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Uttar Pradesh - Varanasi - Manikarnika Ghat - Cremation place
IND4304.1.F
Many thanks for your visits, comments, faves and invitations.
Take care and stay healthy!
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred riverfronts (ghats) alongside the river Ganga.
It is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi. The Manikarnika Ghat is mentioned in a Gupta inscription of 5th century.
In Hinduism, death is considered as a gateway to another life marked by the results of one's karma. It is believed that a dead human's soul attains moksha and hence breaks the cycle of rebirth when cremated here. Thus, scores of the elderly across the whole country seek to walk up to its edges and spend their last days absorbing the charisma of the ghat, making death painless and insignificant to be pondered upon.
Hag Hanukkah Sameach
Happy Festival Of Hanukkah✡️
Also, שבת שלום = Shabbat Shalom.
This Friday night and Saturday until sundown, we have three simultaneous holy events: Shabbat, Rosh Hodesh (The New Moon,) and Hanukkah.
For Baseball fans, it's a triple header!
Shabbat, the Sabbath is the second holiest day of the year. And, it occurs every single week! That's amazing...
The whole week is spent preparing for Shabbat and then enjoying Shabbat.
How lucky are we to have received G_d's precious gift to the Jewish people!!!
IMG_4870 V3
Buy this photo on Getty Images : Getty Images
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace in Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya until the city was completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, during the Burmese–Siamese War. It was the most beautiful temple in the capital and it served as a model for Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. In 1991 the Historic city of Ayutthaya was added to the Unesco World Heritage List. Its remains, characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries, give an idea of its past splendour.
Submitted: 07/10/2024
Accepted: 08/10/2024
In explore: 09/10/2024 (nr. 61 )
Acre, known to locals as Akko or Akka , is a city in the coastal plain region of the Northern District of Israel.
The city occupies an important location, sitting in a natural harbour at the extremity of Haifa Bay on the coast of the Mediterranean's Levantine Sea. Aside from coastal trading, it was also an important waypoint on the region's coastal road and the road cutting inland along the Jezreel Valley. The first settlement during the Early Bronze Age was abandoned after a few centuries but a large town was established during the Middle Bronze Age. Continuously inhabited since then, it is among the oldest continuously-inhabited settlements on Earth. It has, however, been subject to conquest and destruction several times and survived as little more than a large village for centuries at a time.
In present-day Israel, the population was 48,303 in 2017, made up of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Baha'is. In particular, Acre is the holiest city of the Bahá'í Faith and receives many pilgrims of that faith every year.
Eyup Sultan Mosque is considered the holiest mosque in Istanbul. Dedicated to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, one of the important figures of the Islamic religion, the mosque is located in the Eyup district on the shores of the Golden Horn.
Eyup Sultan Mosque is actually the first mosque built by the Ottomans in Istanbul after the conquest. However, since the original mosque was destroyed by the earthquake, it was rebuilt in the 18th century.
My favourite place of worship in India.
The Golden Temple also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib is the holiest Gurdwara of the Sikhs.In 1578 ,the fourth Sikh Guru,Guru Ram Das built a tank - Amritsar which literally means the Tank of Nectar and the city of Amritsar grew up around it.In 1588 ,the fifth Guru,Guru Arjan initiated the construction of a Gurdwara in the centre of this holy tank.The foundation of the Gurdwara was laid by Hazrat Mian Mir on 28th December 1588.The construction was completed in 1604.Guru Arjan installed the Guru Granth Sahib in it.In the early 19th century Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the Punjab from external attacks and had the upper portion of this beautiful Gurdwara covered with gold.Hence the name Golden Temple.
The Golden Temple is open to people of all faiths and is visited by thousands of people from India and abroad everyday.
Source - Wikipedia
This was my second visit to Amritsar and like the first time I was again totally mesmerized by the beauty of the Golden Temple.It looks beautiful any time of the day but I feel the best time to visit it is in the evening.When we reached it this time it was glowing in the rays of the setting sun.Then gradually it became dark, the lights came on and the scene became totally magical.
More photos to follow.
I have been travelling and might have missed some of your photos.I will try and make up in the next few days.:-)
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica (Latin: Basilica Sancti Petri), is an Italian Renaissance and Baroque church located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned in the 15th century by Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II to replace the aging Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626.
Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is one of the most renowned works of Italian Renaissance and Baroque arhitecture and the largest church in the world by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome (these equivalent titles being held by the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome), St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world", and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is supposedly directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. St. Peter's has many historical associations, with the early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age. St. Peter's is one of the four churches in the world that hold the rank of Major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a cathedral because it is not the seat of a bishop; the cathedra of the pope as bishop of Rome is at the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church built in the Renaissance style located in Vatican City, the papal enclave that is within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned by Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II to replace the aging Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626.
Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome (these equivalent titles being held by the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome), St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is supposedly directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. St. Peter's has many historical associations, with the Early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-reformation and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age. St. Peter's is one of the four churches in the world that hold the rank of Major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a cathedral because it is not the seat of a bishop; the cathedra of the pope as bishop of Rome is at Saint John Lateran.
St. Peter's is a church built in the Renaissance style located in the Vatican City west of the River Tiber and near the Janiculum Hill and Hadrian's Mausoleum. Its central dome dominates the skyline of Rome. The basilica is approached via St. Peter's Square, a forecourt in two sections, both surrounded by tall colonnades. The first space is oval and the second trapezoidal. The façade of the basilica, with a giant order of columns, stretches across the end of the square and is approached by steps on which stand two 5.55 metres statues of the first-century apostles to Rome, Saints Peter and Paul.
