In this one-word substitution question, choose the term that best replaces the phrase "Violation of the sanctity of a sacred place".

Introduction / Context:
Religious vocabulary is a frequent source of one-word substitution questions in competitive exams. Here you are asked to identify the correct term for an act that violates the sanctity of a sacred place. Understanding the subtle differences between related words such as sin, sacrilege, sedition and blasphemy is important, because they all describe serious wrongs but in different domains and contexts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The descriptive phrase is violation of the sanctity of a sacred place.
• The options are sin, sacrilege, sedition, blasphemy.
• The question targets the most precise term from religious and legal vocabulary.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings.

Concept / Approach:
"Sacrilege" refers specifically to the violation or disrespectful treatment of something that is considered sacred, such as a temple, shrine, relic or holy object. While "sin" is a general term for wrongdoing against religious or moral law, sacrilege is more focused on acts directed toward sacred persons, places or things. "Sedition" relates to inciting rebellion against the authority of the state, not religion. "Blasphemy" is typically speech or actions that insult or show contempt for God or holy things, but the phrase in the question emphasises a sacred place, which aligns most directly with sacrilege.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key idea in the phrase: violating the sanctity of a sacred place, such as a temple or church.Step 2: Recall that sacrilege is defined as the desecration or misuse of something considered sacred.Step 3: Match this definition with the phrase and see that it corresponds closely.Step 4: Consider sin, which is too broad and covers any moral or religious wrongdoing, not just acts against sacred places.Step 5: Consider sedition, which is a political crime connected with rebellion against government, not religious spaces.Step 6: Consider blasphemy, which focuses mainly on insulting God or sacred beliefs through words or acts rather than specifically violating a sacred place.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Think of typical sentences, for example "Vandalising the temple was an act of sacrilege" or "Desecrating a shrine is considered sacrilege in many religions." These sentences show that sacrilege is the accepted word for violating sacred places. If we insert blasphemy, the sentences still show disrespect to religion but lose the strong focus on the physical place. Using sin or sedition makes them vague or incorrect. This comparison confirms that sacrilege is the best match.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sin is a general term that might include sacrilege but is not limited to it, so it is too broad for a precise one-word substitution. Sedition has nothing to do with religion or sacred places; it concerns political revolt. Blasphemy is more about insulting God or holy doctrines through words or offensive acts and does not specifically emphasise violating a sacred location. Since the question stresses "sanctity of a sacred place," sacrilege is the most accurate and focused term.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students confuse sacrilege and blasphemy because both deal with disrespect toward religion. A good way to remember the difference is to link sacrilege with sacred places and objects and blasphemy with words or expressions about God. Sin can be kept in mind as the broad umbrella of religious wrongs. When the exam question is very specific, as here, choosing the word with the narrowest, most exact meaning will normally give you the correct answer.

Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitution is Sacrilege.