February 7, 2025
Religious Sites of India

Religious Sites of India

The Golden Temple, Tirupati Balaji, Vaishno Devi, and Char Dham are a few of India’s most well-known religious sites of India. The Char Dham pilgrimage destinations include Puri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Dwarka, and Rameswaram. Since ancient times, Haridwar and Varanasi have been well-known religious sites in India. In India, Shirdi, Vrindavan, and Ajmer are well-known destinations for religious tourists. Other holy places with a Buddhist link that one should not miss include Bodh Gaya and Mcleodganj.

Vaishno Devi

religious sites of India

Many people lovingly refer to Vaishno Devi by names like Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta, as she embodies the spirit of the Hindu goddess Durga. During pooja and aarti, devotees believe that the goddesses come to visit the holy cave.  Devotees believe the goddess herself calls them to come to this sacred place. Vaishno Devi is a temple town that is home to the famous Vaishno Devi Mandir. Nestled in the Trikuta hills, this beautiful spot is just 13 kilometers away from Katra, right in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir. 

According to legend, Vaishno Devi is Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata or the mother who grants her children’s requests. Three naturally occurring rocks called pindies serve as Maa Vaishno Devi’s darshan in the sacred cave. Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi are the three manifestations of the goddess that these indies embody. Every year, the Vaishno Devi shrine receives over one crore visitors.

Varanasi

religious sites of India

India’s spiritual capital is Varanasi, also called Benaras and Kashi (City of Life), the oldest surviving city in the world. It is one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism. Varanasi, the ancient city, sprawls across a maze of winding galis on the western banks of the Ganges. Get ready to see some holy cows while walking on foot! In Varanasi, you’ll find temples at almost every turn, but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands out as the oldest and most beloved of them all. People call Benaras the city of Lord Shiva for a very good reason.

It’s a blessing to pass away in Varanasi.”

People believe that dying in Varanasi can lead to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of life and death. Because of this, many see it as a sacred and fortunate place to take their last breath. The 80 ghats lining the Ganges truly capture the heart of the city. Here, you can witness daily life intertwined with vibrant religious ceremonies, rituals, and practices that shape the rhythms of the community. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, the vibrant Ganga Aarti captivates everyone who attends. Here, priests perform a beautiful ritual, offering prayers to the river through the graceful dance of lights, fire, and heartfelt chants. It’s a mesmerizing experience that truly draws you in, filling the air with a sense of reverence and community.

You can truly soak in the city’s timeless beauty by taking a peaceful boat trip along the Ganges at sunrise or dusk. There’s something magical about gliding through the water as the sun paints the sky with warm colors, making it a perfect moment to connect with the surroundings. 

The streets in Varanasi create a labyrinth that leads to undiscovered gems such as the historic Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first speech.

In Varanasi, the charming galis twist and turn, inviting you to explore the vibrant shrines, bustling stores, and tempting restaurants that line their paths. Consequently, these streets form a maze that leads to hidden treasures like the ancient Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first discourse. During festivals, particularly Diwali and Holi, the city is a kaleidoscope of hues and sounds. During Diwali, people light hundreds of diyas, or lamps, along the vibrant ghats, filling the night with a stunning glow that captivates everyone. In addition, local markets in Varanasi, like the Thatheri Bazaar and Vishwanath Gali, provide a variety of traditional Banarasi sarees, brassware, and handcrafted silk.”

Winter (October to March) is the ideal season to visit Varanasi because of the lovely weather and the abundance of festivals and cultural activities that take place there.

Sabarimala

religious sites of India

The Sabarimala temple receives around 30 million pilgrims every year; consequently, it is the biggest in India and the second largest worldwide, after the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Sabarimala is a temple town on the bank of the Pampa River in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, which is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

The famous Ayyapa temple sits at Sabarimala, named after the mythological figure Ayyapa himself. People often call this temple Dharma Sashta, and they believe it’s the son of Lord Vishnu’s female form, Mohini, and Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Parasurama, one of the avatars of Vishnu, placed the Ayyappa idol on the mountaintop himself.”

