Significance of Sacred place
Synonyms: Holy site, Hallowed ground, Spiritual place, Sanctuary, Shrine, Temple, Sacred space
In Dutch: Heilige plaats; In Finnish: Pyhä paikka; In Spanish: Lugar sagrado; In Portugese: Lugar sagrado; In German: Heiliger Ort; In Swedish: Helig plats; In Malay: Tempat suci; In French: Lieu sacré; In Italian: Luogo sacro; In Polish: Święte miejsce
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacred place'
In Buddhism, a Sacred place signifies revered locations linked to spiritual journeys, rituals, and divine events, serving as sites for pilgrimage, merit acquisition, and the pursuit of Dhamma, embodying spiritual significance and utmost respect.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Locations visited by ma gcig during her spiritual journey, significant for their importance in Buddhist practice and pilgrimage.[1] (2) A holy location where spiritual activities, such as rituals and prayers, are performed, often associated with acquiring merits.[2] (3) A spiritually significant location where divine or holy events occur, often associated with local deities.[3] (4) Locations visited by the pandita that are considered holy and significant in the Buddhist tradition.[4]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) A location of significant spiritual value, often associated with respect and reverence in Buddhism.[5] (2) Locations of great spiritual significance, where individuals seek to find Dhamma.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Locations regarded with reverence, notably Acala Cetiyatthana and Avijahitatthana, associated with the Buddha's steps.[7]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Locations regarded as holy or spiritually significant, potentially distracting from serious discussions.[8]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Sacred places are locations that pilgrims visited, and it is plausible to assume that pilgrims who visited these places outnumber those who searched for Buddhist teachings.[9] (2) Sacred places are the focus of the illustrations, and they are a popular theme in contemporary painting, and are a way to depict famous Buddhist sites.[10]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Locations sanctified by Vishvantara’s actions, as recounted by Chinese pilgrims, indicating the enduring legacy of his story.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Sacred place'
In Hinduism, a sacred place is a spiritually significant location where rituals and devotional activities are performed to gain merit, purification, and connection with the divine. These sites, like the Ganges or Naimisaranya, are revered and approached with respect.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Places of pilgrimages that are visited with Rajasic devotion, involving ablutions, offerings, and gifts, but may not purify if done under the influence of Rajasic quality.[12] (2) These are locations whose waters can wash away external impurities but cannot purify the inner minds of individuals.[13] (3) Savitri resides always in the Brahma Loka and is such as all the sacred places of pilgrimages want Her touch for their purification.[14] (4) A place of pilgrimage where one should live to worship the Devi, as indicated in the text.[15] (5) Locations considered holy, from which the King brought waters for the installation ceremonies.[16]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Locations that Vasudeva and Dhananjaya traveled to with great pleasure, along with picturesque woodland sceneries, tablelands of mountains, lakes and rivers.[17] (2) A designated site believed to possess spiritual significance, where rituals are performed for cleansing.[18] (3) Locations deemed holy where it is considered virtuous for individuals to lay down their lives, reflecting the significance of such sites in spiritual practices.[19] (4) Locations of worship or spiritual significance where Yudhishthira obtained his boon during his travels.[20] (5) A location for retreat, indicating a place for reflection, mourning, or spiritual practices.[21]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Locations of religious importance where Lakshmana searched for Sita, underscoring the intertwining of spirituality and his quest.[22] (2) locations where Shri Rama observes sacrifices with sages, highlighting his piety and commitment to righteousness.[23] (3) Locations of spiritual significance that King Ambarisha visited in his quest for a horse or human victim.[24] (4) The revered locations within the narrative, including Prayaga and Kashi, that are significant in the cultural context.[25] (5) Locations that are spiritually significant, invoked for their protective qualities over Rama.[26]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Significant locations associated with spiritual merit and pilgrimage across different regions.[27] (2) Refers to locations considered holy where rituals and worship are conducted, integral to the text's spiritual themes.[28] (3) Locations considered holy where specific acts lead to spiritual merit, such as bathing or sighting certain deities.[29] (4) A location regarded with reverence, often due to its historical or spiritual significance.[30] (5) Locations deemed holy or significant, especially in a spiritual context, such as rivers and mountains.[31]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Locations such as Prayaga and Gaya where charities are performed for attaining heaven and averting evils.[32] (2) Locations that hold significant spiritual value, believed to enhance the efficacy of religious ceremonies.[33] (3) Locations such as Gaya that hold religious significance and are visited for the purpose of performing atonements for sins.[34] (4) Locations deemed holy where Vedic recitations and sacrifices are celebrated, enhancing the significance of worship.[35] (5) Locations regarded as holy due to their association with deities and spiritual practices.[36]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A location deemed holy, where rituals and practices aimed at purifying sins are performed.[37] (2) Locations, such as Tirthas, where spiritual practices yield auspicious results.[38] (3) A location deemed holy and significant in spiritual practices.[39] (4) A location deemed holy, where spiritual activities and worship take place, and which is protected by powerful beings.[40]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Refers to a location where individuals perform acts for future rewards, while others practice resignation.[41] (2) Key locations visited by Rama that hold significant religious and spiritual importance in his journey.[42]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Locations that are dedicated to the sun mentioned within the Garuda Purana, highlighting its religious significance.[43] (2) The spiritual location, Shalagrama, where Bharata resides for devotion but experiences setbacks in achieving emancipation.