Holy Places in World

The world is full of such places that we call them as holy or sacred. According to the English Dictionary. A holy place is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, the saint of the similar figure of awe and respect, at which said the figure is venerated or worshipped.

There have been conflicts in some of these holy places when members of other religions have claimed or attacked the sites.

Let’s take a look at some of the main holy places located in the world.

Amritsar, India

This city is the Sikh religion’s spiritual centre. The Golden Temple is the main shrine.  It is not only dedicated to the Sikh but also it is a symbol of brotherhood and equality. People from all over the world find spiritual solace here irrespective of caste, creed and religion.  It represents the distinct identity of the Sikh.

It was constructed with the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) by the fourth Guru of the Sikh Ramdasji in 1577 AD after he was adviced by his predecessor Guru Amardasji. Guru Granth Sahib was installed at the Harminder Sahib after the compilation of it. Baba Buddha Dev was the first head Priest of the Temple on August 16, 1604.

Athos Greece

This is a holy mountain for the Greek Orthodox Church.

There are many monasteries. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Monasteries built across the mountain create a scenic beauty. It is noteworthy that women are not allowed to get into the monasteries here for the religious region.  If you are men you need to submit documents even passport to the authority here.

Rules that were made in 1060 according to an edict called “Chryssobul” still remain valid here that allow you to go to the monasteries built-in Athos.

Banaras, India

It is one of the holy places in India which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was one of the oldest cities in India. It used to be called as Varanasi and Kashi. The city witnessed a tough time during the Mughal Empire as they destroyed many temples of historical importance. However, the Akbar brought little respite during his reign here. But later Maratha revived the city and it was an independent kingdom during 18 century.  The British made it a new Indian state

Banaras is the centre of Hindu pilgrimage. Its long ghats are remarkable. The Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sankatmochan Temple dedicated Hanuman and Goddess Durga temples are very famous around the world. The city has hundreds of other temples.

Sarnath a few miles away from Varanasi has ruins of ancient Buddhist monasteries.

It is the centre of art&craft and music, dance.

Bethlehem, Israel

It is the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity.  That is the region it holds close connectivity to the people in the world. The old city of the Bethlehem offers a wide range of walking tours. It is the main attraction of tourists from all over the world. Restaurant, hotels have been open to serve tourists need. 

Ganges, India

River Ganga is sacred for Hindus. Despite much human interference the reiver-water never gets contaminated that’s the point to ponder. Government is making an effort to clean the river, Ganga.

Jerusalem, Israel

It is a holy city for Christians, Muslims and the Jews. Sites include the western wall, domes of the Rock and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Karbala, Iraq

This city is the centre of Shi’a Islam and contains the shrine of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson al-Husain.

Lhasa, Tibet (China)

It is the centre of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery hee was once the home of the Dalai Lama.

Lourdes, France

In 1858 Bernadette Soubirous (later St. Bernadette) saw an image of the Virgin Mary in a grotto at Lourdes. Since then Catholics, have made pilgrimages there. Seeking cures for illness.

Mekkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia

Every Year, millions of Muslims go on pilgrimage to this city. They also turn to face Makkah when they pray.  It is the birthplace of Prophet Mohammad later he first revealed the Holy Quran here.

Medina, Saudi Arabia

This is the site of the tomb of the prophet Muhammad.

Olympus, Greece

The ancient Greeks believed the mountain to be the home of Zeus and other gods.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

In the 9^th century, a tomb believed to belong to the apostle James the Greater was discovered. Christianity makes pilgrimages to a shrine made on the sate.

Mount Shasta, California USA

It is a dormant volcano and a sacred site of Native Americans.

Vatican City

The City-state in Rome, Italy, is the centre of the Roman Catholic faith.

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