In addition, Sabarimala’s customs combine elements of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and other Sramana traditions. Before the Supreme Court overturned the rule on September 28, 2018, the temple barred women aged 12 to 50 from entering during their menstrual cycles.

Nestled in a thick forest and embraced by 18 hills, the Poongavanam temple stands as a serene sanctuary. From Plapalli, people hike up the mountains to Aangaamuzhi, then to Muzhiyaar, and lastly to Sabarigiri Road. The temple is open for business on the first five days of every month in Malayalam, and it is busiest on Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku, and Makar Sankranti.

Tirupati

religious sites of India

Located in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district, Tirupati is well-known for the Lord Venkateshwara Temple, which is, in fact, one of the world’s most popular pilgrimage sites. Known by several names, including Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is also, notably, among the wealthiest temples in the world. Tirupati’s main temple stands proudly atop seven hills, including the beautiful Tirumala. The temple warmly welcomes the deity Govinda, and many people believe that this is where Lord Venkateshwara actually transformed into an idol.  Many ancient Vedas and Puranas highlight Tirupati, showcasing it as one of India’s oldest cities.

In addition to the main temple, you can also visit other temples in Tirupati, such as the ISKCON temple, the Parashurameshwara temple, the Kondandarama temple, the Sri Kalahasti temple, and the Sri Govindarajaswami temple. Furthermore, you shouldn’t pass over the unique geological wonder that is located in Tirupati! Specifically, located in the Tirumala Hills, the Silathoranam is a naturally occurring rock arch.

Haridwar

religious sites of India

Located in Uttarakhand, Haridwar is one of India’s seven holy cities. The holy Ganga River flows into the Indo-Gangetic plains right at this spot. Every year, millions of devotees make their way to Haridwar, a vibrant Hindu temple town, to immerse themselves in the sacred Ganges. Bathing in the holy Har Ki Pauri washes away all sins.

Every evening, the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti takes center stage at the Har ki Pauri Ghat, making it the heartbeat of Haridwar. Thousands of worshippers gather to offer prayers and float diyas to the Ganga River. Every twelve years, people gather for the Kumbh Mela in four vibrant towns: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik, and Allahabad. Every year, as the rainy season rolls in during saawan, the vibrant Kanwar Mela comes alive here. It serves as the starting point for some of the major tourist cities, such as Rishikesh and Devprayag, and is the entrance to Uttarakhand’s Char Dham.

Haridwar is home to Panch Tirth, or five pilgrimages, following Hindu customs. These include Mansa Devi Temple (Bilwa Tirth), Chandi Devi Temple (Neel Parvat), Har ki Pauri (Gangadwar), Ghat (Kushwart), and Kankhal. Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation are some of Haridwar’s other well-known practices worldwide. Since this is a place of worship, people kindly ask that you refrain from bringing alcohol and non-vegetarian dishes. From May to October, the yatra season brings a flood of visitors, making the city’s bus and train connections feel particularly crowded.

Prayagraj

In Uttar Pradesh, you’ll find the vibrant city of Prayagraj, a place that many still fondly remember as Allahabad. Prayagraj is well-known for Triveni Sangam, or the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. It is reminiscent of everything holy and spiritual in Hinduism. Prayagraj is located where the former town of Prayag once stood. It has hosted the Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam, for centuries. Prayagraj has more to offer than just its religion. Many travelers tend to overlook Sangam City in favor of more popular tourist spots.

Triveni Sangam is a popular destination in Prayagraj for both visitors and locals throughout the year. “This spot shines as one of the best places to visit, whether you’re spiritually inclined or just curious—trust me, it’s a must-see!” Every twelve years, millions of pilgrims from all over the world come here to participate in the religious event known as the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Allahabad Fort stands out as another historically significant monument, proudly recognized as a UNESCO heritage site. Under Akbar’s rule, artisans shaped this fort, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines Mughal architecture. 

Allahabad is home to several popular tourist destinations. The Anand Bhavan, All Saints Cathedral, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and Allahabad Museum are some of the city’s most well-liked attractions.

Kedarnath

In India, Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages and one of the most revered temples. Kedarnath stands as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, where devotees honor Lord Shiva.  It is a significant pilgrimage site and a component of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag District of the Garhwal Himalayan Range. It is only accessible by foot from Gaurikund and is open for six months, from April to November, due to heavy snowfall during the rest of the year.

During the winter months from November to May, the priests move the deity from Kedarnath Temple to Ukhimath, where they worship and honor it. People believe that traveling to Kedarnath can lead to Moksha, or salvation. Kedarnath is another name for Lord Shiva, the destroyer and defender.The majestic snow-capped mountains embrace Kedarnath, and just a stone’s throw away lies the beautiful Chorabari Glacier. The temple has the Mandakini River running in front of it. It receives millions of visitors each year because of its religious significance and the Mandakini River.

Badrinath

One of the four Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage yatras is Badrinath. People widely recognize Badrinath for its revered temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Badrinath sits alongside the flowing Alaknanda River, inviting visitors to explore the breathtaking Garhwal hill trails. The majestic Neelkanth mountain wraps around the Badrinath Temple, showcasing its breathtaking natural beauty. The Nar and Narayan mountain ranges embrace it on either side.

Every year, the Badrinath Temple closes its doors for six months, from November to April. Is there anything more you’d like to know about Badrinath Temple or its significance? I’m here to help! On the auspicious day of Bhatridwityia in October, the temple closes its doors to worship. 

On the closing day, devotees light an Akhanda Jyoti lamp, which burns brightly for six months. After this period, they carefully moved the image of Badrinath to the Narasimha temple at Jyotirmath, continuing a cherished tradition that holds deep spiritual significance. Every year on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya in April, Badrinath reopens.

There is a hot sulfur spring called the Tapt Kund in Badrinath Temple. Many believe that it provides therapeutic benefits. This is the known origin of the Alaknanda River. Another occasion to visit the temple is during the Mata Murti Ka Mela and the Badri Kedar Festival.

Shirdi

Sai Baba’s abode is Shirdi, which is 122 km from Nasik in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district. In 1858, people believe that Sai Baba arrived in Shirdi. He spent 60 years of his life there before he discovered his salvation in 1918. Sai Baba is often referred to as the “child of God” because he passionately promoted the idea of universal brotherhood. 

In addition to his shrine, the compound contains other smaller temples, including Dwarkamai, Samadhi Mandir, and Chavadi. Shirdi is 72 km away from Shani Shignapur.

Amritsar

religious sites of India

The city of Amritsar, also referred to as Ambarsar informally is rich in spirituality and history. The center of Punjab, the second-biggest city in India, is a major center of culture and religion. The Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest temple, is the city’s most famous landmark. A monument to Sikh architecture, the opulent temple welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The revered Amrit Sarovar, a pool of nectar, surrounds it.

The Sikh religion’s cultural and spiritual hub is Amritsar. During the Baisakhi celebration, Amritsar shines with its vibrant cuisine, colorful attire, and joyful festivities. This location is also notorious for being close to the Wagah Border and for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Amritsar has endured significant hardship, including the Golden Temple’s Operation Blue Star and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Despite these tragedies, it has persevered, like a phoenix. Today, Amritsar is a bustling metropolis with a thriving tourism and trade sector.

Amritsar is ideal for visiting during the winter months of October through March. The pleasant weather makes it easy for tourists to explore the city. Amritsar, one of India’s most agriculturally productive cities, has excellent connections to the majority of the country’s major cities.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a tiny town in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district. It is located near Haridwar, in the foothills of the Himalayas, where the Ganga and Chandrabhaga rivers converge. Rishikesh, also known as Hrishikesh, is renowned as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. It is also reknowned for its adventure sports, historic temples, and well-liked eateries. One of the holiest sites for Hindus, Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage town and the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.