[44]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) Holy sites that Sunanda visited for spiritual practice, including the site of his encounter with the villager and the rakshasa.[45]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Locations mentioned within the Purana that hold religious significance and relate to the worship of various deities.[46]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) Locations regarded as holy where sacrifices are traditionally performed, emphasizing their significance in spiritual rituals.[47]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The areas through which Ganga flows, recognized for their spiritual significance.[48]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Vrindavana, a location of spiritual significance and divine association, revered as a holy land.[49] (2) A sacred place, such as Vrindavana, is characterized by its spiritual significance, and its absence can lead to a lack of happiness, according to the verse.[50] (3) A term referencing places of spiritual significance, such as Puskara-tirtha.[51] (4) Refers to places considered holy, among which Dvaraka is the most glorious.[52] (5) A location that is considered holy or deserving of respect, in this context referring to Cakra-tirtha by the Gomati.[53]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A sacred place is symbolized by the lotus feet of Nityananda, representing a refuge where devotees, like the merchants, can find solace and protection.[54] (2) The location where one is situated becomes highly revered and holy, transforming the immediate surroundings into a zone of deep spiritual significance.[55] (3) A location that is considered holy or deserving of respect, especially due to its association with the divine.[56] (4) Refers to holy sites from where waters were sourced to create Bindu-sarovara, each holding unique spiritual significance.[57] (5) Locations like the Ganges that are associated with piety and spiritual significance across different yugas.[58]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A location imbued with spiritual significance, often serving as a site for pilgrimage or meditation.[59] (2) A location regarded as holy, significant for worship and spiritual activities.[60]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Holy locations that are revered in spiritual traditions, often needing purification to restore their sanctity.[61]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Locations considered holy and worthy of pilgrimage, often associated with spiritual practices.[62]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The sacred place of Tiruccenkunrur Tiruccirraru is where Brahmins perform rituals, and it is where the Alvar finds solace and considers it to be his haven.[63]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) This is something that can be purified, as mentioned in the Vishnu-Smriti, and is related to the concept of purification through various means.[64] (2) A location deemed holy, used for performing rituals and making offerings.[65] (3) A location considered holy where the mutual union of a couple can take place, as described in the context of Gandharva marriage.[66] (4) Locations imbued with spiritual significance, where religious rituals are conducted.[67] (5) A location that is inherently clean or has been designated as holy, suitable for performing religious activities.[68]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A designated location where the offerings are meant to be conveyed for the deity to whom the sacrifice is directed.[69] (2) The designated area where the sacrifices and associated rituals are performed.[70]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Locations that are considered spiritually significant and where certain rites and prayers can help in removing sins.[71]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A location considered holy or particularly auspicious for performing rituals, especially when offering funeral oblations.[72]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Badarinatha is described as a sacred place devoted to Vishnu located in the Himalayas.[73] (2) A pilgrimage site where Lohajangha seeks solace after being cast out by Rupinika's mother.[74] (3) Refers to locations like Kedarnath that hold religious significance and are often visited for pilgrimage.[75]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Locations traditionally believed to cleanse sins, which are questioned in their efficacy in the narrative.[76]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This represents a location of religious significance, where spiritual activities and worship take place. This indicates a connection to faith and devotion.[77] (2) Sacred place refers to a location of religious or spiritual significance, often associated with positive influences and experiences, such as blessings, devotion, and attainment of higher rank in life.[78] (3) Sacred place is connected to the ninth house, and the ninth-part of this house is associated with blessings and visits to a sacred place.[79] (4) This describes locations considered holy or religiously significant, potentially visited or associated with positive experiences when certain celestial bodies are in favorable positions.[80] (5) These are locations considered holy or spiritually significant, which are linked to journeys and are connected to the influence of Jupiter, as highlighted in the provided text.[81]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) This signifies a location where the Hamsas can stay for a maximum of seven nights, which suggests a practice of dwelling in areas of spiritual significance.[82] (2) Physical locations considered holy or significant, which are transcended by those who achieve higher states of consciousness.[83] (3) A location deemed holy or significant, where an emancipated person may relinquish their physical body.[84]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A holy location where one can study scriptures and practice religious duties.[85]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A holy location considered most suitable for offering food, enhancing the act's significance.[86]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Or having on some night set up a god or an altar, or having opened a sacred place of ascetics, or having pointed out an evil omen, the king may collect subsistence under the pretence of holding processions and congregations.[87] (2) Locations that hold religious significance, requiring the king's attention for preservation and honor.[88]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) Locations considered holy and untouchable, which should be approached with respect.[89]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) A location where individuals may choose to refrain from causing injury.[90]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Locations designated for worship and devotion in both Buddhism and Hinduism.[91]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The passage explains that sacred places, in their esoteric sense, are within the body of the worshipper, so those who know this do not need to travel.[92]
