Category Archives: Religious Destinations India

Religious Destinations India

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Complete Guide

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Complete Guide is highly respected for being Lord Shiva’s abode. Mount Kailash is a 21,778-foot-tall peak. People flock to the place every year to see its beauty and grandeur. Mount Kailash is located in the southwestern corner of Tibet, amid the mighty Himalayan ranges, and is considered one of the world’s highest points. Besides all this, it is also the source of Asia’s four mighty rivers, including the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, the Indus and the Sutlej. Above all, the spiritual value that it carries is what makes the place so visited. People belonging to various religions are sure to pay a visit to this magnificent centre of pilgrimage.

What makes visiting a place worthwhile? Indeed the trip! By unleashing their secret selves, one is likely to encounter a life-changing experience on this journey. What this trip provides more than anything else is self-introspection. Kailash Sacred Walks is a programme organised by Isha Sacred Walks that gives pilgrims the opportunity on their journey to Kailash Mansarovar to rediscover and change themselves.

About Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is not only a huge mountain located in the Great Himalayas, it is much bigger than that (standing tall at around 22,000 feet). It is an incarnation of spirituality, faith, belief, hope and love for believers living in different parts of the world. Within the Tibetan Plateau is Mount Kailash, the holiest of the holy mountains. The Tibetan Plateau is the highest in the world, and the “roof of the world” is correctly claimed to be.

Holy Mount Kailash is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva, according to Hindu scriptures, where he resides with his consort, Goddess Parvati. It is said that Lord Shiva is always on the top of the mountain and conducts various practises such as yoga practise, meditation, etc. It is thought to be an unbelievable personification of a position of harmony and authority. Some also say it is “Heaven on Earth” and declare it to be. It is the most revered mountain in the world, and for four separate religions, namely Hinduism, Budhism, Jainism and Tibetan Bon Tons, it is considered to be of immense spiritual significance.

The Tibetan Buddhists consider the mountain to be Kang Rimpoche, or The Precious One of the Glacial Snow,’ and believe it to be Demchog or Chakrasamvara’s residence. The Jains name the mountain Astapada, and their belief is that this is the place where liberation was achieved by the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, Rishaba. Ever since eternity, Mount Kailash of Holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been profoundly rooted in the myths of Ancient Asia as a sacred spot. Several theories consider it to be the nucleus and birthplace of the whole world. Pilgrims believe they will achieve Nirvana by making it through the pilgrimage and possessing a spiritual vision of the Abode, and all their sins will be washed away. The immense power and harmony this place holds inside will be felt by everyone who visits the place and indulges in the pilgrim trek. It is assumed that enlightenment would be reached by anyone who comes here.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Routes from India

Two routes from India are available for this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. At present, however, one can only go along the direction chosen by the two jointly agreed governments.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2021 from Lipulek Pass, Uttarakhand

For young people and devotees interested in trekking, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by road from Lipulek Pass is suggested. The Yatra will be carried out in 18 batches, each containing 60 pilgrims. For preparatory work, each batch must complete the Yatra in 24 days, including 3 days in Delhi. You are going to cover significant sites such as Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Narayan Ashram, etc. The pilgrim is spellbinded by the beauty of Chialekh Valley, or the ‘Om Parvat,’ which has the natural occurrence of snow on this mountain in the form of ‘Om.’

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2021 from Nathu La, Sikkim

It is better suited for senior citizens who want to stop trekking to go to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by road from Nathu La. As it is readily motorable, the path is an easier one. The Yatra from this route lasts for another 21 days, including 3 days for preparatory work in Delhi. For the route this year, 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each are planned. The vast landscape of the Tibetan plateau is hypnotised by the scenic places like Hangu lake en route.

