Pilgrimage
PLACES TO VISIT:
Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir: From high up in the mountains, Mata VaishnoDevi calls out to her devotee. Situated on the Trikuta Hills in Jammu, the abode of Mata Vaishno is amongst the most popular pilgrimage in India. Experience an indescribable delight in taking an arduous trek that further leads to the caves where the goddess presides over and bestows countless blessings. Beautiful landscape, pervading divinity and thrilling adventure.
Golden Temple, Amritsar: The unparalleled reflection of the pious golden edifice on the ambrosial nectar (lake) and the horde of pilgrims loitering in the shrine complex urge one to visit this popular religious place in India. Built by the fourth Sikh Guru- Ramdass Sahib Ji, GurdwaraHarmandir Sahib is the most important Sikh pilgrimage site to visit in India. The golden gilded temple commemorates a number of Sikh historical events. A bringer of peace, the Golden Temple is nothing short of a legacy in India.
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati: The earthly abode of Lord Venkateswara (incarnation of Vishnu), Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is situated on the last hill of the Seshachalam range in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Like many temples in south India, this holy temple is known for its exquisite architecture. It is also amongst the most visited Hindu temples in India as it is said that the temple attracts 60,000 pilgrims each day. One must attend the Puja that is accompanied by many hymns and praises giving it a touch of unmatched divinity. The LaddooPrasadam is yet another attraction of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
Sun Temple, Konark: The masterpiece of Indian architecture, Sun Temple is the epitome of exquisite architecture and unmatched spirituality. Situated in Konark, Odisha, the Sun Temple boasts of a massive size and is an incredible example of genius. The Sun God sitting on a majestic chariot depicts the victory of King Narsimhadeva I (who defeated a number of Muslim invaders). The incredible architecture that includes 12 pairs of carved wheels, hall of offering, imposing pyramidal roof and erotic scenes have been the key driving force for art lovers and travel enthusiast who visit here, thereby making the Sun Temple one of the best places to see on a religious tour in India.
SomnathJyotirlinga, Gujrat: Reckoned to be the first DwadashJyotirlinga (Pillar of Light) of Lord Shiva, SomnathJyotirlinga in Gujarat holds an important place in India. The survivor of many attacks in the past, SomnathJyotirlinga has been a source of divinity and spirituality for many Hindu pilgrims. Situated on the shores of Arabian Sea, this sacred shrine calls out to devotees from afar and blesses innumerable times. Feel the power of spirituality and lose yourself in the devotion at this holy place in India.
Jagganath Temple, Puri: An important pilgrimage in India, Jagannath Temple is the finest monument in Odisha. The main deities presiding over the temple are Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. Although a popular pilgrimage, Jagannath Temple comes to life during the annual RathYatra when a very large number of people throng the temple. The sacred shrine is believed to be the authentic reflection of Indian culture.
DargahGharib Nawaz, Ajmer: KhwajaMoinuddin Chishti lay in peace here, listening to people’s wishes and fulfilling them. Once you enter through the gate of the Dargah, a queer peace takes over you. A sacred shrine in Ajmer, Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif is visited by millions of devotees every year from all over the world. The Dargah for many reasons captivates one’s heart; there is certainly something that is magical about this place that people from different faith come and worship here. Although the dargah is always crowded, the best time to visit Ajmer Sharif is during the Urs festival. The place comes to life during this festival that is held annually.
Amarnath Cave: Baba Barfani calls out to his devotees spread all over the world to first take up an enthralling trek and then receive bountiful blessings from him. The holy Amarnath Cave is situated in the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir and can only be reached after a rigorous trekking expedition. The cave holds importance as one of the ancient pilgrimages in India. The legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to his consort Goddess Parvati here, which was overheard by a pair of pigeons. It is also believed that even today, a pair of pigeon can be seen in the cave. Amarnath is famed for the Linga that is created naturally by ice here every year. The AmarnathYatra is an annual event in which pilgrims are allowed to trek to the cave temple.
Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan: Humility is the greatest virtue and Jainism preaches just that! Situated in Ranakpur village in Rajasthan, Ranakpur is one of the best places of Indian pilgrimage tourism. The Ranakpur temple is one of the oldest Jain temples in India and thus holds a lot of importance for devotees. Pilgrims from all over the world pay a visit to this temple that has majestic architecture and beautiful surroundings. Imbue yourself in the tranquil ambiance here and you shall definitely seek divinity that does not match anything ordinary.
Varanasi: A centre of faith for the Hindus, Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh is a famous pilgrimage in India. Incredibly colourful and sacred, the beauty of Varanasi lies in the crowd of devotees who throng here every single day from one part of the country or the other. The holy Ganga meandering through the city undoubtedly amplifies the sanctity of Varanasi. Also the Ganga Arti performed ritualistically every morning and evening enhances the divinity. Devotees keeping faith in the power of the city to provide Moksha and cleansing their sins keep Varanasi always a favourite religion places in India.
Hemkund Sahib: Situated in one of the most scenic locations in the country, Hemkund Sahib adds charm to religious tour in India. Unlike other Sikh pilgrimages in India, Hemkund Sahib has a pentagonal structure. The scenic beauty of the place is worth mentioning as this shrine is nestled amidst lofty hills that are covered with snow. One shall be stunned with the kind of devotion that the pilgrims show here despite the adverse climatic conditions. The spiritual ambiance at Hemkunt Sahib may pursue you to stay a bit longer here.
Velankanni Church:Religious tour in India would be incomplete if you miss out on Velankanni Church, situated in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Like many gothic style churches Velankanni Church or the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health has graceful architecture but what attracts tourists the most to this church is the construction history of the Church. Believed to have been built by a Portuguese sailor who survived a violent sea storm as a gratitude to the Supreme Power, this church is indeed one of the important pillars of faith in India. Each year The Feast of the Nativity of Mary is celebrated here and is attended by millions of devotees from around the globe.