Virtual Heritage Talk - Sacred Hills of Madurai Hills
C onsidering hills and mountains as sacred spots are universal phenomena. Many religions have traditions centered on sacred hills, which either were considered holy (such as Mount Olympus in Greek mythology) or are related to famous events..In some cases, the sacred hill is purely mythical. Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of the Hindu deities Siva and Parvati, as is considered sacred for three major Indian religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Sacred hills can also provide an important piece of cultural identity. As a result of the hill’s role as a part of cultural identity, even people who do not live close to the hill or mountain feel that events occurring on the hill are relevant to their own personal lives. This results in communities banning certain activities near the mountain or hill, especially if those activities are seen as potentially destructive to the sacred hill itself. To the Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains, the pilgrimage is considered a major moment in a person’s spiritual life. They often see the sacred hills as sites of revelation and inspiration. The hills’ role as places of revelation and transformation often serve to attract tourists as much as they do religious pilgrims.