Giratism as a Whole
History: Giratism was created a vast period of time ago, almost directly after Arceism began. This makes it the second-oldest religion in the world, and as such many of the circumstances of its creation have been shrouded in mysteries. Although some forms are nothing more than cults, its main sect is a well-respected and legitimate religion.Beliefs: Giratism shares some similarities with Arceism in terms of initial creation. Giratism says that Arceus created the universe and the initial creation Pokemon, such as Giratina. The part where these two religions diverge is at Giratina’s punishment and what inevitably happens when one dies. Giratism claims that Giratina left the base world not as a punishment, but rather as a deliberate choice. What led them to leave varies between sects - whether disinterest, dislike, or to fulfill some task given to them by Arceus - but it is universally seen as an honorable act.
In terms of where it fits in the afterlife, Giratism claims that the Distortion World is where Arceus sends all souls, and that there is no heaven greater than it. In this world, Giratina protects and takes care of the souls. Giratism also claims that Ghost Pokemon, for their strange reality-bending abilities, were a pet project of Giratina. Once again, this religion states that all souls that are truly evil are sent to the Nightmare realm, where Darkrai punishes them with horrible nightmarish constructs.
Place of Worship: Actual well-known official gatherings for Giratina worship are rare, but a surprising amount of communities have discrete locations set up to meet to honor the God. Giratina is worshipped and praised for keeping the dead safe and taken care of, with the hope that they themselves will be taken care of once sent to the Distortion World. Giratina is recognized as a misunderstood being, and it’s made clear in worship that sympathy and empathy is had for him.