Pilgrimage Tourism in Kerala – An Evaluative Study in Kasargod District

Abstract

All religions have advocated the cause of pilgrimage tourism. Holy places are glorified in literature and other historical sources to create an interest in the people about them. Pilgrimage tourism has made significant contributions to: (i). National Integration, (ii). Development of moral and spiritual values, (iii). Religious harmony and (iv). multi-dimensional activities of pilgrim centers. The institution of pilgrimage tourism (Tirtha-Yathra) acted as one of the most potent forces in fostering the territorial and cultural unity of India. Pilgrimages tended to level up all men by bringing them together to the same holy rivers or shrines. The atmosphere and environment at tirthas make it easy for pilgrims to remain at a high spiritual level and inculcate in them a mood of reverence that last long even after their return from the pilgrimage. Some of the pilgrim centers reveal a synthesis of all the ancient religious movements of India viz., Saivism, Vaisnavism, Jainism and Buddhism. The pilgrim centers have exercised an enormous influence on our social life. They provided employment to the architects, artisans, sculptors, dancers etc. besides helping to feed the hungry.