We go on pilgrimage by choice, it is not due to compulsion. Pilgrimages are undertaken according to each one’s preference. Some people go on visits to holy places associated with their favourite Gods so that they can be in close proximity to their respective Gods. The spiritual benefit always depends upon one’s faith. No spiritual endeavour can be fruitful without faith, neither is any spiritual achievement impossible if one has faith. If a pilgrim has complete faith that the Badrinath Yatra can wash off his sins and enable him to attain Moksha, there is absolutely no reason why it should not prove to be true. If, after the pilgrimage, he lives a pure life full of devotion, truth, love and purity, then he has certainly been liberated. The pilgrimage has served its purpose.