Co-Pilgrims, with Rana P.B. Singh

This conversation between Heather A. Warfield and Rana P.B. Singh explores the profound journey of a scholar who intertwines geography with pilgrimage studies, reflecting on personal experiences, academic insights, and the spiritual dimensions of sacred spaces. The discussion delves into the evolution of pilgrimage practices, the significance of sacred and faith scapes, and the integration of modern technology in understanding these ancient traditions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in pilgrimage and the need for a holistic approach to studying these phenomena.

Psychology of Pilgrimage host, Dr. Heather A. Warfield, is a researcher, professor, and specialist of pilgrimage studies, with research focused on the psychology of pilgrimages. She is the series editor of Pilgrimage Studies (Peter Lang), co-editor of Pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War I: Historical Exemplars & Contemporary Practices, and editor of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Pilgrimage: Historical, Current and Future Directions. In addition to academic publications, she has written articles about contemporary battlefield pilgrimages for US military publications and serves as a battlefield pilgrimage expert for military staff rides and other related educational programs.

Rana P.B. Singh [b. 15 December 1950--], MA, PhD, (former) Professor of Cultural Landscapes & Heritage Studies, & Head (2013-2015)- Department of Geography, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, is presently a Visiting Professor at Centre of South Asian Studies, Gifu Women’s University, Gifu, Japan (2022-2026). He is the President (Asia), RWYC- Reconnecting With Your Culture (-- a charter of Euro. Commune, and a member of UNESCO). During his youth, he was a Sādhu (monk), whose spirit had moulded him to follow the path of pilgrimage, which again flourished in his doctoral work in the interior villages. Since 1979, he has been inspired by Niels Gutschow (Germany), Surinder Bhardwaj (USA), George Michell (U.K.), John Kim Maliville (USA), Taigen Hashimoto (Japan), and [late] Syun-Kyun Kim (Rep. Korea). He followed the pathway of pilgrimage to understand the inherent message and co-share with spiritual seekers. He has conducted most of his field studies in North India, as well as in Japan, Korea, and Sweden. His publications on pilgrimage studies include 19 books and anthologies, as well as over 200 papers, and seminar presentations on these themes in 25 countries from 1976 to 2019. His notable books on pilgrimage studies include: Trends in the Geography of Pilgrimages: Homage to David E. Sopher (1987), The Spirit & Power of Place: Human Environment and Sacrality (1994), Where the Buddha Walked. A Companion to the Buddhist Places (2003), Towards the Pilgrimage Archetype (2003), Sacred Geography of Goddesses in South Asia (2010), Sacredscapes and Pilgrimage Systems (2011), Holy Places and Pilgrimages: Essays on India (2011), Hindu Tradition of Pilgrimage: Sacred Space and System (2023), Cosmic Order and Cultural Astronomy: Sacred Cities of India (2009, 2023), Placemaking and Cultural Landscapes (2023), Pilgrimages, Sacred Places and Pathway to RWYC- Reconnecting With Your Culture (EdA, vol. 12, 2025), and Sacred Heritage and Pilgrimages in Cities (2025). He lives in Varanasi, India’s premier pilgrimage city, and is involved in organising pilgrimages and related activities.