Write a short note on what is ‘the experience of the holy’ as elaborated by Rudolf Otto ?

"The experience of the holy," as elaborated by Rudolf Otto in his influential work "The Idea of the Holy," refers to the encounter with the transcendent and numinous that elicits feelings of awe, mystery, and reverence in human consciousness. Otto coined the term "numinous" to describe the distinctive quality of religious experience, characterized by a sense of the divine presence that surpasses ordinary human comprehension.

According to Otto, the experience of the holy is marked by several key elements:

1. Mysterium Tremendum: The numinous experience evokes a sense of mystery and awe that transcends rational understanding. It is accompanied by feelings of fascination, fascination, and wonder in the face of the ineffable and incomprehensible.

2. Mysterium Fascinans: Despite its overwhelming and awe-inspiring nature, the numinous also possesses a captivating and attractive quality that draws individuals into its presence. It generates a sense of fascination, enchantment, and longing for union with the divine.

3. Wholly Other: The numinous is described as "wholly other" or radically different from ordinary reality. It is experienced as transcendent, beyond the realm of the mundane, and yet intimately connected to the human spirit.

Otto's concept of the experience of the holy has had a profound impact on the study of religion and spirituality, influencing scholars, theologians, and mystics alike. It highlights the transformative power of religious experience in awakening individuals to the mystery, majesty, and presence of the divine in the world.