What do India, Nepal and the island of Bali have in common? They are all mystical and spiritual destinations! With sacred lands, the presence of many religious buildings and the desire to perpetuate ancestral customs, the inhabitants of these three countries devote an important worship to the divinities. And all travelers who have visited these places would agree that these countries have changed their vision of life. So, ready to take off into the universe of Asian beliefs and myths ?
1. India, spiritual cradle
Considered one of the most spiritual countries in the world, India leaves no one indifferent! It is the birthplace of Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, which later gave rise to many spiritual currents such as Buddhism, the most well-known among them. There are thousands of Gods in India but three are pillars: Brahma the creator, Shiva the destroyer and Vishnu the protector. In general, spirituality is, for Indians, a way of life more than a belief.
Among the most remarkable sacred and spiritual places in India, we can mention the city of Haridwar where many pilgrims come to leave their offerings to venerate the river or the famous city of Varanasi in the heart of the Ganges Valley or the one dedicated to Shiva, the city of Benares. Not to mention the yoga capital, Rishikesh or the exile city of the Dalai Lama: Dharamshala! One thing is certain, India proves to be a major destination for a spiritual journey…
2. Bali, the island of Gods
Bali lives up to its name. And for good reason, on the island of Gods, there is nothing that does not have a sacred or divine character. Nature is the best example. Trees, rivers, volcanoes are venerated, but especially water, considered as blessed and purifying. Not a day goes by without the faithful preparing offerings. In temples, houses, streets, sidewalks, even cars and scooters are entitled to them… You understand, offerings and particularly flowers, are an integral part of the Balinese landscape. And that is exactly what makes all the charm of this small Indonesian island.
Predominantly Hindu in faith, the Balinese make offerings to celebrate divinities, the forces of nature and ancestors but also to appease demons and rebalance energies. Most residents have small temples in their homes. That said, since ceremonies are very frequent, the Balinese also regularly gather together in village temples. Don't be surprised to see them parading in their traditional costumes to celebrate the cremation of a community member. Because they believe in reincarnation, it is above all a festive moment and full of colors… An amazing but striking experience to see at least once in life!
3. Nepal, land of mysteries
Isolated from the world until the early 1950s, Nepal only opened its doors to tourists very recently. This small country nestled between China and India long kept its mysteries. While Nepal has been considered a secular country since 2006, all religions have continued to have a strong influence on the daily lives of its inhabitants. Temples and religious buildings are everywhere and it is common to see Nepali people engaging in many rituals. One only needs to see the numerous offerings on the altars left by the inhabitants of Kathmandu to honor their gods.
Hinduism remains the majority religion for 80% of the population. Just as in India, karma plays an important role in the hearts of believers. Thus, it is common to believe that good deeds can be rewarded in reincarnation. And conversely, if you behave badly, you will pay for it in the next life! Nepal is also the sacred land of Buddhism. Legend even says that the Buddha himself was born in the Lumbini region before traveling to India. And it is in the reaches of the Himalayas that one can discover the imprints of Buddhist belief with prayer flags that seem to dance with the wind, giving a very special atmosphere to these temples nestled on mountainsides…
Florine Dergelet
