Virtual religious tourism is playing a dual role in influencing ecological changes along with providing immersive pilgrim experience. This study explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) as an ecological alternative to traditional travel by assessing its ability to replicate authentic real-world pilgrimage experiences with a sense of contentment. Technological mediation theory is employed in evaluation of results and the study examines how key embodiment features of VR i.e.,ownership, location, agency, immersion and enjoyment contribute towards immersive pilgrim experience with regards to religious tourism. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) has been employed to evaluate the predictors effect on pilgrim experiences. The study reveals how VR religious tourism can provide a level of immersive pilgrim experience comparable to physical travel, with prior VR experience. The study highlights the potential of VR in promoting ecological tourism and elaborates the significance of ownership, location, agency, enjoyment in creating immersive experiences among pilgrims while immersion revealed insignificant relationship towards immersive experiences. The insights gained will offer valuable guidance for developing innovative, technology-driven tourism models that cater to the growing demand for authentic and eco-friendly travel alternatives.