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This question has to be answered by each pilgrim for himself. The spiritual benefit
always depends entirely upon the heart’s faith. Faith is the life-breath of the spirit in man. No
spiritual endeavour can be fruitful without it. With it, no spiritual achievement is impossible. If
a pilgrim heartily believed, was convinced, and was certain-at-heart that all his sins would be
washed away, that he would attain Moksha and get beyond the wheel of Samsara, there is
absolutely no reason why it should not actually prove to be so. A pilgrimage like Badri-Yatra
can wash off all your sins and enable you to take great strides towards the Great Goal - Selfrealization
- if you have firm faith in its glory. But, remember, the test of this faith is what you
are after you return from the pilgrimage; if, after the pilgrimage, you prove that you have been
thoroughly purged of all your sins, that all the evil Samskaras have been washed away by the
holy waters of the rivers you have bathed in, and that you have been filled with the spiritual
vibrations of the sublime atmosphere you have sojourned in, and if you live a pure life of
righteousness, devotion, truth, love and purity, you have certainly been liberated. The pilgrimage
has served its supreme purpose.
Some pilgrims do rise to such spiritual heights, though their number may be small, and
though they may not advertise their achievements.
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda