Abstract

The subject of this paper is a traditional visit to the graves of Sufi saints, the ziyārat, at a particular shrine in contemporary Hyderabad. One aim is to highlight, through a symbolic analysis, the peculiarities of this type of sacred journey. Another aim is to discuss the symbolic transformations that pilgrims undergo in the pilgrimage process. The paper concludes that the ziyārat can be viewed as a journey, undertaken by a person in quest of a place that embodies a valued ideal, from an imperfect and mundane environment to a perfect one. Ritual hints at the superiority of the moral universe embodied by the saint over the system that rules secular society, through the softening of social divisions among participants, and through emphasis on status differences in the internal hierarchy of the shrine.

Full Text

Published Version

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.