Significance of Holy city
The concept of "Holy city" varies across different traditions. Vaishnavism identifies Tirumokur, Tirukkatittanam, Anantapuram, and Mathura as holy sites, each offering refuge, worship, or association with divine figures. According to Purana, Mathura, Mahinagaraka, Dvaraka, and Kashi are considered sacred, while Kavya highlights Ayodhya. In Indian history, Kasi, Avandha-nagnath, Mecca, and Udaipur are each considered a "Holy city," with significance varying from spiritual merit to historical importance.
Synonyms: Sacred city, Divine city, Religious city, Hallowed city
In Dutch: Heilige stad; In Finnish: Pyhä kaupunki; In Spanish: Ciudad santa; In German: Heilige Stadt; In Portugese: Cidade santa; In Polish: Święte miasto; In Italian: Città santa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Holy city'
In Hinduism, a Holy city is a sacred space for worship, contemplation, and refuge. These cities, like Tirukkatittanam, Anantapuram, Tirumokur, Mathura, Dvaraka, Kashi, and Ayodhya, are revered locations where devotees seek divine connection, spiritual merit, and liberation.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A city where daily worship is performed with flowers, incense and lamps.[1] (2) A term referring to Tirukkatittanam, characterized by its sacredness.[2] (3) Mathura, considered sacred due to its association with significant divine events and figures.[3] (4) Refers to the city surrounding the Tiruvallaval, from which the Alvar performed his contemplation.[4] (5) A sacred place where worship and reverence occur, specifically referring to Tirukkatittanam in the text.[5]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A sacred place, specifically referenced as Mathura, described as fair and splendid.[6]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) It is described as blessed and the man who bathes in the pools within or makes a gift or performs certain ceremonies there, shall ascend to a high region.[7]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) This is another name for Benares, the place where the gods went and bathed at the Manikarnika ghat.[8]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Refers to Ayodhya, the city of Rituparna, highlighting its significance compared to Damayanti's interest.[9]
The concept of Holy city in local and regional sources
Holy city signifies locations of profound spiritual importance. It encompasses Avandha-nagnath, Kasi, Mecca, and Udaipur. These cities hold reverence and attract followers due to their religious significance and association with heavenly realms or spiritual leaders.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The holy city of Pandhari, along with the divinity Pandurang and the purifying water of the Chandrabhaga, are unparalleled in the three worlds, according to the text.[10] (2) Avandha-nagnath, revered as a significant spiritual location comparable to Kailas, a heavenly realm.[11] (3) A city of significant religious importance, specifically referring to Udaipur in the context.[12]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Mecca is declared the holy city by Muhammad, marking its significance in Islam and attracting followers.[13] (2) Another name for Kasi, emphasizing its sacredness and spiritual importance.[14]
The concept of Holy city in scientific sources
Holy city, as per regional sources and general recognition, predominantly refers to Jerusalem. This acknowledgment spans diverse religious and academic viewpoints.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Christian attitudes to Jerusalem and the Holy Land were studied in the fourth century.[15] (2) Jerusalem is generally recognized as this across various religious and academic contexts.[16]
Classical concept of 'Holy city'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) This is a place from which someone's part will be taken away if they take away from the words of prophecy of a specific book.[17]
From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope
(1) The holy city of Mecca can be reached in a few hours from Giddeh, the port of Mecca, after pilgrims travel by steamer from Suez.[18]