Rishikesh is a center for Sadhus due to its location on the sacred banks of the Ganga. With a growing number of ashrams offering spirituality, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, Rishikesh has become a popular destination. Alcohol and non-vegetarian cuisine are forbidden in this town because it is a devout community. Rishikesh witnesses the most exquisite nightly aarti on the banks of the Ganga. It is less crowded than its counterparts in Varanasi and Haridwar. In the first week of March, yoga aficionados from all over the world come here for the International Yoga Festival.

The Gangotri

The sacred River Ganga originates at Gangotri Dham, which is situated in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. As part of the well-known Chhota Char Dham yatra, which also includes Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, it is one of the most venerated pilgrimages in India.

Of all the char dhams, Gangotri is the most accessible (by direct bus or cab). It is 100 kilometers from Uttarkashi and 300 kilometers from Rishikesh. The Gangotri Temple, which is devoted to Ma Ganga, is the primary draw of Gangotri. From May to November, the temple is open for business six months a year. The deity of Ma Ganga is moved from Mukhbas (Mukhimath) to the Gangotri Temple on Akshaya Tritiya. The idol is brought back to Mukhimath for the following six months on Bhai Dooj. The hours of operation for the temple are 4 AM to 9 PM. The times for Aarti are 6 AM and 7:45 PM.
Because of its holy significance, millions of pilgrims visit Gangotri annually. It is thought to be the location where Goddess Ganga landed on Earth after being freed from Lord Shiva’s hair.

Vrindavan

religious sites of India

The city’s name comes from “Vrinda,” meaning basil, and “van,” meaning grove. These groves, named Nidhivan and Seva Kunj, may have inspired the city’s name. Vrindavan is one of the oldest cities on the banks of the Yamuna. It is regarded as one of the most significant places of pilgrimage for the devotees of Krishna. Many people come here to give up their worldly lives because they believe that Vrindavan is a sacred place.

There are hundreds of Lord Krishna and Radha temples located across the city of Vrindavan. Among them, the most well-known are the Banke Bihari temple and the renowned ISKCON temple. The lively settings aptly capture Lord Krishna’s light-hearted and charitable disposition. Vrindavan is located along the Yamuna River. Its main draws are the many temples surrounded by dense forests and verdant surroundings.

Madurai

One of India’s oldest cities still inhabited is Madurai, the cultural center of Tamil Nadu. Known as the ‘Lotus City’, it was designed and constructed in the shape of a lotus. It was ruled by Pandya rulers for the longest period of its existence. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is well-known in Madurai. It honors the goddess Meenakshi and has a sanctuary for her consort Sundareshwarar.

Thiruparankundram is only one of Madurai’s many historic temples. It is situated on a mountain about 8 kilometers from the city. It is one of the significant ancient temples devoted to Lord Muruga (Karthikeya). The region has a rich cultural legacy and trading connections to ancient Rome. Madurai has lively bazaars, mouthwatering street cuisine, and daily history walks. Tamil language promotion and cultural preservation are greatly aided by Madurai.

Puttaparthi

religious sites of India

Puttaparthi is the sacred home of the fabled Sathya Sai Baba. It is a town that transports you back to the ashram era and the lifestyle of that era incorporating contemporary elements.

Puttaparthi is the sacred home of the fabled Sathya Sai Baba. It blends the ashram era’s lifestyle with contemporary elements.

Puttaparthi is a small Andhra Pradesh town that has become well-known throughout the world as a hub of religious genius. Being a distinctive village with metropolitan amenities, the town provides contemporary approaches to religion, settlement, and even urbanization.

Puttaparthi lacks many natural wonders and conventional tourist attractions. However, its spiritual significance and new ideas give it depth and richness. The Sathya Sai Ashram, Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre, Anjaneya Swamy Temple, and a few other locations are must-sees.

