Interestingly, in the Vana parva and Anusasana parva of Mahabharatha, more emphasis is placed on Pilgrimages vis-à-vis Sacrifices. There is an explicit comparison made in Vana parva. A Sacrifice requires wealth, tools, materials, performance by the priests and importantly, the presence of performer’s wife. Such restrictions limit the commoners from the performance and leave it to the rich, princes & kings.
Whereas, going to pilgrim places is feasible for all, who were healthy. The text says further, that the benefits accrued out of pilgrimages is superior vis-à-vis by performing sacrifices. More importantly, it conjoins on the cultivation of the moral, ethical values and spiritual qualities.
TirthaYatra, Pilgrimage to Holy Places
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