Circulating Bodies, Transforming Souls: A Phenomenological Analysis of the Role of Movement in Pilgrimage Journeys

Abstract

Religion serves as the cornerstone of our belief system, shaping our values, guiding our moral compass, and providing a framework for understanding the mysteries of our existence. It offers a sense of purpose in our life, community we live in, and connection to something greater than ourselves, influencing how we perceive the world and our place within it. Furthermore, Rituals are integral to every religion that we perform, serving as expressions of faith, devotion, and connection to the divine. Every religion encompasses specific rituals that followers are expected to perform and practice. Although specific forms and purposes vary in every religion, many rituals share common themes across religions, such as prayer, fasting, sacrifices, offerings, and pilgrimage.  Every ritual is essential to carry out, and carries symbolic significance to our beliefs. Some of the common rituals of every religion are Prayer, fasting, offerings and going on Pilgrimage. These rituals not only reinforce religious beliefs but also foster a sense of community and spiritual transformation among practitioners. This paper aims to study, explore, and uncover the significance of movement within the pilgrimage process, which begins with stepping out of one’s comfort zone, leaving the familiarity of home, and embarking on a challenging path toward a sacred destination. The pilgrim had a profound experience of exploration and immersion in spirituality. This transformative process culminates in returning home, a step that has often been overlooked and remains largely unexplored in scholarly discussions. However, the act of returning is equally vital, as it provides an opportunity for introspection. It allows pilgrims to reflect on their personal growth, internalize the lessons learned during the journey, and integrate their transformed perspective into everyday life. This final step is crucial for sustaining spiritual and philosophical changes acquired through the pilgrimage experience.