The basilica is cruciform in shape, with an elongated nave in the Latin cross form but the early designs were for a centrally planned structure and this is still in evidence in the architecture. The central space is dominated both externally and internally by one of the largest domes in the world. The entrance is through a narthex, or entrance hall, which stretches across the building. One of the decorated bronze doors leading from the narthex is the Holy Door, only opened during jubilees.
The interior dimensions are vast when compared to other churches. One author wrote: "Only gradually does it dawn upon us – as we watch people draw near to this or that monument, strangely they appear to shrink; they are, of course, dwarfed by the scale of everything in the building. This in its turn overwhelms us."
The nave which leads to the central dome is in three bays, with piers supporting a barrel vault, the highest of any church. The nave is framed by wide aisles which have a number of chapels off them. There are also chapels surrounding the dome. Moving around the basilica in a clockwise direction they are: The Baptistery, the Chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin, the larger Choir Chapel, the altar of the Transfiguration, the Clementine Chapel with the altar of Saint Gregory, the Sacristy Entrance, the Altar of the Lie, the left transept with altars to the Crucifixion of Saint Peter, Saint Joseph and Saint Thomas, the altar of the Sacred Heart, the Chapel of the Madonna of Column, the altar of Saint Peter and the Paralytic, the apse with the Chair of Saint Peter, the altar of Saint Peter raising Tabitha, the altar of St. Petronilla, the altar of the Archangel Michael, the altar of the Navicella, the right transept with altars of Saint Erasmus, Saints Processo and Martiniano, and Saint Wenceslas, the altar of St. Jerome, the altar of Saint Basil, the Gregorian Chapel with the altar of the Madonna of Succour, the larger Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, the Chapel of Saint Sebastian and the Chapel of the Pietà. The Monuments, in a clockwise direction, are to: Maria Clementina Sobieski, The Stuarts, Benedict XV, John XXIII, St. Pius X, Innocent VIII, Leo XI, Innocent XI, Pius VII, Pius VIII, Alexander VII, Alexander VIII, Paul III, Urban VIII, Clement X, Clement XIII, Benedict XIV, St Peter (Bronze Statue), Gregory XVI, Gregory XIV, Gregory XIII, Matilda of Canossa, Innocent XII, Pius XII, Pius XI, Christina of Sweden, Leo XII. At the heart of the basilica, beneath the high altar, is the Confessio or Chapel of the Confession, in reference to the confession of faith by St. Peter, which led to his martyrdom. Two curving marble staircases lead to this underground chapel at the level of the Constantinian church and immediately above the purported burial place of Saint Peter.
The entire interior of St. Peter's is lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture and gilding. The basilica contains a large number of tombs of popes and other notable people, many of which are considered outstanding artworks. There are also a number of sculptures in niches and chapels, including Michelangelo's Pietà. The central feature is a baldachin, or canopy over the Papal Altar, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The apse culminates in a sculptural ensemble, also by Bernini, and containing the symbolic Chair of Saint Peter.
One observer wrote: "St Peter's Basilica is the reason why Rome is still the centre of the civilized world. For religious, historical, and architectural reasons it by itself justifies a journey to Rome, and its interior offers a palimpsest of artistic styles at their best ..."
The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson described St. Peter's as "an ornament of the earth ... the sublime of the beautiful.
Narrow alley in The Old Town in Elbląg :)
The Church Path - narrow passage between houses on The Old Town called “Church Path” due to the fact it connected three churches: the Holy Ghost hospital, the parish church of St. Nicholas, and the church of the Holiest Virgin Mary. After the Second World War, survived only section Connecting Świętego Ducha (Holy Ghost) and Mostowa streets. The surviving fragment of the path is one of the few original medieval elements that has been preserved in the Old Town of Elbląg.
Elbląg is a city in northern Poland on the eastern edge of the Żuławy region. Elbląg is one of the oldest cities in the province. Its history dates back to 1237, when the Teutonic Order constructed their fortified stronghold on the banks of a nearby river. The castle subsequently served as the official seat of the Teutonic Order Masters. The city was transferred to Prussia after the first partition of Poland in 1772. After World War II the city again became part of Poland. Today, Elbląg is a vibrant city with an attractive tourist base. It serves as an academic and financial center and among its numerous historic monuments is the Market Gate from 1309 and St. Nicholas Cathedral. Elbląg is also known for its archaeological sites, museums and the largest brewery in the country.
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Wąskie przejście pomiędzy murami na starówce w Elblągu zwane "Ścieżką kościelną" :)
Ścieżka kościelna w Elblągu – wąskie przejście między kamienicami w Elblągu, łączące trzy kościoły Starego Miasta. Stanowiła najszybszą i najkrótszą drogę pomiędzy nimi, stąd też jej nazwa. Prowadziła ona od kościoła św. Ducha, przebiegała przy kościele św. Mikołaja i kończyła się przed bramą podominikańskiego klasztoru NMP. Po II wojnie światowej ocalał tylko odcinek łączący ulice Świętego Ducha i Mostową. Ocalały fragment Ścieżki kościelnej stanowi jeden z nielicznych, oryginalnych elementów średniowiecznych, który zachował się na elbląskim Starym Mieście.
