Mapping the Difficulty of a Religious Pilgrimage at Five Holy Sites

Objective: Considering the topography of religious sites is essential when traversing a religious pilgrimage. Analyses of terrain ruggedness convey the rigor of five pilgrimages and the relationship between culture and geography. 

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Figure 1. Terrain ruggedness rubric.

St. Peter-s.webp

Figure 2. Saint Peter's Basilica has level terrain for a gentle pilgrimage.

Mecca.webp

Figure 3. The land surrounding Mecca is slightly rugged resulting in mild conditions for a pilgrimage.

Sri Prada Land.webp

Figure 4. Sri Prada's terrain has intermediately rugged areas, proving a more intense pilgrimage journey.

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Figure 5. The terrain around the Western Wall has intermediate ruggedness for a slightly rigorous expedition. 

Badrinath.webp

Figure 6. Positioned in the Garhwal Himalayas of India, Badrinath's rugged terrain is for dedicated devotees.