places of worship

One thing that distinguishes humans from other sentient beings, is their capacity to worship and perform rituals. In most cultures special places have been assigned for this purpose, where people are meeting for spiritual cleansing, healing or praying.

Har Ki Pauri Ghats

Aarti (fire worship) at Har Ki Pauri Ghats in Haridwar. Foto by Mahendra Myshkin

Here are some remarkable examples:

Göbekli Tepe

The oldest known place of worship in the world

Meteora

Medieval Greek Monasteries

Delphi

Ancient Greek Town with Temple Sites

Mystras

Medieval Town in the Peloponnese with Orthodox Greek Monasteries

Shah Mosque

16th Century Mosque in Isfahan

Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque

19th Century Mosque in Shiraz

Sanchi

Ancient Buddhist Stupas and Monastery in Central India

Meenakshi Mandir

Huge Hindu Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Kedarnath

Shiva’s biggest temple in the Himalayas

Badrinath

Great pilgrimage site and Vishnu temple in the Himalayas

Chitrakoot

Ancient pilgrimage site in central India

Swayambhunath

Ancient temple overlooking Kathmandu

Boudhanath

The main stupa of the Tibetan Buddhist community in Kathmandu

Bali

The Island of the Gods

Glastonbury

An ancient place of ritual and worship in Somerset