Washing for a religious purpose. For example, Hindus wash before praying, preferably in running water, and washing in certain rivers, especially the Ganges, is believed to give spiritual benefit.
Muslims wash themselves (
wudu) before prayers, but this is seen as a mark of respect for God and a preparation for prayer rather than conferring any benefit in itself.
Belief in ablution as purification is found in Christianity and Shinto.
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