India is a land of unity in diversity. It is the home of some of the oldest religions on this earth, like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, etc. Varied culture and tradition also bring a plethora of pilgrimage sites, and we attract millions of devotees every year across the globe. Pilgrimage spots are not only the place of worship but a symbol of our rich culture and tradition with expertise in architecture and painting.
Top 6 Pilgrimage Spots in India That Must Be in Your Bucket List.
In this blog, we are going to discuss some of the top 5 pilgrimage spots in India that should be on your bucket list.
1. Varanasi:
One of the oldest cities known for pilgrimage is Varanasi. It is also said to be the favorite place of Lord Shiva. Located on the bank of the Ganga, Varanasi is known as the cultural capital of India and is believed to have been inhabited for more than 3000 years. It is well known for Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per the holy scriptures, just by taking a dip in the water of the Ganga in Varanasi, you can get liberated from the cycle of birth and death. This city has more than 80 ghats and is the only city in which death is also celebrated. Among all the ghats, Manikarnika ghat is well known as a cremation ground, and as per the holy scriptures, it is said that all those who get cremated at this place get salvation. More than this, Varanasi is also known for its variant colors, paintings, rich culture, and street foods. The sound of a ringing bell from the temples, the aroma of an incense stick, the devotional atmosphere, and devotees roaming all around will certainly evoke a sense of spirituality. Suppose you are visiting here to celebrate life and death together, take a taste of spirituality, or just to have a glimpse of raw Indian culture and tradition. In that case, Varanasi will never let you down.
2. Rishikesh
Well known as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is another most famous and ancient city of India. Rishikesh has got global recognition for being the hub of spirituality, yoga, adventure, and meditation. Situated on the bank of the Ganga in the lap of the Himalaya, it has been a center of attraction for many yogis and sadhus for ages and houses thousands of ashrams, temples, and meditation centers. Out of all these, Beatles Ashram is the most popular place to visit in Rishikesh, and this is the same place that brought fame to Rishikesh on an international level as the capital of yoga in the year 1960 when the Beatles visited here for yoga and meditation. Every year, this city hosts an international yoga competition in which a lot of yoga and fitness enthusiasts visit this city. Rishikesh is a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, fitness, and wellness. Whether you are seeking spiritual growth, physical wellness, or just an escape from city life, Rishikesh is the perfect place for all these.
3. Kedarnath and Badrinath Temple
Another most important pilgrimage spot in India is a visit to Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. Both temples are located in Uttarakhand and an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. In addition to divine power, kedarnath and Badrinath temples are also known for the immense natural beauty all around the temple. This temple remains open just for six months in a year, generally from May to October, as it remains inaccessible during the winter season. Still, these temples are the dream destinations of every Hindu in India and abroad. In spite of difficult terrain and adverse climatic conditions, these temples attract millions of devotees every year. If you are looking for a place that offers a perfect blend of adventure and spirituality, then definitely Kedarnath and Badrinath Temple is the place for you.
4. Gokarna
Gokarna is a small town located on the coast of Karnataka. The literal meaning of the word “Gokarna ” is the ear of a cow. It got its name because it is believed that Lord Shiva here came from the ear of a cow. It is well known for its natural beauty and the temples present here. Out of these, the most famous one is the Mahabaleshwar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed that the atma lingam was brought here by the demon king “Ravana.” Another most prominent temple in Gokarna is the temple of Lord Ganesh, where pilgrims visit before going to the Mahabaleshwar temple. Other than pilgrimage, Gokarna is also known for its beautiful beaches. Unlike the beaches of Goa, which remain crowded most of the time, these beaches are relatively untouched, making them an idle location for your picture-perfect journey. Whether you are looking for spirituality, solace, or adventure, Gokarna is going to be an idle place for your next vacation.
5. Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple, which is also known as the Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is one of the most important and biggest Gurdwaras in India. Golden Temple is located in Amritsar in Punjab, and its foundation stone was first laid down by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of Sikhism, in 1581. The stunning golden facade and spiritual surroundings all around the gurdwara attract millions of devotees from all over the world. It’s not just a place of worship but a unit that holds the core value of Sikhism, and unlike pilgrimage spots of other cultures, it gracefully welcomes people from all castes and creeds, promoting brotherhood among all. It is also known for its largest kitchen, which was started by Guru Nanak Dev. It has one of the largest kitchens, feeds more than 1 lakh devotees every year, and ensures no one leaves the Gurudwara hungry. The Golden temple stands tall and shining, representing Sikhs devotion and selfless love to humanity. Journey to the Golden Temple will provide you with a deep insight into Sikhism with devotion and beauty.
Conclusion
Pilgrimage spots in India are not just places of worship but also an emotion that represents our rich culture and tradition. Whether you are a devotee or just a curious traveler, pilgrimage spots in India will certainly give you an enriching experience that will stay with you throughout your life.
