Spiritual Tourism : The confluence of religious faith and spirituality of Sri Paramhans Ashram Dharkundi, Satna

Abstract

Spiritual tourism, a special form of tourism that has evolved in the tourism industry and has emerged from the global need of people, though rooted in religion, yet it, goes beyond the spirit of religion. Spiritual tourist seeks something that is worth being and can give people their lives new richness or even a new direction. Many travelers are very widely connected with such diverse expressions of spirituality, faith, and culture. The interaction spurred by such encounters has the potential to evoke profound spiritual experiences and transformational spiritual growth. Moreover, the cultural exchange and dialogue evoked by spiritual tourism are the very cornerstones of mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and building the fundamental of sustainability. Above all, attaining sustainability requires that the local traditions, spiritual values, and rich cultural heritage of visited destinations are understood and respected, and that the host communities can directly acquire the benefits of tourism development. Therefore, the spiritual activity in Sri Paramhans Ashram motivated all the people for seeking their spiritual well-being and experience through spiritual tourism without a reference to religion or faith. This research paper presents a way of healthy living through spirituality, and discusses about controlling social crime as well as creating job opportunities by responsible and sustainable use of natural and cultural assets in the development of spiritual tourism, thereby generating income. Spiritual tourism can reduce poverty and curb it at the regional level. It has also reduced rural migration, and accelerated product diversification. It has nurtured a sense of gratification among communities and destinations.