Elbląg – miasto na prawach powiatu w województwie warmińsko-mazurskim. Jedno z najstarszych w Polsce (rok założenia 1237, kiedy to Krzyżacy pod dowództwem Hermanna von Balka wybudowali na wyspie u ujścia rzeki Elbląg niewielki drewniano-ziemny gródek, prawa miejskie nadane w 1246). Miasto posiadało prawo do czynnego uczestnictwa w akcie wyboru króla. Podczas I rozbioru Polski w 1772 Elbląg znalazł się pod zaborem pruskim, a od 1815 do 1920 Elbląg należał do rejencji gdańskiej w pruskiej prowincji Prusy Zachodnie. Po I wojnie światowej Elbląg znalazł się w prowincji Prusy Wschodnie, zaś po II wojnie światowej miasto ponownie znalazło się w granicach państwa polskiego. Elbląg to najniżej położone miasto w Polsce. Leży u ujścia rzeki Elbląg do Zalewu Wiślanego.
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred riverfronts (ghats), located on the banks of River Ganges, in the city of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. In Hinduism, death is considered a gateway to another life marked by the result of one's karma. It is believed that a human's soul attains moksha, and hence breaks the cycle of rebirth when cremated here.
The ghat is named after Sati's earrings which fell there. The Hindu genealogy registers at Varanasi are kept there.
Die Tempelanlage Besakih
Pura Besakih ist das bedeutendste auf der Insel Bali gelegene hinduistische Heiligtum in Indonesien und „Muttertempel“ aller balinesischer Tempel. Der Tempel wurde vermutlich im 8. Jahrhundert gegründet und liegt auf rund 950 Meter Höhe am Südwesthang des Gunung Agung, einem nach wie vor aktiven Vulkan. Die Gesamtanlage besteht aus über 200 Gebäuden, zu denen mehrstufige Tempeltürme (meru), Schreine (pelinggih), offene Pavillons (bale) und weitere geschlossene Gebäude gehören. Die Fürstengeschlechter haben jeweils ihren eigenen Bezirk. Alle Dorfgemeinschaften verfügen innerhalb des weitläufigen Geländes über eigene Tempelbereiche oder Schreine, die jeweils von einer Mauer umgeben sind.
Pura Besakih is a temple (pura) complex in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, Indonesia. It is the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali, and one of a series of Balinese temples. Perched nearly 1000 meters up the side of Gunung Agung, it is an extensive complex of 23 separate but related temples with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. The temple is built on six levels, terraced up the slope. The entrance is marked by a candi bentar (split gateway), and beyond it the Kori Agung is the gateway to the second courtyard
A young Sikh devotee with his kirpan slung at his side sits meditating beside the holy tank inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar ,India
The Golden Temple also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib is the holiest Gurdwara of the Sikhs.In 1578 ,the fourth Sikh Guru,Guru Ram Das built a tank - Amritsar which literally means the Tank of Nectar and the city of Amritsar grew up around it.In 1588 ,the fifth Guru,Guru Arjan initiated the construction of a Gurdwara in the centre of this holy tank.The foundation of the Gurdwara was laid by Hazrat Mian Mir on 28th December 1588.The construction was completed in 1604.Guru Arjan installed the Guru Granth Sahib in it.In the early 19th century Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the Punjab from external attacks and had the upper portion of this beautiful Gurdwara covered with gold.Hence the name Golden Temple.
The Golden Temple is open to people of all faiths and is visited by thousands of people from India and abroad everyday.
Source - Wikipedia
The Holiest and Happiest Day of the year for Christians around the world...
An empty Cross, and empty tomb, a Risen Savior for all.
A Happy and Blessed Easter to everyone!
A capture of a cross atop one of our local churches, then layered with a background of color, bokeh and light rays...
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned in the 15th century by Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II to replace the ageing Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626.
Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, with piazza and fittings by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is one of the most renowned works of Italian Renaissance architecture and is the largest church in the world by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome (these equivalent titles being held by the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome), St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world", and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes, cardinals and bishops have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. St. Peter's has many historical associations, with the early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age.
St. Peter's is ranked second, after the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, amongst the four churches in the world that hold the rank of major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a cathedral because it is not the seat of a bishop.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned in the 15th century by Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II to replace the ageing Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626.
Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, with piazza and fittings by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is one of the most renowned works of Italian Renaissance architecture and is the largest church in the world by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome (these equivalent titles being held by the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome), St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world", and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes, cardinals and bishops have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. St. Peter's has many historical associations, with the early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age.
St. Peter's is ranked second, after the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, amongst the four churches in the world that hold the rank of major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a cathedral because it is not the seat of a bishop.
The Golden Temple It is one of the most beautiful and peaceful place I have ever visited.
The Sikhism is a very tolerant monotheistic religion where the voluntary services of the devotees are very important as well as the inter-faith dialogue and the support for the poor and weak, castes are not recognized.
The shrines is open to all man and women,no distinction of faith.
