When it comes to Buddhism, Hinduism, and other Asian religions, the people go to holy places in the country to pray, worship and visit. In this article, you will learn about some of the most significant holy places associated with Asian cultures, such as the Ganges River.
Lhasa, Tibet (in China)
The center of Tibetan Buddhism is found in Lhasa, where a monastery that once served as home to the Dalai Lama is found. It is here that many important cultural sites are located. Potala Palace was the primary residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India after an invasion and unsuccessful uprising took place in 1959. Many Tibetans view Jokhnag as one of the most sacred and important temples of their faith. Once the summer residence of former Dalai Lamas, the palace and surrounding park of Norbulingka is another significant attraction in Tibet. The translation of Lhasa means ‘place of the gods’. The first record of the name is traced back to 822 CE.
The Ganges River is a sacred place for Hindus, who come to the waters to bathe and scatter the ashes of their dead. Because of these activities, the Ganges is one of the most polluted rivers in all the world. The fecal coliform levels in some parts of the river are more than 100 times the official limits of the Indian government. Not only is the surrounding human population at risk, but many species of fish, amphibians, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin. Despite efforts to clean up the river, the Indian traditions and lack of support from religious figures still slow down the process of reform.
This is because the Ganges is viewed as the most sacred river to Hindus. Millions of Indians also rely on the waters to satisfy their daily needs. In Hinduism, the water is worshipped as the goddess Ganga and has played an important role in the cultural history of the land and its people.
Dedicated to the god Shiva, Benares is the Hindu holy city, which is positioned on the banks of the Ganges River. The holy city is important to not only the Hindus, but to also Buddhists and Jains. It is one of the oldest cities in the world to have continuously served as the home for inhabitants. Some say it is the oldest city in India. In North India, the city has been seen as the cultural and religious center for several thousand years. The region has also produced many well-known Indian philosophers, poets, writers, musicians, and classical music. Because of the history of Benares, it is often referred to as the ‘city of temples’ or ‘the holy city of India.’
Amritsar serves as the religious and cultural center for the Sikh religion. The main shrine is called the Harmandir Sahib, which has been given the nickname of the Golden Temple because of its striking appearance. This shrine brings more visitors than the Taj Mahal , attracting more than 100,000 visitors on week days alone. The shrine is regarded as the primary destination for non-resident Indians in the entire country.