Geological marvels, hallowed shrines and unification of people of India

Abstract

Spectacular landforms and extraordinary geological features sculptured by uncommon earth processes occur in different parts of the Indian subcontinent. Presumably, unable to unravel the mysteries of their origin, and realizing that singularly odd features located in picturesque places attract believers and non-believers alike, the leading lights of the society of ancient India invested them with the aura of divinity and established shrines of the commonly venerated deity. Influencing convincingly people belonging to diverse racial-ethnic groups inhabiting different parts of the country, speaking languages belonging to disparate groups, indulging in different socio-cultural practices and eating and dressing differently, to go on regular visits to these hallowed sites or seats of deity, the visionary sages and seers of the ancient India endeavoured successfully to promote interactions of visitors to these geological marvels located in different parts of the country and bring about cross-fertilization of thoughts and cultural elements, and thus the unification of the largest section of the population.