Jain concept of 'Sacred place'
In Jainism, a Sacred place encompasses various significant locations for worship and pilgrimage that foster spiritual awakening and moral teachings. These sites, often associated with rituals and revered figures, include temples and areas near water, promoting purity and devotion.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Locations considered holy and significant in the context of rituals and spiritual practices, which Coksha references in her teachings.[93] (2) A holy location that is significant for religious worship and pilgrimage, which leads to spiritual awakening for Viramati.[94] (3) A location imbued with spiritual significance and deemed holy due to events or teachings that promote moral values and enlightenment.[95] (4) Locations where Durva-grass is often found growing.[96] (5) Referring to the sites of worship and religious significance that the Vidyadharas journey to, highlighting their devotion.[97]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Locations that hold spiritual significance, often associated with religious practice, pilgrimage, or meditation.[98]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Locations that hold spiritual significance, such as temples or areas near water bodies, which must not be polluted by discharges.[99]
The concept of Sacred place in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Sacred place" encompasses locations of significant spiritual value, where devotees engage in religious practices, seeking divine connection. It highlights the importance of such sites in fostering spiritual experiences, pilgrimage, and reverence across various cultures, particularly in Hinduism.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Then many of them felt a strong desire to go to the sacred place of the Kurus, indicating a destination of spiritual significance.[100] (2) This is a location that is considered essential for a festival, and its absence diminishes the value of the celebration.[101] (3) Refers to locations regarded as holy, where devotees seek spiritual connection or blessings.[102] (4) Locations where the divine presence is felt and where Shri Hari saves His devotees.[103] (5) Locations of religious significance; Pandhari is asserted to be superior to these in the text.[104]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Asoka went on a pilgrimage to all of these associated with the life of Buddha, such as Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kusinagara.[105] (2) Jerusalem, which is the principle of love and forgiveness and compassion absolute in man, that principle of pragna which when fully awakened makes of a man a God.[106] (3) The threshold of the place where the flowers and other auspicious things are placed, and is where the Paatravaahakas are placed.[107] (4) These are places where classical mural art was not confined to, and where art was present in varying degrees.[108] (5) The belief held by some characters in the poem that Jejuri is a holy site, particularly associated with the temple of Khandoba.[109]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The author states that the Buddhists tried to get hold of these.[110] (2) These are the locations, such as Varanasi, where individuals go to find spiritual purification, and their connection to these places is often temporary.[111]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) Locations of deep spiritual significance for Buddhists, such as temples and shrines where important rituals are practiced.[112]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) A sacred place is a meaning of the term kshetra, and it is not inconceivable that a sacred place might give rise to siddhis, according to the provided text.[113]
The concept of Sacred place in scientific sources
Sacred places in civil religion are locations with special national significance. Examples of sacred places include sites like the White House and the Alamo.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Methods and resources for water-based protection from pollution are particularly visible in sacred places in South Asia, highlighting the importance of purity and ritual cleansing.[114] (2) Theologically, a church building was the local embodiment of the universal, eternal Church, a sacred place where heaven touched earth.[115] (3) A sacred place, according to this article, possesses qualities that attract individuals and groups practicing various forms of vernacular religion and spirituality, creating an atmosphere for ceremonies and spiritual exploration.[116] (4) Discusses the creation and establishment of locations considered holy or revered, and their associated rituals, within the broader context of religious practice.[117] (5) Earlier Buddhism thus seems to want to untie itself from the idea that actions are rewarded based on their adherence to social norms, as well as the idea that a "sacred place" is tied to a specific controlled space.[118]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Sacred places are destinations considered holy or religiously significant, attracting both pilgrims seeking spiritual experiences and tourists interested in cultural heritage, and these sites often blend religious and secular elements.[119] (2) Sacred place is a local habitat category that adds a spiritual value to the trees, and includes churches, cemeteries, and cult sites, enhancing the significance of the trees.[120] (3) This is a location where attributes are mixed with interest in cultural and natural heritage, contributing to a personal experience.[121] (4) The knowledge transmitted in the paper is placed under a kapu, hoping it will be used to restore agency to Indigenous communities with responsibilities to sacred places.[122]
Classical concept of 'Sacred place'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) Locations where Amenta and the Aarru-paradise have been repeated, such as the garden of the gods and the holy mountain of Shasta in Colorado.[123] (2) The sacred place of the creation' or beginning goes back to the domain of Sut, and to 'the days of the masters of Kher.'.[124] (3) The sphinx was a figure of the primitive abyss called Akar, the unfathomable deep of earth or womb of life, and it marked the sacred place of creation or 'the first time.'[125]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) Sacred place is where the Egyptians were particularly curious in observing the accidental prattle of children, forming omens and presages.[126]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) The Panionion is regarded as a sacred place on the northern side of Mycale, jointly designated by the Ionians for Poseidon of Helike.[127]