Pilgrims can only choose one of the routes or both, depending on their preferences, and are free to choose. Via computerised drawing of lots, they will be allocated a route and a batch. If you can’t make it into the draw, however there is a third route as well.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2021 from Nepal

In addition to the two routes listed above, pilgrims can go from Nepal to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Through this direction, the yatra can be completed by two means, which are described below.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter from Kathmandu

The path to salvation, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, can also be pursued by this means. From Kathmandu, Nepal, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter offers a wonderful experience of picturesque sights, difficult treks and spiritual bliss. A flight brings pilgrims to Nepalgunj and then to Simikot from Kathmandu. The 11 days of Yatra covered incredible destinations with stunning views. Choosing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu by helicopter provides enough time to explore the beautiful destination. To satisfy the deity, you may also perform your rituals to your heart’s content.

Major Attractions of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Look, anyone who has chosen to go to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will certainly realise that Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are the key destinations of their entire journey. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, however, doesn’t just include Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. In addition to Lake Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash, pilgrims can also visit other major attractions during the long trip, such as Gauri Kund, which is also known as the Lake of Compassion, Next, Yam Dwar, which is the starting point from where the circumambulation starts, is the fascinating site of Tirthapuri where pilgrims can bathe in spring pools. And not just these, but there are plenty of places that can be equally fascinating for visitors alike, particularly for first-timers who have never seen Tibet’s mysterious lands on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Best time of the year to go for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

As Kailash Mansarovar Yatra’s journey goes north to the Tibetan plateau, one must realise that the weather conditions can get very harsh, so it is a necessity for the pilgrims to choose the right time to go to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Now to answer your question about the best time of the year to go to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Generally, someone who has been there can tell you that the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar is usually between mid-May and mid-October. The weather conditions are common enough during these specific months to allow you to experience the amazing scenery of the Tibetan landscape. The weather is extremely stable and visibility is at its peak, so you can schedule your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at the best time of the year. But bear in mind that temperatures can also vary greatly, and during the night it can get very cold.

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Top 8 Temples To Visit In Rishikesh

Top 8 Temples To Visit In Rishikesh The Temple is a place that is dedicated to God’s worship. Every temple in Rishikesh is famous for various reasons, such as Aarti, mantras and hawan chanting. For internal harmony and positivity, individuals come to temples.

A tehsil in the district of Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand is the city of Rishikesh. Rishikesh is also popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ as well as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’ in the northern part of India in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. It lies about twenty-five kilometres from the holy city of Haridwar, which you and Rishikesh should intend on visiting. Both Rishikesh and Haridwar have been recognised as the nation’s “Twin National Heritage Cities” since 2015. Both non-vegetarian food and alcohol are banned here because of the sacred and religious importance of the city of Rishikesh. A number of ancient temples, both big and small, line the streets of the city of Rishikesh. All these temples you can visit back to back while in Rishikesh.

Though tourism has always been on the rise in the state of Uttarakhand, temple tourism is one of the most important aspects of the state. In order to worship and explore the famous temples in the city, numerous devotees from all over the world visit Rishikesh. A variety of religious sites, including ancient temples, are located in the town. For many years , a number of saints and sages have lived and visited Rishikesh. No other location in the world can be compared to the holy feeling one gets here. The city also features a variety of ashramas, apart from the different temples, where different religious events take place throughout the year. These ashramas can be visited and you can also observe the events taking place here. Also, make sure to shop in and around the city markets, which sell some colourful items mostly associated with the Hindu faith, temples, and deities.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The temple of Neelkanth Mahadev is the place where Lord Shiva put in his neck a venom (called Halahala) that came from the sea (Samudra Manthan). The venom may be the reason behind Lord Shiva ‘s blue throat, thus giving him the name of Neelkanth. The holy shrine is situated at the confluence of the Madhumati and Pankaja rivers between the highly impressive Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot valleys. Like the bright exteriors, the interiors are just as exquisite. The shikhara can be seen above the entrance door, adorned with sculptures of gods and demons, illustrating the storey of Samudra Manthan. Where a divine shivling (lingam) lies is the principal sanctum of the temples. The temple complex features a hot spring where, before entering the temple, devotees are seen taking a holy bath. There is also a desire for the Banyan tree to be fulfilled. One should visit here during the Maha Shivratri festival or Shravana, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, for visitors who want to see the enjoyable and joyful side of the temple.