Sick religion has a sacred book named Sri Guru Granth Sahib written by the tenth guru of Sikhism and has 1430 pages that are “ poetically rendered and set to a rhythmic ancient north Indian classical form of music.” More then 100.000 pilgrim visit daily the temple
It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the original name is Sri Harmandir Sahib ("abode of God") or Darbar Sahib ("exalted holy court") is the holiest shrines for the Sikh believers. It is located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India, “In the early 1980s, the temple became a center of conflict between the Indian government led by Indira Gandhi, some Sikh groups and a militant movement led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale seeking to create a new nation named Khalistan. In 1984, Gandhi sent in the Indian Army as part of Operation Blue Star, leading to deaths of over 1,000 militants, soldiers and civilians, as well as causing much damage to the temple and the destruction of Akal Takht.” (“from Wikipedia”)
Bodhnath Stupa, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal
This is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. A stupa (from Sanskrit: m., स्तूप, stūpa, Tibetan མཆོད་རྟེན་ chöten, Sinhalese: දාගැබ, Pāli: थुप "thūpa", literally meaning "heap") is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the ashes of Buddhist monks, used by Buddhists as a place of meditation.
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Local boys play footvolley in the compound of the third holiest site in Islam, the Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem's Old City. The scene is dominated by the Minarat al-Asbat (منارة الأسباط) or Minaret of the Tribes.
Surveying the north-eastern entrance to the Haram al-Sharif from its north wall, the Minaret of the Tribes is one of the sites four minarets. Built by the Mamluks in 1367, it is composed of a cylindrical stone shaft (of Ottoman construction), rising from a rectangular base on top of a triangular transition zone. The shaft narrows above the muezzin's balcony, and is dotted with circular windows, ending with a bulbous dome. The dome was reconstructed after the 1927 Jericho earthquake.
2 hrs before sunset.
I had take this photo when I coming down after visiting Neelkanth temple ( Temple of Lord Shiva). This place is situated in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Altitude around 1330 meter from sea level and one of the holiest place in Uttarakhand.
Die Tempelanlage Besakih
Pura Besakih ist das bedeutendste auf der Insel Bali gelegene hinduistische Heiligtum in Indonesien und „Muttertempel“ aller balinesischer Tempel. Der Tempel wurde vermutlich im 8. Jahrhundert gegründet und liegt auf rund 950 Meter Höhe am Südwesthang des Gunung Agung, einem nach wie vor aktiven Vulkan. Die Gesamtanlage besteht aus über 200 Gebäuden, zu denen mehrstufige Tempeltürme (meru), Schreine (pelinggih), offene Pavillons (bale) und weitere geschlossene Gebäude gehören. Die Fürstengeschlechter haben jeweils ihren eigenen Bezirk. Alle Dorfgemeinschaften verfügen innerhalb des weitläufigen Geländes über eigene Tempelbereiche oder Schreine, die jeweils von einer Mauer umgeben sind.
Pura Besakih is a temple (pura) complex in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, Indonesia. It is the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali, and one of a series of Balinese temples. Perched nearly 1000 meters up the side of Gunung Agung, it is an extensive complex of 23 separate but related temples with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. The temple is built on six levels, terraced up the slope. The entrance is marked by a candi bentar (split gateway), and beyond it the Kori Agung is the gateway to the second courtyard
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace in Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya until the city was completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. It was the grandest and most beautiful temple in the capital and it served as a model for Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
The Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the temple of the royal family; no monks lived there. The Wat was used exclusively for royal ceremonies.
In 1767, the Burmese conquered the capital of Ayutthaya and began the extensive destruction and looting of numerous temples and other buildings, including the Wat Phra Si Sanphet. They set the building on fire and melted the gold. The three central Chedis seen here were destroyed in the process, but restoration work began in 1956.
The Katas Raj Temple complex in the Punjab is a sight to behold, and this panoramic photograph does it justice. Ancient stone temples, lush vegetation, and a pond create a breathtaking panorama that attests to the region's spiritual and cultural wealth. The Katas Raj complex, built in the sixth century and dedicated to Shiva, is one of the holiest Hindu sites. The image that has drawn visitors and pilgrims to this holy site for centuries is palpable as you take in this vista.
also known as the Church of the Resurrection,
is a fourth-century church in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.
It is considered to be the holiest site for Christians in the world, as it has been the most important pilgrimage site for Christianity since the fourth century.
@Wikipedia
Considered the holiest temple on the site of ancient Ayutthaya’s Royal Palace, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is still a spiritual centre for Thai people. It served as a temple for the royal family and was the most elaborate of its kind in the capital city.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was largely destroyed during the Burmese army raids of 1767, with only its three large bell-shaped stupas left standing. The bases of other buildings are still visible alongside each stupa and probably housed highly revered images of Buddha.
For more information, visit: www.travolution360.com/Thailand
Swayambhunath (Devnagari: स्वयम्भूनाथ स्तुप, English (rarely):Monkey Temple) is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the area of Kathmandu. It sits on a hill in the west of Kathmandu overlooking the city.
source :
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia, is one of the holiest and oldest churches in the country. Originally built in the 11th century, this imposing medieval cathedral is not only a masterpiece of Georgian architecture but also an important religious symbol. According to tradition, the sacred robe of Christ is buried beneath the cathedral, making it one of the most revered places of pilgrimage in the country. In front of the cathedral is a wide paved square, where visitors gather, light candles, and where processions regularly take place on feast days. The square has a serene, almost timeless atmosphere, surrounded by low shops, cafes, and traditional houses with wooden balconies. There is a pleasant mix of devotion and tourist bustle. What makes this square extra special is the breathtaking view of the Jvari Monastery, which sits high on a hill across the Aragvi River. Especially in clear weather, the silhouette of the small 6th-century church, perched on the rocks, is clearly visible. The Jvari Monastery is of great significance: it is said that Saint Nino placed a wooden cross here in the 4th century, with which Christianity began to take root in Georgia. The combination of ancient spiritual buildings, the mountainous landscape and the sacred rivers around, makes this place one of the most enchanting and spiritually charged locations in Georgia. Whether you are religious or not — there is a sense of eternity in the air here.