Rameshwaram

In Tamil Nadu, a state in South India, Rameshwaram is situated on a stunning island. A narrow Pamban channel divides it from Sri Lanka. Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka here, according to Hindu mythology.

The towns of Mandapam, Pamban Island, and Rameswaram are connected by the first sea bridge in Rameshwaram. Dhanushkodi, an abandoned village on Pamban Island, was a thriving community until a typhoon destroyed it in 1964.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is known for its spectacular prakaras. The temple features the world’s longest hallway, with enormous sculptured pillars on either side. Pilgrims conduct poojas at Agniteertham in honor of their ancestors, which is well-known for its hallowed waters.The floating stone used to build the bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka is kept in the five-faced Hanuman Temple. The temple is located in a place where the bridge connects India and Sri Lanka.

Ayodhya

Glimpses of Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024. PM presents on the occasion.

Deeply ingrained in Hindu mythology and spirituality, Ayodhya is frequently referred to as the birthplace of Lord Rama. Ayodhya is one of the seven most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is located in Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the holy Sarayu River. Being the capital of the old Kosala Kingdom, the word “Ayodhya” itself has a strong connection to the Ramayana. Because of its connection to the epic story of Lord Rama, Ayodhya was immortalized in the Ramayana. Millions of Hindus find meaning in this ancient city. This city is a place of pilgrimage where followers honor Lord Rama and find spiritual comfort.

The recently opened Ram Temple, a colossal building that represents dedication and faith, is located in the center of Ayodhya. Many Hindus think it is situated near the location of Ram Janmabhoomi, the fabled birthplace of one of Hinduism’s main deities, Rama. For Hindu devotees worldwide, the opening of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, amid much fanfare and celebration, was a momentous occasion. When the temple complex was finished, it was the third-largest Hindu temple in the world. The presiding deity of the temple is Balak Ram, also known as the infant form of Rama. This architectural wonder attracts tourists seeking benefits in his heavenly presence.

Ayodhya Deepotsav is a huge celebration.

The Ayodhya Deepotsav is a huge festival. It is passionately and enthusiastically celebrated and is one of the most anticipated festivals in Ayodhya. The celebration, which began in 2017, takes place around Diwali. The city is illuminated with millions of clay lights during the event. This is due to over 22.23 lakh diyas lit on Ram ki Paidi, shattering the Guinness World Record. In Jainism, Ayodhya is also revered since it is the birthplace of four of the religion’s twenty-four Tirthankaras. Travelers and pilgrims swarm to this medieval city. They visit numerous temples, shrines, ghats, and historical sites scattered around the area to honor Lord Rama.

Bodh Gaya

In the Gaya District of Bihar, there is a Buddhist pilgrimage destination called Bodh Gaya. Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment here, beneath the Bodhi tree, and is well-known for the Mahabodhi Temple.

It is currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Indian government has received assistance from many foreign nations, such as China and Japan, in constructing facilities for Buddhist pilgrims. The area is teeming with pilgrims. They come to pay their respects in temples, monasteries, and Bodhi tree relics.

Previously known as Uruwela, Bodh Gaya is situated close to the Neranjana River. From the 18th century CE forward, it was also called Sambodhi, Vajrasana, or Mahabodhi. It is among the four major Buddhist sites, along with Sarnath, Lumbini, and Kushinagar.

Dwarka

religious sites of India

Many believe that Dwarka served as the capital of Lord Krishna’s empire. Dwarka rests on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat. It proudly carries the name Devbhoomi Dwarka, which reflects its rich spiritual heritage. It is unique because it is one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism. Also, it is one of the four major holy sites. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is in Dwarka, part of Krishna’s old empire. Seashores and the beach are further tourist attractions.

The name Dwarka translates to dwar meaning ‘door’ and ka meaning’moksha’ meaning ‘way to salvation.’ According to legend, the city was once submerged under the sea. Recent discoveries have shown that a city did exist there.

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