in India. The spot is marked by the Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims meditate under the descendant of the original tree, wishing to catch even a little of the wisdom of Buddha.

Santiago de Compostela, Walking for Faith

The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrim routes that wind through Europe, ending in Spain’s Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral, where St. James’ remains are said to be, is the destination of pilgrims who walk hundreds of miles to get there. Spiritually, as personal reflection, or simply because it’s hard, travelers of the modern day join in proof that faith and bestowal go hand in hand.

Mount Kailash, Sacred Peaks

Mount Kailash is holy in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon in Tibet. Circumambulating the mountain, a grueling 32-mile trek at high altitude, the pilgrims believe that the mountain cleanses sins and brings blessings.

The Golden Temple, a Shimmering Sanctuary

In Sikhism the holiest site is the Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar, India. With a pool of reflection and in the shining gold of the temple, it is equally as peaceful as beautiful. It too has the world’s biggest free kitchen, feeding thousands of meals every day to all fellowships of faith, a symbol of equality and service.

Kiyomizu-dera, Japan’s Historic Gem

Buddhist traditions and a view of the city can be found at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, Japan. This temple was founded in 778 and has been dedicated to centuries of devotion. Attracting pilgrims and tourists, a wonder of ancient engineering, the wooden stage extending from its main hall, constructed without nails, is a marvel of ancient engineering.

Chartres Cathedral, a Masterpiece of Faith

Chartres Cathedral located in France is a fantastic case of Gothic architecture and a major pilgrimage place after the middle age. The labyrinth, while a quiet meditation on the journey of life, is walked by Pilgrims. Visitors are dazzled by its stained glass windows, which tell biblical stories.

Rumi’s Shrine, a Poetic Journey

In Konya, Turkey, the grave of the Persian poet, teacher, and Sufi mystic Rumi is a place of inspiration. His teachings on love and unity draw visitors from all over, many of whom reflect on his famous words: This is something that is being sought out by you. Rumi has a buzzing energy, almost like music, that comes with the shrine.

Fatima, Visions and Faith

In 1917, Fatima in Portugal, three shepherd children had visions of the Virgin Mary that persuaded world opinion, but not one person on earth. Millions of pilgrims visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima today. Candlelight processions and prayers are so poignant that they touch believers and non-believers alike.

Shwedagon Pagoda, A Golden Marvel

Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda still shimmers in gold and is encrusted with diamonds because it is believed to preserve the relics of four Buddhas. People circle the pagoda, light candles, and put flowers if they climb the pagoda. When the light fades away in the evening, the pagoda shines, making visitors amazed at its beauty and serenity.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience