Dr. Cajetan CoelhoNov 13th, 2007 - 11:50:12

Pilgrimages, processions, alms giving, spiritual exercises, fasting, mortification, abnegation, prayer, acts of mercy and kindness have been regular practices among many of our people in Asia and India.

Besides the historic Haj, going on pilgrimages to sacred places like to the shrines of saints Moinuddin Chisti, Nizamuddin Aulia or to Nagore and Kayalpattinam in South India have been spiritually elevating to many of our sisters and brothers in our country.

Dwarka and Somnath in Saurashtra, Alandi and Pandharpur in Maharashtra, Vaishnodevi, Mathura, Allahabad, Varanasi, Sarnath and Gaya in the north and Puri, Tirupathi, Madurai and Kanyakumari in Peninsular India keep on attracting thousands of devotees on regular basis and millions on the rare auspicious days. At the southern tip of our country where the Arabian Sea meets the waters of the Bay of Bengal, one witnesses our pilgrims praying and meditating devoutly at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial temple.

Even smaller and out of the way places like the shrine of Dhori Mata near Bokaro in Jharkhand, Bandel in West Bengal, Vailankanni and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, Bandra in Mumbai and Anjediva island in the Arabian sea are unique experiences for spiritual wellbeing and fellow feeling.

One sees Indian pilgrims also at Fatima in far away Portugal, Lourdes in France, St. Pieter's in Rome, Prague, Medjugorie, Scherpenheuvel, Santiago del Compostela and even in Guadeloupe.

Closer home we have pilgrimages to Milagres Mapusa, Shriganv Zatra and to the historic shrine at Old Goa. People travelling on foot, braving the hot sun, with less food, less sleep, chanting prayers and singing devotional hymns can be very inspiring.

For the over all well being of body, mind, family, community and society, our pilgrimages continue to play an important role in providing us with focus and motivation to complete this existence energetically and in a more meaningful way.

Let us wish our brethren going on the Haj pilgrimage all the blessings, graces, good health, fellow feeling, safe journey and feelings of solidarity with the rest of mankind. Bon Voyage !

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