Spirituality is probably the first thing that comes to one’s mind while thinking of India. No wonder, it is the birthplace of four of the major religions of the world. Today, India is the largest secular state. Several religions, beliefs, and lifestyles co-exist peacefully. And, with so many religions, one can never be short on temples, shrines, and other pilgrimage sites.
Such sites garner ambiance of divinity. However, ceremonies and unique practices also attract tourists.
This article includes spectacular shrines of religious importance to various religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Christianity.
Here are 11 Must-Visit Pilgrimage Sites of the Holy country of India:
1. Golden Temple, Amritsar
To immerse yourself into divinity, visit Harmandar Sahib, also known as Golden Temple.
Golden Temple is the holiest shrine of the Sikh community. However, you can visit the Temple irrespective of your religion.
Interestingly, Miyan Mir, a Muslim Sufi Saint laid the foundation stone of the Temple.
Moreover, the architecture of the Gurudwara is such that it has four entrances symbolizing welcoming to all.
So much so, the Gurudwara serves food to about 100,000 people every day for free.
Furthermore, the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji started the tradition of a community kitchen.
So that people from all classes, castes, religions, and backgrounds can sit and eat together.
2. Sun Temple, Konark
Chariot-shaped, Sun temple of Konark is dedicated to the Hindu God of Sun, Surya.
The architecture is jaw-dropping. The Temple is shaped like a chariot driven by seven horses.
Further, the Temple is a world heritage site that is extremely popular for its stone carvings. The carvings cover the whole Temple.
A trip to Odisha is incomplete if you do not visit this marvelous Temple.
Moreover, it is amongst the most visited temples in India. There are other structures within the temple complex.
3. Jagannath Temple, Puri
The beach town of Puri is amongst the most popular pilgrim sites because of the Jagannath Temple.
Also, do not forget to make a wish from Kalpavata, an ancient banyan tree. Who knows you might get cheap return flight tickets to the USA!
Even though the Temple is a marvel all year round, visiting it in June will allow you to witness Rath Yatra or chariot pulling.
What happens is that three humongous temple car of three important deities are towed across Puri.
The tradition is centuries old, and the word ‘Juggernaut’ finds its origins here!
The idol of Jagannath is made of wood, which is unique. Hence, it is replaced ceremoniously after 12 or 19 years with a replica.
4. Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwaram or Ramanathaswamy Temple is located in one of the holiest cities of India, Rameshwaram.
The Temple is as compelling architecturally as it is spiritually. Moreover, Rameshwaram is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples.
The Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple houses twenty-two holy water bodies. Devotees take a dip to absolve themselves of sin.
Hindu Festivals are celebrated with immense zeal. It is one of a kind experience, especially during Maha Shivaratri (February-March), Vasanthautsavam (May-June), and Ramalinga Prathista Utsavam (June and July).
5. Badrinath, Uttarakhand
The beautiful setting of Badrinath Temple makes it equally famous amongst travelers as with the pilgrims.
Even though the Temple remains open only for six months (April end to early November), it is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.
The Temple is located amidst the hills 3,133 m above sea level. Inside the Temple, you will find a 1 ft high statue of Badrinarayan, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Interestingly, it to be one of the eight self-manifested statues of Vishnu, according to Hindu claims. Excited to see one?
6. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
What is fascinating about the Sanchi Stupa’s construction is that Lord Buddha is not depicted in is humanly form.
Instead, the placement thrones, footprints, wheels, etc symbolically represent Lord Buddha.
Sanchi Stupa is an excellent pilgrimage location as there are other smaller stupas and Buddhist monuments and temples located in a serene park atop a hill.
There are other mind-blowing things to discover, such as the Udayagiri caves that date back to the first century BC.
Further, the Ashoka Pillar is another famous tourist attraction of Sanchi Stupa.
However, the best part is the carvings that give you a glimpse of Lord Buddha’s life.
7. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Perhaps, the finest example of baroque architecture, The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage site located in the old Goa. The Catholic Church Dates back to the 16th century.
It is as mesmerizing from inside as it is from outside. The church has marble floors, gilded altars, and several paintings of St. Francis Xavier.
Moreover, there is an art gallery that exhibits paintings of the local surrealist artist, Dom Martin.
The Basilica houses the tomb and mortal remains of the founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Francis Xavier.
8. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Somnath Temple is a shore temple. The majestic setting against the beach makes it popular among tourists.
Just like Rameswaram, the Somnath Temple houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
On the confluence of rivers Kaveri, Saraswati, and Hiran stand the holy Somnath.
According to some devotees, sacred powers protect the temple. For instance, the Temple has withstood many atrocities without much loss.
Sompura Salat or the oldest and finest temple architects have embellished the Temple with their exceptional skill.
9. Jama Masjid, Delhi
Jama Masjid is one of the most remarkable landmarks in the nation,
Visit the mosque in the evening so you can experience food and book stalls and more.
The bookstalls are to the south, and to the west of the mosque are meat stalls.
Another thing about the western part of the mosque is the vast hall with 260 columns.
Hindu and Jain architectural style of sculpting is dominant. Moreover, its courtyard can accommodate 2500 devotees at once.
However, if you consider the whole premise, Jama Masjid has room for up to 8500 pilgrims.
10. Gomateshwara Temple, Karnataka
The monolithic Bahubali statue standing at the height of 17 m makes Gomateshwara Temple well-renowned.
Did you know it is one of the world’s largest free-standing statues?
Opposite to the colossal statue stand two figures, Yaksha and Yakshi, the bearers connected to Bahubali.
Also, adorn the beautiful carvings of Jain figures, female figures, Fishes, Monkeys, Lion, and Cows all along the outer wall of the Temple.
Further, the Temple is the most important place of worship for the Jain community in south India.
The lake and the hill setting make the Temple as picturesque as ever. So, don’t forget to bring your cameras along!
11. Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s Ranakpur Temple is one of the most extensive and intricately put together Jain Temples in the World.
It covers an area of 4500 sq yards and houses 29 halls.
Seek blessings and soak in the excellent architecture, unlike any. Do you what else is unique about the Temple’s column? They change colors!
Moreover, two large bells inside the prayer halls are no less than music to the ears.
Although only the Jain community can worship, others can watch the rituals and have a cultural exchange.
So, how many have you visited? There are thousands of pilgrimage sites in India.
Hence, booking the cheapest flight tickets online is suggested, as you are guaranteed to return to this mystical land for more!