In the heart of the city of Mtskheta stands the imposing Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built between 1010 and 1029.
This masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important religious buildings in the country. The cathedral is encircled by an impressive fortified wall, complete with battlements, towers, and ancient gates — giving it the appearance of a castle. Step through one of the gates, and you'll find yourself in a lively courtyard where faith and tradition are still very much alive.
De Svetitskhoveli-kathedraal in Mtskheta, Georgië, is een van de heiligste en oudste kerken van het land. Deze imposante middeleeuwse kathedraal, oorspronkelijk gebouwd in de 11e eeuw, is niet alleen een meesterwerk van Georgische architectuur, maar ook een belangrijk religieus symbool. Volgens de overlevering ligt onder de kathedraal het heilige kleed van Christus begraven, wat het tot een van de meest vereerde pelgrimsoorden in het land maakt. Voor de kathedraal ligt een breed geplaveid plein, waar bezoekers samenkomen, kaarsen branden, en waar regelmatig processies plaatsvinden op feestdagen. Het plein heeft een serene, bijna tijdloze sfeer, omringd door lage winkeltjes, cafés, en traditionele huizen met houten balkons. Er heerst een aangename mix van devotie en toeristische levendigheid. Wat dit plein extra bijzonder maakt, is het adembenemende uitzicht op het Jvari-klooster, dat hoog boven op een heuvel aan de overkant van de rivier de Aragvi ligt. Vooral bij helder weer is het silhouet van de kleine 6e-eeuwse kerk, bovenop de rotsen, duidelijk zichtbaar. Het Jvari-klooster is van grote betekenis: hier zou de heilige Nino in de 4e eeuw een houten kruis hebben geplaatst, waarmee het christendom in Georgië begon te wortelen. De combinatie van eeuwenoude spirituele gebouwen, het bergachtige landschap en de heilige rivieren rondom, maakt deze plek tot een van de meest betoverende en spiritueel geladen locaties van Georgië. Of je nu gelovig bent of niet — het voelt alsof hier iets eeuwigs in de lucht hangt.
Holy Island, Northumberland UK
Well I couldn't not visit the Holy island on my recent trip north could I. I'd had a reasonably successful visit here back in Sept 2022 www.flickr.com/photos/184798091@N07/albums/72177720301897... but there were definitely more images to be had.
Looking at the tide timetables I decided that as I'd done a sunrise there last time I'd go for a sunset but wanted a chance to explore. Whilst not a new location the above is a new composition for me which appealed. It's a bit like Dungeness there in that there are many striking images to be had it's easy to include too much. I hope I haven't done this here and think the 65:24 crop works well given conditions when I shot this.
Holy Island (Lindisfarne) is situated off the Northumberland coast in the north east of England, just a few miles south of the border with Scotland. The island is linked to the mainland by a causeway which twice a day is covered by the tide.
Possibly the holiest site of Anglo-Saxon England, Lindisfarne was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk, who came from Iona, the centre of Christianity in Scotland. St Aidan converted Northumbria to Christianity at the invitation of its king, Oswald. St. Aidan founded Lindisfarne Monastery on Holy Island in 635, becoming its first Abbot and Bishop. The Lindisfarne Gospels, a 7th century illuminated Latin manuscript written here, is now in the British Museum.
The island of Lindisfarne with its wealthy monastery was a favourite stop-over for Viking raiders from the end of the 8th century. These Vikings raiders obviously concerned the monks somewhat as they vacated the monastery and did not return for 400 years. Lindisfarne continued as an active religious site from the 12th century until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537.
www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Lindis...
© All rights reserved Steve Pellatt. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.
Besakih Temple is a pura complex in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, Indonesia. It is the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Balinese Hinduism,[1] and one of a series of Balinese temples. Perched nearly 1000 meters up the side of Gunung Agung, it is an extensive complex of 23 separate but related temples with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. The temple is built on six levels, terraced up the slope. The entrance is marked by a candi bentar (split gateway), and beyond it the Kori Agung is the gateway to the second courtyard. The precise origins of the temple are unclear but its importance as a holy site almost certainly dates from prehistoric times. The stone bases of Pura Penataran Agung and several other temples resemble megalithic stepped pyramids, which date back at least 2,000 years. It was certainly used as a Hindu place of worship from 1284 when the first Javanese conquerors settled in Bali. By the 15th century, Besakih had become a state temple of the powerful Gelgel dynasty
photo rights reserved by Ben
Mtskheta, located just 20 kilometers from Tbilisi, is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and is considered the spiritual capital of the country. This charming city is located at the confluence of the Mtkvari Kura and Aragvi rivers and is known for its rich history. In the heart of the city stands the imposing Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built between 1010 and 1029. This masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important religious buildings in the country. According to tradition, the robe that Jesus wore during his crucifixion is buried here, making the cathedral one of the holiest sites in Georgia. The cathedral is surrounded by an impressive fortified wall, complete with battlements, towers and age-old gates, which almost looks like a castle. Step through one of the gates and you’ll find yourself in a bustling courtyard where faith is still very much alive. During our visit, a traditional wedding was taking place: guests in festive attire gathered, a priest sang in Old Georgian, candles flickered, and the sound of singing filled the room. The atmosphere was intense and powerful — a special mix of holiness and human connection. In addition to its spiritual heritage, Mtskheta has a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Cozy shopping streets wind through the old town, where you’ll find small boutiques, local crafts, and colorful souvenirs. At weekends, the town comes to life with cheerful market stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and fragrant herbs to handmade jewelry and traditional delicacies.