The temple is approximately 32 km from Rishikesh and can easily be reached by bus or taxi. If tourists have some spare time, a cave temple can be visited, which is 2 km uphill from the main shrine.

  • Distance from City Centre – 7 kilometers
  • Visiting Hours – All days of the week from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Time to Explore the Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple – 1 Hour
  • Entry Fee – No Entry Fee

Bhootnath Temple

Bhootnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s Hindu temple. Bhootnath Temple is located behind the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in the Swargashram district. There are several floors at Bhootnath Temple. The small temple on the first floor is the largest temple. You can get an incredible panoramic view of Rishikesh from the top floor.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva rested here as he was about to marry his first wife, Sati. This temple is quite quite like not many people come here, unlike the other temple. The temple is surrounded on 3 sides by Rajaji National Park.

  • Distance from City Centre – 6 kilometres
  • Visiting Hours – During the day hours
  • Time to Explore the Bhootnath Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
  • Entry Fee – No Entry Fee

Kunjapuri Temple

The name given to a peak with an altitude of about 1,676 m above sea level is Kunjapuri. There is a holy temple called Kunjapuri temple and one of the most visited places in the Tehri district, not only because of its past of gods and goddesses, but also because of its panoramic view of the Garhwal Himalayan peaks. It has a spectacular view of the Himalayan snow-ranges like Swargarohini, Gangotri, Banderpunch and Chaukhamba, and of the Bhagirathi valley like Rishikesh, DoonValley and Haridwar. It is 7 kilometres from Narendra Nagar, 15 kilometres from Rishikesh and 93 kilometres from Devaprayag.

If you are a lover of nature and want to do something new, trekking through the green forest from Hindolakhal village to the temple would be more adventurous. It’s just around 5KM. Sunrise and sunset views from the Himalayan peaks are also enjoyed by travellers. Pilgrims will take pictures of their lovely moments with their loved ones after reaching the temple and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. The Kunjapuri Temple’s opening hours are from 6 am to 8 am. The best time to visit the Temple of Kunjapuri is all year round. Come and get the chance to see the Hindu rituals and the beauty of Indian culture here in the Navratra season.

  • Distance from City Centre – 11 kilometres
  • Visiting Hours – 24 Hours
  • Time to Explore the Kunjapuri Devi Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
  • Entry Fee – No Entry Fee

Tera Manzil Temple or Trimbakeshwar Temple

Tera Manzil Temple is one of Rishikesh’s most attractive temples that can be incorporated into your itinerary while visiting the city. It is also popularly known as the Temple of Trimbakeshwar. It is a huge temple with thirteen tales lying on the banks of the Ganga River. It is situated precisely opposite the famous Jhula Lakshman. For the pilgrims to come and pray, the temple roof keeps a variety of deities together. For its outstanding architecture, the temple is very well-known. The temple’s top floor provides a mesmerising view of the breathtaking scenery. It is said that this temple is about four hundred years old with incredible ancient architecture, which you should visit when you come to Rishikesh city.

  • Distance from City Centre – 7 kilometres
  • Visiting Hours – 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Time to Explore the Tera Manzil Temple – 2 to 3 Hours
  • Entry Fee – No Entry Fee

Virbhadra Temple

Another addition to the list of temples to be visited in Rishikesh is the magnificent and pious Temple of Virbhadra. This one is a 13-year-old temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva ‘s fierce avatar. Lord Shiva ‘s fierce avatar was caught when his pet, Devi Sati, gave up her life by jumping into a burning Yagya Kund. The temple celebrates the annual Mahashivratri festival with a lot of enthusiasm each year. During this festival, there is a mela or a fair set up around the temple where one can enjoy family and friends to the heart. The temple is overcrowded with devotees from both nearby and distant places during the festival of Mahashivratri. On that day, anyone who is in the city during this time will certainly visit the temple.

