Sacred Waters
Most sacred waters are believed to bring healing, both physical and spiritual, while others have special powers such as preventing reincarnation (Ganges River) or aiding vision quests (Crater Lake). Below is an illustrated index of the 14 Sacred Waters profiled on Sacred Destinations so far. For photo credits, please see corresponding articles.
Pergamum's 2nd-century Asklepion was a famed temple and medical center dedicated to Asklepius, the god of healing. Some treatments used a sacred water source that was later discovered to have radioactive properties.
This spectacular mountain lake in the Cascade Mountains is widely renowned for its great depth and beauty. It is sacred to the Klamath Indians.
The holiest site at Lourdes, this is the grotto in which Mary appeared to Bernadette in 1858 and the source of the shrine's healing waters.
Hammamat Ma'in (also called Zarqa Ma'in) is a series of natural hot springs and waterfalls with biblical connections, located between Madaba and the Dead Sea in Jordan.
Believed to have been founded by Apollo, Hierapolis was the site of sacred hot springs associated with Pluto, god of the underworld. The city had a significant Jewish community and was mentioned by Paul in Colossians.
Discovered in a vision by a bedridden German nun in 1812, this stone building is believed by many Catholics and Muslims to be where the Virgin Mary lived her last years. There is also a healing fountain.
This popular Buddhist temple offers a healing waterfall and an incredible view over the city of Kyoto from its wooden terrace.
Located at the foot of holy Mount Kailash in western Tibet, this is the highest freshwater lake in the world. It is highly sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike.
This sacred lake, which is among the highest and deepest lakes in the world, lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia. The Incas believed it was from here that Viracocha rose up to create the first humans.
Dedicated to the Celtic-Roman goddess Sulis Minerva, these ancient Roman baths are still fed by a sacred hot spring. There is also a fine museum of artifacts discovered at the site.
Said to have been blessed by Saint Augustine himself, this holy well is believed to have healing and fertility properties.
Said to have sprung up when St. Non gave birth to St. David around 500 AD, this holy well has long been believed to have healing properties.
Located north of Mount Kailash, Tirthapuri is an important pilgrimage site. After bathing in the hot springs, pilgrims visit a monastery that enshrines the footprints of Guru Rinpoche.
Located on the western shores of the sacred river Ganges, Varanasi is the holiest city in Hinduism.
