A shrine is a sacred or holy space dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon, or similar figure of respect, wherein they are venerated or worshipped
. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated. A shrine at which votive offerings are made is called an altar
. Shrines are found in many of the world's religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Neopaganism
. In Catholicism, a shrine is a church or other sacred place to which the faithful make pilgrimages for devotion based on authentic Church tradition, revelations recognized by the Church, or the lives of those in the Church's calendar of saints
. A shrine is considered a place where divine grace is manifested in a very special way