The entrance gate to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stands on the western side of the walled complex, in the heart of Mtskheta. Dating back to the 11th century, it was built alongside the cathedral itself. The heavy wooden doors are framed by solid stone and a rounded arch, worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims passing through. Stepping through this gate means walking straight into Georgia’s living history.
Mtskheta, gelegen op slechts 20 kilometer van Tbilisi, is een van de oudste steden van Georgië en wordt beschouwd als de spirituele hoofdstad van het land. Deze charmante stad ligt aan de samenvloeiing van de rivieren Mtkvari Kura en Aragvi, en staat bekend om haar rijke geschiedenis. Midden in de stad prijkt de imposante Svetitskhoveli-kathedraal, gebouwd tussen 1010 en 1029. Dit meesterwerk van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur is opgenomen op de UNESCO Werelderfgoedlijst en geldt als een van de belangrijkste religieuze bouwwerken van het land. Volgens de overlevering ligt hier het kleed begraven dat Jezus droeg tijdens zijn kruisiging, waardoor de kathedraal een van de heiligste plekken in Georgië is. De kathedraal wordt omringd door een indrukwekkende versterkte muur, compleet met kantelen, torens en eeuwenoude toegangspoorten. Het geheel oogt bijna als een kasteel. Zodra je door een van de poorten stapt, bevind je je in een bruisende binnenplaats waar het geloof nog springlevend is. Tijdens ons bezoek vond er een traditionele bruiloft plaats: gasten in feestelijke kleding verzamelden zich, een priester zong in het Oud-Georgisch, kaarsen flakkerden, en het geluid van gezang vulde de ruimte. De sfeer was intens en krachtig — een bijzondere mix van heiligheid en menselijke verbondenheid. Naast haar spirituele erfgoed heeft Mtskheta een levendige en gastvrije sfeer. Gezellige winkelstraatjes slingeren zich door het oude centrum, waar je kleine boetiekjes, lokale ambachten en kleurrijke souvenirs vindt. In het weekend komt de stad extra tot leven met vrolijke marktkraampjes, waar je alles kunt vinden van vers fruit en geurige kruiden tot handgemaakte sieraden en traditionele lekkernijen.
Resting on a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises.
Die Tempelanlage Besakih
Pura Besakih ist das bedeutendste auf der Insel Bali gelegene hinduistische Heiligtum in Indonesien und „Muttertempel“ aller balinesischer Tempel. Der Tempel wurde vermutlich im 8. Jahrhundert gegründet und liegt auf rund 950 Meter Höhe am Südwesthang des Gunung Agung, einem nach wie vor aktiven Vulkan. Die Gesamtanlage besteht aus über 200 Gebäuden, zu denen mehrstufige Tempeltürme (meru), Schreine (pelinggih), offene Pavillons (bale) und weitere geschlossene Gebäude gehören. Die Fürstengeschlechter haben jeweils ihren eigenen Bezirk. Alle Dorfgemeinschaften verfügen innerhalb des weitläufigen Geländes über eigene Tempelbereiche oder Schreine, die jeweils von einer Mauer umgeben sind.
Pura Besakih is a temple (pura) complex in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, Indonesia. It is the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali, and one of a series of Balinese temples. Perched nearly 1000 meters up the side of Gunung Agung, it is an extensive complex of 23 separate but related temples with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. The temple is built on six levels, terraced up the slope. The entrance is marked by a candi bentar (split gateway), and beyond it the Kori Agung is the gateway to the second courtyard
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica (Latin: Basilica Sancti Petri; Italian: Basilica di San Pietro [baˈziːlika di sam ˈpjɛːtro]), is a church of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned in the 15th century by Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II to replace the ageing Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626.
Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, with piazza and fittings by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is one of the most renowned works of Italian Renaissance architecture[4] and is the largest church in the world by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome (these equivalent titles being held by the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome), St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world", and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes, cardinals and bishops have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people.[8] St. Peter's has many historical associations, with the early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age.
St. Peter's is ranked second, after the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, among the four churches in the world that hold the rank of major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a cathedral because it is not the seat of a bishop.
The Golden Temple (also known as the Harmandir Sahib, lit. 'abode of God', Punjabi pronunciation: harmandir Sahib or the Darbār Sahib, 'exalted court', Darbar court is a gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is the preeminent spiritual site of Sikhism. It is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, alongside the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Kartarpur, and Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned in the 15th century by Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II to replace the ageing Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626.
Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, with piazza and fittings by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is one of the most renowned works of Italian Renaissance architecture and is the largest church in the world by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome (these equivalent titles being held by the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome), St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world", and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes, cardinals and bishops have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. St. Peter's has many historical associations, with the early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age.
St. Peter's is ranked second, after the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, amongst the four churches in the world that hold the rank of major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a cathedral because it is not the seat of a bishop.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned in the 15th century by Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II to replace the ageing Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626.
Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, with piazza and fittings by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is one of the most renowned works of Italian Renaissance architecture and is the largest church in the world by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome (these equivalent titles being held by the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome), St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world", and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes, cardinals and bishops have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. St. Peter's has many historical associations, with the early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age.
St. Peter's is ranked second, after the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, amongst the four churches in the world that hold the rank of Major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a cathedral because it is not the seat of a bishop.
The Palitana temples of Jainism are located on Shatrunjaya by the city of Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. The city of the same name, known previously as Padliptapur, has been nicknamed "City of Temples". Along with Shikharji in the state of Jharkhand, the two sites are considered the holiest of all pilgrimage places by the Jain community. As the temple-city was built to be an abode for the divine, no one is allowed to stay overnight, including the priests. Every Jain believes that a visit to this group of temples is essential as a once in a life time chance to achieve nirvana or salvation.
This site on Shatrunjaya hill is considered sacred by Jains and have hundreds of temples. There are approximately 863 marble-carved temples on the hills.The main temple is reached by stepping up 3500 steps. It is said that 23 tirthankaras (a human being who helps in achieving liberation and enlightenment), except Neminatha (a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma), sanctified the hill by their visits. The main temple is dedicated to Rishabha, the first tirthankara; it is the holiest shrine for the Svetambara Murtipujaka sect.
Bridge Of Light
Pink
Just when you think
Hope is lost
And giving up
Is all you got,
Blue turns black,
Your confidence is cracked,
There seems no turning back from here
Sometimes there isn't an obvious explanation
Why the holiest hearts can feel the strongest palpitations
That's when you can build a bridge of light,
That's what turns the wrongs all right
That's when you can't give up the fight
That's when love turns nighttime into day,
That's when loneliness goes away,
That's why you gotta be strong tonight,
Only love can build us a bridge of light
When your feet are made of stone
You're convinced that you're all alone
Look at the stars instead of the dark
You'll find your heart shines like the sun
Went up to Koolewong this morning to shoot Paddy’s Oysters shed and jetty at sunrise. Timed the trip perfectly.
Stepped out of the car, walked 10m onto the jetty, and shot this within 5 minutes.
One of the easiest shoots I’ve done in a long time.
Hope you like “Bridge Of Light”
Cheers, Mike
Considered the holiest temple on the site of ancient Ayutthaya’s Royal Palace, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is still a spiritual centre for Thai people. It served as a temple for the royal family and was the most elaborate of its kind in the capital city.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was largely destroyed during the Burmese army raids of 1767, with only its three large bell-shaped stupas left standing. The bases of other buildings are still visible alongside each stupa and probably housed highly revered images of Buddha.
For more information, visit: www.travolution360.com/Thailand
Excerpt from the plaque:
Tile, Iznik, Turkey, 17th century. Fritware, underglaze-painted: This tile depicts the walled sanctuary at Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. At the center stands the Ka’ba, a black cuboid shrine believed to have been built by Ibrahim (Abraham), the patriarch of the world’s three major monotheistic religions. Near the Ka’ba’s lower left corner, there is a structure with a small circle inside. This represents Zamzam, a well that is believed to contain miraculous water. To this day, pilgrims who perform the hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca flock to Zamzam to drink its water and benefit from its healing and miracle-granting properties.
The Hazratbal Shrine, popularly called Dargah Sharif (lit. 'Holy Shrine'), is a Sufi dargah and mosque, located in Hazratbal locality of Srinagar, in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The site contains a relic, Moi-e-Muqqadas, believed to be the hair of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is situated on the northern bank of the Dal Lake in Srinagar, and is considered to be Kashmir's holiest Muslim shrine.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
photo rights reserved by Ben
Mtskheta, located just 20 kilometers from Tbilisi, is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and is considered the spiritual capital of the country. This charming city is located at the confluence of the Mtkvari Kura and Aragvi rivers and is known for its rich history. In the heart of the city stands the imposing Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built between 1010 and 1029. This masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important religious buildings in the country. According to tradition, the robe that Jesus wore during his crucifixion is buried here, making the cathedral one of the holiest sites in Georgia. The cathedral is surrounded by an impressive fortified wall, complete with battlements, towers and age-old gates, which almost looks like a castle. Step through one of the gates and you’ll find yourself in a bustling courtyard where faith is still very much alive. During our visit, a traditional wedding was taking place: guests in festive attire gathered, a priest sang in Old Georgian, candles flickered, and the sound of singing filled the room. The atmosphere was intense and powerful — a special mix of holiness and human connection. In addition to its spiritual heritage, Mtskheta has a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Cozy shopping streets wind through the old town, where you’ll find small boutiques, local crafts, and colorful souvenirs. At weekends, the town comes to life with cheerful market stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and fragrant herbs to handmade jewelry and traditional delicacies.
The entrance gate to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stands on the western side of the walled complex, in the heart of Mtskheta. Dating back to the 11th century, it was built alongside the cathedral itself. The heavy wooden doors are framed by solid stone and a rounded arch, worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims passing through. Stepping through this gate means walking straight into Georgia’s living history.