  • Distance from City Centre – 2 kilometres
  • Visiting Hours – 05:00 AM – 09:00 AM
  • Time to Explore the Virbhadra Temple – 1 Hour
  • Entry Fee – No Entry Fee

Bharat Mandir

Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple of Lord Hrishikesh Narayan, situated in the heart of Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh District. It is believed that this temple is very old and is the most sacred temple in the region. In 789 AD, the great Hindu saint Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya reinstated the idol of the presiding deity in the temple at Basant Panchmi.

A symbolic re-installation is now followed in the temple every year at Basant Panchmi. Shaligram is taken to nearby Mayakund for a holy bath on this day, and then a grand procession is arranged to carry the idol back to the temple.

In several Hindu scripts and epics, such as Mahabharat, Vishnu puran, Shrimadbhagwat, Vaman Puran and Narsingh Puran, Bharat Temple also finds its name. Legends thought that if on the day of Akshya Tritiya one takes 108 rounds of Lord Shri Hrishikesh and seeks blessing at the uncovered feet of the Lord, then all wishes will be fulfilled. It is also similar to Badrinath Dham ‘s holy pilgrimage. As only the Akshya Tritiya lord’s feet are exposed, this practise becomes more important.

  • Distance from City Centre – 2 kilometres
  • Visiting Hours – All days of the week in the following time slots – 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM as well as 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Time to Explore the Bharat Mandir – 1 to 2 Hours
  • Entry Fee – No Entry Fee

Raghunath Temple

The Hindu temple at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh is Raghunath Mandir. Lord Ram is dedicated to Raghunath Mandir. There is also a small water reservoir (Kund) on the front side of the temple, known as Rishikund. Lord Ram came here, according to legend. Lord Ram was Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. Here, too, Sage Kubj meditated and asked the Yamuna River to come. According to legends, the small water reservoir opposite the temple is the same location where the Yamuna river water emerges. There’s a small market surrounding the temple. Restaurants, suits, watches, and you can buy so many other items. Just in front of the temple is the famous Triveni Ghat.

  • Distance from City Centre – 3 kilometres
  • Visiting Hours – 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM on all the days of the week
  • Time to Explore the Raghunath Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
  • Entry Fee – No Entry Fee

Shatrughna Temple

The Temple of Shatrughna is a famous ancient temple situated in Rishikesh. This temple is located near Ram Jhula on the banks of the holy Ganges river. One of the temples dedicated to Shatrughna is this temple.

Shatrughna was Lord Rama’s youngest child, who was one of the four sons of King Dasharatha and was born to Sumitra, the third wife of the king. In his honour, the name of that temple was called the Temple of Shatrughna.

Shatrughna means ‘Enemy destroyer’. The religious importance of this temple is great. Tourists visit this sacred ancient temple of Darshan during their visit. Tourists visit this holy temple on a trip to Rishikesh. One of the major religious centres of interest in Rishikesh is the Shatrughna Temple.

  • Distance from City Centre – 5 kilometres
  • Visiting Hours – During the day time
  • Time to Explore the Shatrughna Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
  • Entry Fee – No Entry Fee

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10 Must Things to do Varanasi

10 Must Things to do Varanasi is known as one of the world’s holiest cities. Throughout the streets, temples, ghats and so many things to do in Varanasi there’s so much culture, religion and devotion. I spent 10 days in Varanasi immersing myself in the people and places of absolute devotion. These are the 13 things I suggest most while exploring the city, to do in Varanasi. The center of action can be found at the Banaras ghats in Varanasi — a series of giant steps leading up to the Ganges River. In the morning, the devotees descend the stairs to wash away their sins in the holy water, and in the evening they prepare for prayer ceremonies fire-fuelled.

