Significance of Holy Tirtha
Holy Tirtha, in Vaishnavism and Purana, signifies sacred places and waters that provide spiritual purification and protection from sins. These locations are central to pilgrimage practices, where rituals and sacred baths are performed to bestow liberation, merit, and blessings upon devotees. Holy Tirthas are renowned for their spiritual significance, enabling individuals to cleanse their souls and fulfill desires through worship and ritual bathing. They embody a vital aspect of spiritual journeys, facilitating purification and enlightenment for those who visit.
Synonyms: Sacred water, Holy water, Blessed water, Spiritual water, Consecrated water, Divine water, Sacred pilgrimage site, Holy shrine, Sacred site
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 Tirtha'
Holy Tirtha in Hinduism refers to sacred pilgrimage sites and waters recognized for their purifying properties, spiritual significance, and ability to cleanse sins, offering devotees blessings and liberation through rituals and holy baths.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Sacred sites for pilgrimage characterized by their spiritual benefits and reputed purifying qualities.[1] (2) Sacred pilgrimage sites revered for their spiritual benefits and associated rituals.[2] (3) Sacred bodies of water considered to be purifying, where religious rituals are often performed.[3] (4) A sacred place that offers the power to liberate souls from sins, notably where the goat's head fell into the Sangama.[4] (5) A sacred water body or pilgrimage site known for purifying sins and fulfilling spiritual requests, emphasized in the narrative.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Sacred places that are auspicious and have been visited by celestials and revered sages.[6] (2) A term referring to a sacred place where pilgrimage is performed to gain spiritual merit and cleanse oneself of sins.[7]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Sacred waters at Gokarna symbolizing purity and the embodiment of spirituality.[8]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The revered water body or sacred site known for bestowing merit through ritual bathing.[9]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Sacred water bodies or locales that are central to Hindu pilgrimages, believed to grant spiritual benefits.[10]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A sacred body of water associated with purification and blessings, often visited for spiritual cleansing.[11]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A sacred crossing point, often associated with rivers, where pilgrims can attain spiritual benefits.[12]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The sanctified water that is revered in connection with the Deity and is believed to provide purification and spiritual benefits.[13] (2) Sacred places that contribute to spiritual purification and enlightenment.[14] (3) Sacred places and entities, including pilgrimage sites, that have the power to sanctify individuals and protect them from sins.[15]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Sacred places where pilgrims perform rituals and seek blessings, emphasizing their spiritual significance.[16]