Must Visit Pilgrimage Places in India
India is the largest country in the South Asian Region. It consists of 28 States and 8 Union Territories. Each state in India has a different culture. In order to know the best of Indian Culture, you must have to visit the following places,
1. Sikh Golden Temple - Amritsar, Punjab
The entire complex comprises of a large number of buildings, including the Golden Temple itself, guestrooms, a museum, and a big communal kitchen, the 'langar'. Providing free meals, the kitchen is open to people from all backgrounds and religions. It is estimated that between 60,000 and 80,000 pilgrims come to eat inside the langar after prayer every day.
2. Shirdi Saibaba Temple - Shirdi, Maharashtra
Saibaba Temple Shirdi is located about 270 kms from Mumbai in Maharashtra. Shirdi is known as the home of revered spiritual leader Sai Baba , and a major pilgrimage site. Shirdi Samadhi Mandir Temple has a beautifull marble statue of Sai Baba, alongside his tomb. Close by are Dwarkamai, a mosque where Sai Baba once lived, and tree-lined Lendi Garden.Shird is called the Land of Sai.
3. Venkateswara Temple - Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh
Popularly known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, the Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati dates back to 800 AD and is one of the wealthiest Tirupati temples of the world. Resting peacefully on the seventh peak of Tirumala Hills, just to the north of the flowing Sri Swami Pushkarini River, this temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every day. This temple was built in commemoration of Lord Venkateswara. Believed to be an incarnation of Hindu god Vishnu, Lord Venkateswara took birth on Earth to destroy evil and restore peace and harmony. To date, his effigy stands inside the temple complex, and it is said it will remain there during the entire period of quarrel and disharmony, the Kali Yuga.
A silvery facade greets the eye as one enters the complex. Constructed in ancient Dravidian style, the architecture of this temple is composed of intricate carvings all over the walls. The temple has another entrance that is painted golden, a complete contrast to the main silver entrance. Pilgrims coming from all walks of life pay their homage to Lord Venkateswara by singing hymns and chanting prayers. The blessings of God are offered in the form of food known as prasad. The temple is illuminated with lights and candles on grand festivals and is revered as one of the most magnificently built temples in Tirupati.
4. Kedarnath Temple - Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples located in the Garhwal Himalayan Ranges in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.The temple is open to the general public only between the months of April (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima, the autumn full moon). Due to intense winter conditions, the idol of Lord Shiva is carried down to Ukhimath, a pilgrimage site in Rudraprayag district and is worshipped there for six months. Pilgrims are allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum during this period.
5. Kasi Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The Saptarishi aarti is said to have been handed down by Lord Shiva himself to the seven sages to enable them to summon his protective powers over this universe. Mentioned as clans in Atharva Veda, these seven rishis or sages were Kratu, Pulaha, Pulastya, Atri, Angiras, Vashishtha and Bhrigu.
The aarti is performed daily at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple from 7 to 8 pm by seven priests belonging to seven different gotras. The process of the aarti mainly involves a series of chants praising Lord Shiva with the offerings of milk, yoghurt, honey and sacred ash. Then the lingam is decked up with sandalwood paste and flowers. A silver naga is placed upon the lingam in the final stages of the aarti. The chanting is mostly indecipherable under the pretext that it is an ancient secret.
The aarti then builds up into a fast pace and trance-like energy to appease Lord Shiva. This process has continued in the Kashi Vishwanath temple, Varanasi, since ancient times and has been passed down from generation to generation.
So these are some of the most divine temples to visit in India. These temples take you on an expedition of tranquillity and bliss and help you in getting rid of the negative emotions in your mind. So whether you want your wish to be fulfilled or you’re just seeking for some divine bliss, these temples in India should be a must-visit in your list when you’re taking a trip to India.