In the labyrinthine old town the momentum continues throughout the day. Legend has it that no detailed map of the intricate network of winding alleys in Varanasi has ever been drawn. Wait ahead to get lost and witness some of your life’s best sightseeing.

Would you like to make the most of your time in “City of Light”? Check out our list of the best Varanasi locations to visit.

A history of Varanasi

Varanasi is the holiest city in India. First of all, due to its location on the Holy Ganges, but also due to its historical and religious importance. It was already listed in ancient Hindu books like the Vedas as the City of Lord Shiva. It has also been the capital of a number of Indian kingdoms.

Varanasi Tour Planner lies at the heart of Hindu culture and its ghats are the best places to see Varanasi in practice. Locations where steps lead to the Ganges and which are used for almost everything. Varanasi has hundreds of them, each with histories and legends of their own. A walking tour of the Varanasi along the Ghats will be a highlight of your journey to India.

Boat Ride in Ganges River

The Ganges River is among India’s most famous natural sites. The river spreads southeast from the northern Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. Between 400 million and 600 million people depend on the Ganges River for the regular bathing and drinking water.

Hindus come from all over the world to Varanasi to purify themselves in the water of the holy Ganges and to perform rituals along the hundreds of ghats along the river. For visitors, the river helps provide a fixed point of reference to travel around the area, and you can no doubt spend a lot of time sightseeing around the Ganges and watching life happen.

Consider waking up early and taking a trip down the river by sunrise — negotiate with one of the countless boatmen hanging along the ghats.

One of the top things to do in Varanasi in the afternoon or early evening is to buy a small floating offering filled with fresh flowers and a candle, and release it into the Ganges River. The blissful experience will connect you more deeply with Hindu culture and stay in your mind for years to come.

Take Bath in Ganges

The holy Ganges River is offering a spiritual charm for Varanasi. Ganges River Waters are sacred. The Holy River is offering redemption to those who bathe in the mud. Pilgrims from all over the world take a dip in the river, no matter their age, to absolve their sins and attain moksha; salvation forms the process of birth and death.
There are more than 84 Ghats in Varanasi with stairs leading to the river. Bathing occurs here seen after the dawn crack. People chant prayers that will appease the Goddess of the River.

A Sunset Stroll Along The Ghats

The world’s holiest river, the Ganges, is a daytime spectacle but a peaceful, magical place at sunrise. The sky is lit with light pastel colors as a few vessels sail up and down the river. The cruise will float you through all the numerous ghats, going through several temples along the way. There is still a lot of activity on the banks of the Ganges even at sunrise, That makes it a favorite thing for me to do in Varanasi. Locals are taking their baths in the morning, washing tons of clothes and setting up stalls and shops for a business day. I just arrived at 5 a.m., and in seconds hired a boatman. I charged 250 rupees for 2 hours, but for a 100 rupees you can get a 1 hour ride, so it’s up to you how hard you ‘re going to deal. However, that is the rough price as far as I heard.

Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges River

Watching the Evening Aarti Ceremony is definitely an opportunity once in a lifetime. The magnificent event has to be seen from the Dasawamedh Ghat where beautiful rituals unfold before your eyes. During this case, brass lamps of large dimensions are used, followed by chants and crowds of people waiting to pray.

Visit the Aarti for at least an hour if you want to collect the experience in the best possible way. You will observe at this time how five elevated planks are positioned at the edge of the Ghats stairs, and brass lamps are cleaned and ready for the occasion.

It is also important to see how priests donate similar dhotis and kurta for prayer and ceremony at Aarti. Those who want to click pictures from their cameras should visit the Ghats in boats at night, as this will allow one to catch anything in attention easily.

