Religiosity and spirituality are so deeply intermingled in India’s soul, that the very mention of the country’s name evokes its status as the spiritual centre of the whole world. The many religious sites strewn across its terrains draw in pilgrims and seekers from around the world. Let us bring you a few among such must-visit places known for the promise of spiritual refuge they offer in this beautifully diverse land.
Vaishno Devi Temple
The cave shrine of Vaishno Devi, located at the zenith of Trikuta Mountain, is perhaps the most-sought after Shakti shrine in India. The three rock-heads or Pindis within the cave bowels are said to be embodiments of Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali and Maha Saraswati. The three pindis together constitute the supreme power of Devi Shakti. Popular belief is that Mata Rani calls forth her pilgrims and then only one can pay a darshan to her successfully. You have to trek a distance of about 13kms from Katra base camp to reach the shrine.
Amarnath Cave
Amarnath cave perched at an elevation of 3888 meters belongs to Amarnath ji or Lord Shiva housed within the cave in the form of an ice lingam. The Amarnath Yatra is undertaken by pilgrims in the Hindu month of Shravan. The cave remains accessible in the summer season; i.e. between months June-August. According to legends in this very cave, Lord Shiva divulged the secret of eternity or Amar katha to Goddess Parvati, his consort. That secret however was overheard by two mating pigeons which as a result became imperishable, immortal.
Golden Temple
The golden temple of Amritsar is also referred to as Darbar Sahib or Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for the Sikhs. The golden temple has been constructed based on the philosophy of equality and universal brotherhood. The golden temple gets its name from its scintillating dome gilded out of pure gold amounting to about 750 kg. Guru Granth Sahib, the holy religious book of the Sikhs is housed within the Golden temple.
Haridwar
Haridwar has rightly been called the gateway to God’s world. The Ganges River at Haridwar is believed to possess the power of absolving all your mortal sins. Thus pilgrims never miss a holy dip in River Ganges at Har ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat at Haridwar. The Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri creates an ambience of unmatched spirituality and mysticism. Temples like Chandi Devi temple, Maya Devi temple, Mansa Devi temple, Daksheshwar Mahadev temple are must-visit places of Haridwar. After every 12 years, the famed Kumbh mela is held here along with four other locations of the country.
Pushkar
The town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan is very dear to all devout pilgrims. Bathing in the Pushkar Lake is considered as a religious ritual by all pilgrims visiting Pushkar. The bathing ghats in Pushkar amount to nearly 52. The city is also well known for its scores of temples and religious locations like Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, Savitri temple, Old Rangji temple, Varaha temple, Pap Mochani temple, Atmeshwar temple, Mahadeva temple, and Aptaeshwar temple.
Tirupati Balaji
Tirupati Balaji pilgrimage destination is located in the city of Tirumala, a city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is an abode of Lord Venkateshwara or Balaji who is a form of Lord Vishnu. Devotees in millions donate money and gold to the temple almost every making Tirupati Balaji the country’s richest pilgrimage destination. It is a common ritual to get head tonsured at Tirupati Balaji once your prayer or wish is fulfilled.
Chardham
The concept of Chardhams was formulated by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. These are four extremely sacred dhams in the four corners of the country, namely Jagannath Puri in the east, Dwarka in the west, Rameshwaram in South and Badrinath in north. Apart from this All-India Chardham circuit, there is also a Chota Chardham Circuit quite popular among pilgrims. Chota Chardham circuit consists of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. According to common religious consensus, a pious Hindu should make a yatra of any of the Chardhams at least once in lifetime in order to attain moksha.
Varanasi
The ancient city of Varanasi or Benaras is set along the river banks of holy Ganges. The famous Shiva temple, the Kashi Vishwanath temple of Varanasi pulls pilgrims in large numbers each day. There are many other sacred sites to be explored at this holy city of Uttar Pradesh. Such locations include the Sankat mochan Hanuman ji temple, Manikarnika ghat, Durga temple, Gyanvapi mosque.
Jagannath Temple
The temple of Lord Jagannath is situated in the city of Puri in the state of Orissa. The temple is an abode of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna. The temple enshrines the idol of Lord Jagannath along with that of Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra on either side. The Jagannath temple dates back to the 12th century. The temple holds special spiritual significance as it is one of the four sites of the All-India Chardham circuit.
Dwarka
Dwarka, an important pilgrimage destination in the westernmost tip of Kathiawar peninsula, Gujarat is notable for its deeply spiritual ambience. Dwarka had been the capital of Lord Krishna’s empire after he left Mathura to evade Jarasandha and his fire of revenge. Dwarka is quite well-known for the famous Dwarkadhish temple or Jagat Mandir. Apart from Dwarkadheesh temple, there are many other religious destinations at Dwarka such as Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev temple, Rukmini Mandir, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Siddheshwar Mahadev Mandir, Gopi Talab, ISKON Temple, Gita mandir. Dwarka holds special significance as a religious destination because it is one of the sites in the All-India Chardham circuit.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh had been the focal point of spiritual learning, spiritual delving, yoga and meditation since the very ancient times. This holy city of Uttarakhand is cradled at the Himalayan foothills and consists in the pure shimmering holy Ganges flowing through it. Several yoga therapy centers, ashrams and temples impart Rishikesh with a distinctly sacred character. Laxman temple, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Shatrughna mandir, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, ashrams like Beatles, Swarg Ashram, Parmarth Niketan are some of the must-visit places of Rishikesh.
