Are you sure you want to delete your annotation? You cannot undo this action.
Rank the two columns according to which you think are the most significant reasons for/against to least significant reason. Explain your most and least choices.
Most
Least
For
The money spent through going on pilgrimage would be better spent on helping others, which in turn would gain spiritual benefit through the accumulation of good karma. Acts of kindness to others should be the priority.
A devotee can worship Shiva, Agni and the goddess Ganga from their own home using murtis and through conducting their own aarti ceremony. Attending Varanasi aarti is a waste of time when you can do it at home yourself.
Brahmins are at the local mandir to guide one through communal worship and to help translate sacred texts. This will allow the devotee to connect with Brahman, through deities, and use the money saved for another purpose. E.g. charity.
Aarti and puja’s primary purpose it to allow a devotee to connect with Brahman, through Shiva, Agni and Ganga in a personal way. This would be better achieved at home without the distractions of tourists and pilgrims around you.
Most
Least
Against
Going on a pilgrimage to Varanasi allows a devotee to bathe in the Ganges – and doing so, according to the Puranas, will take away sins. This leaves a devotee feeling spiritually refreshed.
Varanasi is one of the holiest cities on earth for Hindus. This city is dedicated to Shiva and through travelling to Varanasi a devotee is able to remain mindful of Shiva and connect with Brahman through him.
Gangajal, the water from the river Ganges, is considered the most pure and sacred water on Earth and so travelling to Varanasi would allow a devotee to bring some home to use in their puja and personal worship.
Going on pilgrimage, to any site of sacred significance, allows a devotee to join others from their community in communal worship. It also gives a devotee time away from their busy lives to reflect on spiritual growth.