These brass lamps are very heavy, weighing approximately four and a half kilograms. But make sure you only bring one if you can keep it in the crowds. Spectacular images form as soon as they are lit. The night sky shines with the radiance of these lamps, while the sticks of incense fill the atmosphere with aromas of various kinds. The Aarti ceremony is held every night, and a ritual of 45 minutes is held for the same purpose. Normal time in the evening is 6:45.

Looking for weavers village in Varanasi?

The Varanasi weavers can be found primarily in semi-rural areas of Shivpuri and Banda Naraini constituency. Basically they are Muslims. Their entire family is involved in the handloom business from where they manufacture sarees with different motifs and designs, in particular ‘buti’ and ‘buta’ (the single flower design on the saree is called buti and the large flower design on the saree is referred to as buta).

They start their work from 8 am in the morning and end in the evening until 6 pm. Doing this daily for 3-5 weeks allows them to make two beautiful silk sarees with motifs and designs on them and other banarasi sarees. While kids go to school, the men learn how to operate looms, learn designs and finally learn how to move them to metal stencils to build specific designs types of motifs on weaves. The women on the other hand join the teamwork by maintaining the threads on the looms.

Go for a Sightseeing Tour of Sarnath

Hinduism definitely has a foothold on Varanasi, but Buddhism has a large presence in the village of Sarnath, less than 12 kilometers away. Here you’ll find the Dhamek Stupa, a huge 43.6 meter tall, 28 meter diameter stone and brick building. Designed more than 1,500 years ago, the stupa was a replacement for a structure dating back to 249 BCE.

The devotees believe the Buddha came to Dhamek Stupa to give his first sermon, which revealed the Eightfold Path after the enlightenment had been achieved. Look at the beautiful carvings of birds, humans and flowers that cover the stupa ‘s walls as you walk around the attraction.

Sarnath also has plenty of other tourist spots that make Varanasi a worthwhile day trip destination. Check out the Chaukhandi Stupa (a Buddhist shrine dating back to at least the 6th century), then head to the Sarnath Museum to see Ashoka’s Lion Statue, a sculpture that used to sit atop the Ashoka Pillar in 250 BCE and became India’s official emblem in 1950. Round out the day with sightseeing at the peaceful Tibetan Temple before making your way back to Varanasi.

Dasaswamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is known for performing the liveliest aartis along the holy Ganga River to plunge tourists into godly bliss. A popular member of the Varanasi tourist attractions, Dashashwamedh Ghat, got its name because of Lord Brahma ‘s story of sacrificing 10 horses, or das Ashwamedh, to perform a yajna. The ghat is illuminated by the light each sunset of diyas lit to commence the sacred rituals.

Priests stand in unison and chant prayers as they pass the diyas in circles and pay their obedience to the creator. A large crowd gathers to take part in the ceremony. Hundreds of visitors thronging the ghat to relax on the steps leading to the river waters are experiencing the soothing atmosphere that sets in during the evenings. You can also see tons of floating boats in the water. Due to the divine ambiance and religious significance, it is a must amongst the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days.

Manikarna ghat (cremation ghats)

Manikarna ghat (cremation ghats) The cremation ghats are the most daunting of all the places to see in Varanasi. Hindu ‘s believe a cremation on the banks of the Ganges River would set the soul free from the cycle of death and rebirth.

The bodies are mounted on wood tables, and the rituals are conducted in full view to be seen by all. Burning in Varanasi is a luxury but not everybody can bear the expenses.

I was invited only behind the cremation ghats to visit the elderly house. I’ve been wondering about my work with elderly people in the Netherlands. Several elderly women lived in one room where they had nothing but a bed and a little table.

They came from all over India, but when their time came they sold all their belongings and moved to Varanasi To make sure that their remnants merge with the holy Ganges. The women, widowed already, seemed to be at peace with their coming end.

