ABSTRACT

There are a number of contradictions in the teaching of pilgrimage and salvific space, and in recent years some additional problems have presented challenges to these traditions. Pilgrimage involved a change in the conceptualization of travel and geographical space. Some areas were considered impure according to the Dharmasastra literature. Pilgrimage is religious journeying, travel for a religious purpose towards a place believed to have a divine presence or possess salvific power, that is, power to bless, heal and fulfill wishes. The idea that salvific space purifies moral impurity created a contradiction between power and purity. The power of salvific space is presented here as giving the highest salvific rewards to everyone regardless of sins committed, even those considered the worst sins, such as killing Brahmans or cows. In the analysis of pilgrimage, a distinction can perhaps be made between how a product is promoted and what the consumers of the product believe about it.