The world's holy sites attract millions of visitors each year, drawn not only by religious devotion but also by architectural beauty, historical significance, and cultural importance. In Asia, the convergence of Hinduism and Buddhism with ancient animistic religions like Shinto profoundly shaped the culture, creating an interwoven patchwork of beliefs, traditions, and practices that permeate daily life, art, architecture, and philosophy.
Meiji Shrine, Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo, the Shinto Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, was founded in 1920. Its peaceful forest setting in the heart of a bustling city draws visitors seeking tranquility. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but rebuilt. Meiji Jingu is Japan's most popular shrine. During the New Year, the shrine receives as many as three million visitors, making it the most visited shrine in Japan.
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan
Sensoji Temple, founded in 645 AD, is Tokyo's oldest temple and dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu) who embodies the mercy of all Buddhas. Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It was founded in the year 628 when a fisherman drew a statue up in a net from a river and converted to Buddhism.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, India
Situated on the western bank of the holy River Ganges in Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history, with the current structure dating back to 1780. This temple is a central part of the faith for millions of Hindus, drawing visitors for both its spiritual significance and its location in the ancient city of Varanasi.
Borobudur, Magelang, Java, Indonesia
Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist temple, located in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Dating back to the 9th century, Borobudur is constructed as a massive step pyramid of nine stacked platforms, crowned by a central dome. The temple is adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, depicting the life of Buddha and the principles of Buddhism. Borobudur is particularly famous for its elaborate stupa sculptures and the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, especially during Vesak, the most important Buddhist festival.
Dazaifu Tenmangu, Japan
Dazaifu Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine located in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian Period revered as the god of learning, Tenjin. Founded in 919, shortly after Michizane's death, the shrine is a pilgrimage site for students and scholars seeking success in exams and academic achievements. The shrine complex is renowned for its beautiful plum orchards, which bloom in early spring, symbolizing Michizane's spirit. Dazaifu Tenmangu attracts millions of visitors annually, including students, academics, and tourists in hope of receiving divine blessings for scholarly success.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Narita City, Japan
Founded in 940 AD in Narita, Chiba, the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, a deity in Japanese Buddhism. Known for its stunning pagoda, traditional Japanese garden, and the ritual of Goma fire burning, the temple offers a spiritual experience amidst a serene landscape. It draws visitors for both religious ceremonies and its beautiful natural setting. The spacious temple grounds host a variety of buildings including a three storied pagoda and the Great Pagoda of Peace.
Prambanan Temple, Java, Indonesia
Prambanan Temple, located in Central Java, Indonesia, is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. The temple complex was built in the 9th century AD, dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva). Prambanan is renowned for its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and the bas-relief panels narrating the epic stories of the Ramayana. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors not only for its architectural and historical significance but also for cultural performances. Despite being damaged by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions over the centuries, Prambanan continues to be a significant site for Hindu rituals and a major attraction for tourists and devotees alike
Haridwar, India
Haridwar, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, this ancient city is a major pilgrimage center, drawing millions of devotees and seekers to its sacred waters annually. The religious significance of Haridwar is immense; it is believed to be the spot where the Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills and enters the plains, making the waters particularly holy. The city hosts the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, which occurs every twelve years and attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the globe. Haridwar is also home to the Har Ki Pauri ghat, a revered place where evening prayers and aarti are performed, and where it is believed that a dip in the holy river cleanses one's sins and facilitates the liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Pura Besakih, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Besakih, known as the "Mother Temple" of Bali, is the largest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali, Indonesia. Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, the island's highest mountain, Pura Besakih is a complex of 23 separate but related temples, with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. The temple's origins can be traced back to the pre-Majapahit kingdom of Bali, around 1000 AD, but it has been expanded and refurbished many times since then. Pura Besakih is unique not only for its mountainous setting but also for its role as a central site of worship and ceremony, drawing Hindu devotees from across Bali and tourists from around the world. The complex is known for its intricate Balinese architecture, ancient stone carvings, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Agung.