They also seemed to have no memory of the fact that the owner was bringing in visitors in search for donations that would be paying for the funerals according to him. I left tough with mixed feelings and after a little research it’s obvious that a lot of scams are going on around in this area.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

In order to enter the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a holy attraction about four kilometers from the Varanasi Junction railway station near Manikarnika Ghat, Hindu pilgrims and tourists travel thousands of miles. The impressive building, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, has earned its striking spire the nickname “The Golden Temple” — plated in some 800 kilograms of pure gold. This temple ‘s distinctive style has been continued to influence the architecture of hundreds of other temples throughout India.

Strict security measures surrounding the complex allow visitors to store their cameras, tablets, bags and other belongings in a nearby rentable locker. Wait in line with hundreds of other tourists to dig out your shoes, all eager to touch the 60-centimeter-tall, sin-absolving Shiva lingam in a silver alter. It’s an intense, yet rewarding experience

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Most Famous Religious Destinations in India

Most Famous Religious Destinations in India ‘s religious places represent location, tradition, people and religious diversity. India is home to many denominations of various faiths and known as the world’s most religiously diverse nations. India’s religious sites include Haridwar— one of the most visited places of worship, Kumbh mela the world’s largest congregation, 12 Jyotirlingas, Meenakshi Temple and Char Dham yatra.

India is a land with multiple religious creeds. A variety of temples, churches , mosques, gurudwaras, monasteries, and many other religious buildings surround this religious property. Both these destinations for pilgrimages are included on India’s pilgrim tours. Every pilgrim has a place of worship, be it Hindu, Islamic, Sikh or Christian.

A pilgrimage to India helps you achieve spiritual bliss and also gives you insight into India’s different cultures and customs.

Most Famous Religious Destinations in India

Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand

The four religious places in Uttarakhand (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath) are known as the very famous Chota Char Dham among religious tourists. Uttarkashi, a six-hour drive from Rishikesh, is one of India’s main pilgrimage destinations.

It is also a test of your courage and commitment. Dangerous climatic conditions and sudden landslides make the trip to this holy area both difficult and exciting. Also known as the Path to Gangotri, Uttarkashi is a religious getaway for those seeking a holy place of residence.

Gangotri and Yamunotri are situated in the Region of Uttarkashi. Some religious attractions include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the banks of the river Bhagirathi, Yamunotri Temple, Saptrishi Kund, Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Gangotri Temple, Bhagirath Shila, submerged shiva lingam, and Pandava Gufa. Extend your tour to Chamoli and Rudraprayag to complete the Char Dham Yatra, the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India.

Vaishno Devi Yatra

The holiest Hindu temples dedicated to adi Shakti, found in Jammu and Kashmir on the Katra hills. Following the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara temple, Vaishno Devi temple is second most visited religious place in India. Maa Vaishno Devi shrine also known as Mata Rani is situated at an altitude of 5300 feet is a Mother Goddess Durga manifestation.

Amarnath Yatra

The most holy Hindu temples dedicated to adi Shakti, located on the hills of Katra in Jammu and Cashmir. Vaishno Devi temple is the second most visited religious place in India following the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara temple. The shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, is situated at an altitude of 5300 feet, and is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Durga. The legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed here the secret of immortality to his consort Goddess Parvati, which a pair of pigeons had overheard. It’s also claimed that a pair of pigeons can still be seen in the cave today. Amarnath is renowned for the Linga that ice produces here every year, naturally. The Amarnath Yatra is an annual event which makes pilgrims to trek to the cave temple.

Puri Rath Yatra

In Odisha’s temple town of Puri the grand annual Rath Yatra started as the holy trinity of Lords Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra began to make their way to their individual chariots in a ceremonial procession rite called the Pahandi.

Nevertheless, due to orders from the Supreme Court to conduct the festival in a restricted manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic no devotees were permitted to participate in the festival for the first time in history.

