From Mandir to Media: Virtual Pilgrimage, Online Blessings and the New Geographies of Faith
Abstract: The present research introduces and discusses the idea of how the digital environment transforms the social elements of the religion. In particular, the article focuses on the phenomenon of pilgrimage and darshan as practices subjected to transformation when the increasing use of online darshan, temple streams, virtual puja, and social networks among digital devotees is observed. The research introduces the shifts in religious rituals from the viewpoint of sociology and highlights how such phenomena as the practice of social interactions, accessibility, and the very notion of holy places may evolve. Furthermore, the study considers the questions of forming new communities within the framework of digital religiosity and how the virtual space may contribute to the development of social connections and belonging to a particular group. The paper, thus, provides theoretical arguments for the claim that social aspects of computer-mediated rituals and practices may shape new paradigms of engagement in the field of religion.
Keywords: Digital religion, online darshan, virtual puja, digital pilgrimage, computer-mediated rituals, sociology of religion
How to Cite?: Diksha, "From Mandir to Media: Virtual Pilgrimage, Online Blessings and the New Geographies of Faith", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1403-1405, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26922232911, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26922232911