Holiest site in Buddhism:
Bodh Gaya, India
The small city of Bodh Gaya, India is the site of enlightenment of the Buddha. Here pilgrims can visit the Bodhi Tree, which is a direct descended of the tree under which the Buddha was enlightened, and the Mahabodhi Temple, built over the spot of enlightenment.
Holiest site in Catholicism:
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
St. Peter's Basilica, designed and decorated by Michelangelo and other great artists, contains the relics of St. Peter (the first pope) and is the ceremonial center for the Catholic Church. It is thus the holiest site for Catholics after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
Holiest site in Christianity:
Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem
This church, located in Jerusalem at the end of the Via Dolorosa, is built over the traditional site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. A marble slab marks the place where Jesus' body is believed to have been laid. The church is jointly operated by several Christian denominations.
Holiest site in Hinduism:
Varanasi, India
Varanasi is home to the shrine of Lord Kasi Viswanatha (a form of Lord Shiva) and is one of the revered 12 Jyotirlingas of the Lord. Along with its location on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, this makes it the most sacred place for all Hindus. Many believe bathing in the Ganges here washes away bad karma, and dying here may even end the cycle of rebirth.
Holiest site in Islam:
The Ka'ba is believed to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. It also contains a sacred stone and is said to be first place on earth to be created. Mecca was designated by Muhammad as direction of all prayers around the world.
Holiest site in Judaism:
The Western Wall in Jerusalem is the only remaining part of Herod's Temple, the center of Jewish worship until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. It is also known as the Wailing Wall because Jews have often lamented the destruction of the Temple at this well.
Holiest site in Sikhism:
Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
The Golden Temple was built by the gurus and is a spectacular sight in gold and marble. It enshrines the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, which is venerated by a steady stream of pilgrims throughout the day and put to bed at night. In accordance with Sikh principles, all are welcome to enter the temple.
Holiest site in Thai Buddhism:
Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, Thailand
Centering around a statue of the Emerald Buddha, which only the king may approach, this is the most revered shrine in Thailand.
Holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism:
Jokhang Temple in Lhasa houses a venerated Buddha statue and has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries.
