Mordovia is another stunning corner of our vast country. And it is known not only for its goodwill and national cuisine. One of the main attractions of Mordovia - the holy places.
So, it is on the Mordovian territory is one of the most popular shrines of Russia - Sarov desert, which at one time was founded on the land between the Nizhny Novgorod region and Mordovia.
In the 17th century it was a wetland. But with the arrival of Russian monks, the matter went smoothly. In 1706, on the site of the Sarov desert, the first church was consecrated of wood, a monastic charter was written, which became the official charter for all Russian Orthodox monasteries. Since then, the Sarov Hermitage has been called the "Academy of Monasticism."
Sarov desert has an interesting history. From the beginning of the 19th century, this area was considered the ideal of Orthodox architecture, which was equalized when other monasteries were built. And this area is really unique. It all starts with the monastery complex, which includes the Church of the Most Holy Mother of God, the Assumption Cathedral and the four-step bell tower. All this was built by architects from the capital, who worked in the classical and baroque style. But the most amazing thing is the unique centuries-old pine forest that surrounds the monastic ensemble.
Other sacred sites in the Sarov Desert are stones in this forest. Preserved the legend that they prayed himself the holy elder Seraphim of Sarov. In many ways, the Sarov Hermitage is known for the acts of the Orthodox saint Seraphim of Sarov, who is worshiped throughout the world. This saint had a perfect gift - the gift of love. He could penetrate the hidden depths of the human soul, correcting and cleansing a person, as the Sarov desert is currently doing.
Many guests and pilgrims visit the church cemetery, where the monks and the hermitage who served the local shrines are buried.
Today the Sarov desert is a museum. Anyone can visit it.
Sarov desert how to get
Holy Assumption Monastery - Sarov Hermitage 607190, Sarov, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Mira Avenue 40 Tel .: (83130) 3-09-28 - Office, (83130) 7-71-44 - Watch.
Sightseeing bus tours are regularly carried out from Nizhny Novgorod to Diveevo. You can book a tour and learn more about this amazing place.
Pilgrimage to the Sarov desert
All pilgrims are encouraged to be sure to visit such a sacred place as the Sarov desert. It is not possible to stay for the night in Pustoshi itself, therefore, therefore, it is necessary to go outside the territory of the holy place and search for hotels in the area. It is hoped that there will be a place in the Pilgrim Center, but because of the large number of pilgrims it will be difficult.
As for the hotels in the area, then the prices in them are very high (especially on the days of church holidays). As another option, you can try to negotiate and stay overnight with local residents. Look for residents near the entrance to the monastery. They are always ready to let themselves spend the night for quite reasonable money.
Every year in Diveevo celebrations are held in honor of Seraphim of Sarov. These days people from all over Russia come here.
Twice a day, all the pilgrims are fed free by the servants of the monastery.
