Assessing the Sacrality of Religious Historic Destinations: A Case of Braj Mandal, India

Abstract

Sacrality of a place is attributable to both tangible and intangible features. This research assesses the sacrality of a religious-historic destination using qualitative and quantitative methods. The assessment of sacredness has been approached through the lens of cognitive perspective of pilgrims. The research identifies and assesses some key parameters that define the sacrality of a religious place. Preliminary identification of parameters has been done through the Delphi method and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has been used to understand the significance of those parameters. To assess sacrality, Braj Mandal, India has been taken as a case example as it comprises of various temple towns that are religious and have historical significance. This assessment will help in devising appropriate urban conservation policies for maintaining the religious significance of historic towns.