Swargadwar, literally Gateway to Heaven.
India is full of holy sights, but some stand out more than others for historical and religious significance. Puri is one such city, situated on the East Coast and one of India's Char Dhams (literally four holy spots). 9th Century Hindu reformer Sankaracharya designated four places of sacred pilgrimage in India that correspond with the four cardinal points. From this time on Hindu's throughout the Subcontinent have been drawn to the city of...
more »Swargadwar, literally Gateway to Heaven.
India is full of holy sights, but some stand out more than others for historical and religious significance. Puri is one such city, situated on the East Coast and one of India's Char Dhams (literally four holy spots). 9th Century Hindu reformer Sankaracharya designated four places of sacred pilgrimage in India that correspond with the four cardinal points. From this time on Hindu's throughout the Subcontinent have been drawn to the city of Puri for it's profound spiritual power.
Hindu funeral rites prescribe that all four elements (earth, wind, fire & water) are present during the occasion. Swargadwar is particularly auspicious as it is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and a stones throw away from the awesome Jagannath Temple.
Hindus believe that cremation (compared to burial or outside disintegration) is most spiritually beneficial to the departed soul. This is based on the belief that the "astral body" will linger "as long as the physical body remains visible." If the body is not cremated, "the soul remains nearby for days or months"The only bodies that are not generally burned are unnamed babies and the lowliest of castes, who are returned to the earth.
(text GrassRoutes
http://grassroutesjourneys.blogspot.com/)
Puri, Orissa, India
©Ingetje Tadros
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