All the ceremonies for this year’s festival will be carried out by the temple priests and servants.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one of the sites of the holy Char Dham yatra in India, in Tamil Nadu state. This holiest spot, located on an island called Mannar, is believed to be the location where Lord Rama worshipped and repented after killing Raavan. Spirituality is set deep in Rameshwaram and Ramanathaswamy temple is the best place to encounter it. This beautiful temple is known for its incredible architecture that weaves divinity and culture together.

The most famous religious sites & temples in India:

Hemis Monastery

Hemis is situated on the western banks of the Indus River about 45 kms to the south of Leh. The Monastery of the Hemis is Ladakh ‘s largest and highly richly endowed monastery. This was erected in 1630. Impressive and interesting, Hemis is distinct from other important Ladakh monasteries. On all four sides, the monastery is adorned with colorful prayer flags that float in the breeze and send prayers to Lord Buddha.

The central edifice has white walls. The entrance to the complex is through a wide gate which leads to a large courtyard. The wall stones are embellished and decorated with religious figures. There are two assembly halls on the northern side, and as in most monasteries, one can see the guardian deities and the Wheel of Life here too. Even the Hemis Monastery has an significant Tibetan library books and a very impressive and valuable collection of Thangkas, gold statues and Stupas embedded with precious stones.

Golden Temple

The unparalleled reflection on the ambrosial nectar (lake) of the holy golden edifice and the horde of pilgrims loitering in the shrine complex urge one to visit this famous religious place in India. Built by the fourth Sikh Guru- Ramdass Sahib Ji, Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib is India’s most important pilgrimage site to visit. The Temple of Gold commemorates a number of of Sikh historical events. A bringer of peace, the Golden Temple is nothing short of a legacy in India.

Ajmer Sharif

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is considered one of India’s most holiest Muslim shrines, and is also a prominent landmark in Ajmer. There is enshrined Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, the Persian Sufi saint. Its doors are open to people of all cultures and religions according to his secular teachings. Some tell Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti believed he was Muhammad’s immediate descendant and preached his beliefs to the masses. When traveling on his planet, Muhammad, in a vision, urged him to visit India. Through Lahore, he entered Ajmer and made it his home from 1192 until his death in AD 1236. The shrine was built in memory of this saint, by Mughal King Humayun. You may walk inside the Dargah through a set of huge silver doors leading into a courtyard where the tomb of the saint is based.The actual tomb is guarded by a silver railing and a marble door, made of marble and gold plaating. Growing year Emperor Akbar made a pilgrimage to Ajmer during his reign. He designed mosques within the shrine complex as did Emperor Shah Jahan. Visitors to the shrine are astounded by the atmosphere of peace and serenity created by the combined effects of flowers, candy and burning sticks of incense.

Shirdi

Shirdi, Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, is the governing and administrative body of Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple and all other temples in this premises, committed to Shirdi village development.

The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, is the approved body in the Shri Saibaba Samadhi Temple to monitor and manage the daily activities. It also provides various hotel services, meals (free), refreshments, and much more. The Sansthan Trust also runs Junior and Senior Schools, English Medium School from Jr KG to Std X, Institute of Industrial Education (ITI), Drinking Water Supply, Hospitals (Shri saibaba Superspecility Hospital and Shri Sainath Hosoital on Charity basis).

Shirdi, a small rural village in the Ahmednagar district of Rahata taluka in India’s Maharashtra state. Shirdi is a secular place where all religions are regarded first and foremost as one, and a belief in the power of Faith & Patience. A place where all the heads bow down in prayer, where faith prevails, where hope is founded, where patience pays, and where there abounds everlasting joy and eternal contentment. This is the glory of the place belonging to the Holy One, a real repository of knowledge, who delighted with religious dignity and talented human ornaments of humanity and goodwill by saying “SABKA MALIK EK.” Saibaba’s footprints have made the city a holy spot. It constantly flocks millions of devotees from all over India and abroad. Located on Autobahn Ahmednagar-Manmad.

1. Religious Tour Packages

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