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What is a container or shrine in which sacred relics are kept?

1) Temple
2) Church
3) Mosque
4) Pagoda

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Final answer:

A shrine in which sacred relics are kept is known as a reliquary, an opulent container often adorned with precious materials. While temples, churches, mosques, and pagodas are types of religious buildings, the term for the container specifically designed to house sacred relics is 'reliquary'.

Step-by-step explanation:

A container or shrine in which sacred relics are kept is known as a reliquary. These are protective containers, often opulent in nature, and can be adorned with precious metals and gemstones. Examples include the renowned Reliquary of Saint Foy, which is said to contain a part of the child martyr's skull and is housed in a pilgrimage church. Reliquaries serve not only as vessels for these holy items but have also been economic drivers in religious history, drawing pilgrims who seek the blessings of the relics.

While structures such as temples, churches, mosques, and pagodas are sacred spaces where adherents of various religions observe their faith and sometimes house important relics, the specific term for the container itself is reliquary.

Relics and their reliquaries can become central to pilgrimages, as seen with the Shrine of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Kaaba in Mecca. These religious journeys reinforce the sacred value of these objects and sites throughout history.

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