Mtskheta, gelegen op slechts 20 kilometer van Tbilisi, is een van de oudste steden van Georgië en wordt beschouwd als de spirituele hoofdstad van het land. Deze charmante stad ligt aan de samenvloeiing van de rivieren Mtkvari Kura en Aragvi, en staat bekend om haar rijke geschiedenis. Midden in de stad prijkt de imposante Svetitskhoveli-kathedraal, gebouwd tussen 1010 en 1029. Dit meesterwerk van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur is opgenomen op de UNESCO Werelderfgoedlijst en geldt als een van de belangrijkste religieuze bouwwerken van het land. Volgens de overlevering ligt hier het kleed begraven dat Jezus droeg tijdens zijn kruisiging, waardoor de kathedraal een van de heiligste plekken in Georgië is. De kathedraal wordt omringd door een indrukwekkende versterkte muur, compleet met kantelen, torens en eeuwenoude toegangspoorten. Het geheel oogt bijna als een kasteel. Zodra je door een van de poorten stapt, bevind je je in een bruisende binnenplaats waar het geloof nog springlevend is. Tijdens ons bezoek vond er een traditionele bruiloft plaats: gasten in feestelijke kleding verzamelden zich, een priester zong in het Oud-Georgisch, kaarsen flakkerden, en het geluid van gezang vulde de ruimte. De sfeer was intens en krachtig — een bijzondere mix van heiligheid en menselijke verbondenheid. Naast haar spirituele erfgoed heeft Mtskheta een levendige en gastvrije sfeer. Gezellige winkelstraatjes slingeren zich door het oude centrum, waar je kleine boetiekjes, lokale ambachten en kleurrijke souvenirs vindt. In het weekend komt de stad extra tot leven met vrolijke marktkraampjes, waar je alles kunt vinden van vers fruit en geurige kruiden tot handgemaakte sieraden en traditionele lekkernijen.
On the river Ganges at Varanasi.
Varanasi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in India.
La basílica de San Pedro
Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano, conocida comúnmente como basílica de San Pedro, es un templo católico situado en la Ciudad del Vaticano.
La basílica cuenta con el mayor espacio interior de una iglesia cristiana en el mundo, presenta 193 m de longitud, 44,5 m de altura, y abarca una superficie de 2,3 hectáreas. La altura que le confiere su cúpula hace que su figura domine el horizonte de Roma. Es considerada como uno de los lugares más sagrados del catolicismo.
En ella trabajaron algunos de los arquitectos más renombrados de la historia, como Donato Bramante, Miguel Ángel o Bernini.
En la tradición católica, la basílica se encuentra situada sobre el lugar de entierro de san Pedro, que fue uno de los doce apóstoles de Jesús de Nazaret, primer obispo de Antioquía, primer obispo de Roma y, por lo tanto, el primero de los pontífices. La tradición y las evidencias históricas y científicas sostienen que la sepultura del Santo está directamente debajo del altar mayor de la basílica.
St Peter's basilica
Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano, commonly known as St. Peter's Basilica, is a Catholic temple located in the Vatican City.
The basilica has the largest interior space of a Christian church in the world, it is 193 m long, 44.5 m high, and covers an area of 2.3 hectares. The height given by its dome makes its figure dominate the skyline of Rome. It is considered one of the holiest places in Catholicism.
Some of the most renowned architects in history worked on it, such as Donato Bramante, Miguel Ángel or Bernini.
In the Catholic tradition, the basilica is located on the burial place of Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus of Nazareth, first bishop of Antioch, first bishop of Rome and, therefore, the first of the pontiffs. Tradition and historical and scientific evidence hold that the burial of the Saint is directly below the main altar of the basilica.
Let me say a huge thank you, for over than 7 million visits that I receive in networks. But please do not leave one of those big logos, that are flooding in flickr .
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Warsaw, Poland
Church of the Holiest Savior
Kościół Najświętszego Zbawiciela
Winter
Join me on my personal website Erik Witsoe or contact me at ewitsoe@gmail.com for cooperation. Thank you.
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“There is a cosmic river flowing from the Sun to the Earth and to everywhere: The Sunlight, the holiest of the holy rivers! Enemy of Darkness is the best friend of existence! Touch the sunlight with a strong love because light itself made that love possible!”
Mehmet Murat ildan
Swayambhunath (Devnagari: स्वयम्भूनाथ स्तुप, English (rarely):Monkey Temple) is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the area of Kathmandu. It sits on a hill in the west of Kathmandu overlooking the city.
source :
holding on
in the fog
in the early cold wintry mornings
in
the holiest of holy cities
VARANASI
Photography’s new conscience
Mount Agung emerges from the morning mist and clouds shortly after sunrise. Rice terraces occupy the valley floor. Agung is an active volcano located on the eastern part of the island. The mountain is the highest point in Bali and is sacred to the Balinese people as they believe that it is the abode of the gods. The mother of all temples, the largest, holiest, and most important temple on the island, Pura Besakih, is located high on the slopes of Agung.
A minaret (, from Arabic, manāra (منارة), meaning "lighthouse",) is a distinctive architectural feature of mosques, generally a tall spire with an onion-shaped or conical crown, usually either free standing or taller than associated support structure. The basic form of a minaret includes a base, shaft, and gallery. Minarets provide a visual focal point and are used for the call to prayer (adhan).
Al-Masjid an-Nabawī (Arabic: المسجد النبوي), also called the Prophet's Mosque, is a mosque established and originally built by the Islamic prophet Muhammad S.A.W, in 622 CE. Situated in the city of Medina, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi was the second mosque built in the history of Islam and is now one of the largest mosques in the world. It is the second-holiest site in Islam, after al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.