Top 12 Famous Temples most visited of India by pilgrims around the world..
The religious places of India reflects the diversity of region,rituals,people and religions. India is home to many religions of different faiths and considered as the most religiously diverse nations in the world. The religious sites of India includes Haridwar- one of the Most visited place of worship,Kumbh mela the largest gathering in the world, 12 Jyotirlingas, Meenakshi Temple and Char Dham yatra.
VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE - JAMMU
It is said that, if you want to achieve the four objectives of human life laid down by the Indian spiritual tradition viz. Dharm (Righteousness), Arth (Material Pursuits), Kaam (Contentment) and Moksh (Enlightenment), you must visit Vaishno Devi at least once in your lifetime. And even if you do not believe in religion, you must pay a visit to this place simply because of its natural beauty. The panoramic surroundings and the enchanting journey will make your trip a memorable one. Vaishno Devi Travel Guide is here to help you will all essential information about this place.
About Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi Mandir is a holy pilgrimage destination for the Hindus, located in the folds of three-peaked mountain Trikuta, 12 km away from Katra in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Vaishno Devi Tourism
It's the temple dedicated to Shakti, which attract thousands of tourists, especially but not limited to the Hindu pilgrims from every corner of the country. Mata Vaishno Devi, also popularly known as Mata Vaishnavi and Mata Rani in Hinduism, is believed to have spent some time in this cave at an altitude of 5,200 ft while observing various spiritual disciplines.
Currently Vaishno Devi temple is India's second most visited religious site with yearly visitors of around 60,000. The shrine of Vaishno Devi is maintained by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Best Time to Visit
Vaishno Devi can be visited all through the year. However, May through July and the festivals of Chaitra and Sharad-Ashwin attract most number of visitors. December and January is the time for snowfall.
THIRUMALA VENKATESHWARA - TIRUPATI
Tirupati is an ancient holy city located in the south-eastern part of Andhra Pradesh. It is known as the abode of God Venkateswara and is located in the Chittoor district of the state. Situated at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, there are many major cities like Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and Chennai near the city. Tirupati is known for Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which is one of the most important pilgrim sites in India and draws millions of devotees every year. The temple is located at the Tirumala Hills, which are one of the oldest rock mountains. It is believed that the temple even had devotees who belonged to the great erstwhile dynasties like the Pallavas, the Pandyas, the Cholas and the kings of Vijayanagara.
Here is not only Tirumala Venkateswara temple that brings tourists but many other places of interest. There are many other prominent temples in the city like Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Govindaraja Swamy Temple and Alamelu Mangapuram Padmavathi Ammavari Temple to name a few. Chandragiri Fort and Palace is at a distance of few kilometres from Tirupati and is locate at a 180 m high rock. The 'Raja Mahal' and the 'Rani Mahal' are well-preserved in the fort. Situated at an altitude of more than 1200 m, there is Horsley Hills, named after the collector of the Cuddapah district, WD Horsley. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park is another tourist attraction in Tirupati that has a Mayurvani (House of Peafowls) and Mrugavani (House for Herbivores). The Papa Vinasanam Dam is situated nearby to Tirupati and is known for its serenity and beauty.
How to Reach?
As the city is thronged with a large number of pilgrims, the city needs to provide easy accessibility options to all the tourists. Tirupati Airport is at a distance of about 15 km from the central city that has direct flights to and fro New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and some other cities. Otherwise, Chennai International Airport is the closest airport that fulfills the national and international connectivity needs. Tirupati Railway Station is directly linked to many neighbouring cities; on the other hand, there is Reningunta Junction, which lies nearby the city, offers easy accessibility option. To reach Tirupati via road is also not difficult as most of the government-aided and private bus operators in neighbouring cities offer bus service to Tirupati.
SIDDHI VINAYAK TEMPLE - MUMBAI
Shree Ganesh is the first to be worshipped before beginning any new project or venture as he is the destroyer of obstacles (Vighnaharta). This is Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, a two-century-old Temple that fulfills the desires of the worshipers.
The city of Mumbai is a mute witness to places of worship & historical interest, which are not only popular but also of archaeological importance.
Arguably the most popular & significant places of worship are the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir situated at Prabhadevi. This temple was first consecrated on Thursday 19th November 1801, a fact that is noted in government records. The temple then was a small structure housing the black stone idol of Shree Siddhivinayak, which was two and half feet wide. The outstanding feature of this deity is the tilt of the trunk to the right side. The idol has four hands (Chaturbhuj), which contains a lotus in upper right, a small axe in upper left, holy beads in the lower right and a bowl full of Modaks (a delicacy which is a perennial favorite with Shree Siddhivinayak). Flanking the deity on both sides are Riddhi & Siddhi, goddesses signifying sanctity, fulfillment, prosperity and riches. Etched on the forehead of the deity is an eye, which resembles the third eye of Lord Shiva.
SREE AYYAPPA - SABARIMALA
Lord Ayyappa of sabarimala or Dharma Sastha as is universally called has a number of historical stories about him which his devotees heard from their ancestors or,Guru.The Stories about Lord Dharma Sastha is also mentioned in Vedas and Puranas. However different stories are prevalent in different areas , depending upon the locality and places.
Lord Vishnu's " Mohini Vesham" is a well known story. After the death of Mahishasura , His sister Mahishi took a decision to take revenge against all Devas. Hence she started Dhyanam(meditation) to please Lord Brahma . Impressed by her bhakti, Brahma made an appearance and granted her wish that, nobody in the Universe could kill her except the son of Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
With this boon, she felt so powerful that ,she started harassing Devandran and the Devas. The Devas prayed to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The venerable gods sent their shakti & spirit together to the earth in the form of a Mahisham. There upon the Mahishi along with Mahisham left heaven for earth and started in a jungle.
Address: Sabarimala, Pampa Triveni, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689713
MOINUDDIN CHISHTI - AJMER
Located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is one of the most revered places not only in Rajasthan but also throughout India. Popularly known as Ajmer Sharif, the dargah is visited by numerous devotees every year.
These devotees include not only the Muslims of India but also a large number of Hindus who revere and follow the teachings of Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti popularly know as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz who is considered to be the preacher of humanity among the mankind.
Born in Chisti region in Afghanistan, Saint Moinuddin Chisti was above the material and worldly things. In his process to teach mankind the high way of living he came to India and settled in Ajmer. There, he attracted large number of followers which even included kings and other people of high rank. In Ajmer he practiced the Sufi Sulh-e-Kulh which focused on Hindu-Muslim unity.
Dargah Timings
It is open from 5 am to 9 pm during winters and from 4 am to 10 pm in summers.
How to Reach Ajmer Sharif
Popularly known as Ajmer Sharif, the Dargah of Moinuddin Chisti is visited by lakhs of devotees every year in order to get their wishes fulfilled by offering prayers at the sacred dargah. The Dargah popularized by the name of the place at which it is located is easily accessible from different parts of India.
Here are guidelines on how you can reach the famous mosque:
By Air
Jaipur's Sanganer Airport is the closest airport from the city of Ajmer. It lies at a distance of 132 km from Ajmer. Several airlines carriers provide connectivity to Jaipur from where one can catch a taxi or a bus to Ajmer.
By Train
Several trains operate regularly between the Ajmer Central Railway Station and other important stations of Indian Railways. Trains connecting all the major cities of India pass through the station.
By Road
It is very easy to reach the popular Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Government run buses are available from every corner of Rajasthan to the Ajmer Central Bus Station. It is situated 2kms from the Ajmer town. These buses can take you directly to Ajmer Sharif from nearby cities and states. Buses are available to and from Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Mumbai and Delhi. The National Highway 8 connecting Delhi and Mumbai passes through Ajmer thus giving an access to the city of Ajmer from both Delhi and Mumbai. One can also hire private taxis to reach the place.
MOINUDDIN CHISHTI - AJMER
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a of description.
As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.
How to Reach HARMANDIR SAHIB - AMRISTAR
Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport (IATA: ATQ) is about 13 km and a 18-20 minutes drive from the city center. It's one of the modern airports in India and quite adequate if not exactly exciting. Most flights are to Delhi, an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: British Midland International (bmi) flies to London via Almaty, Jet flies to London, Air India flies to Toronto via London and Air Slovakia flies to Bergamo, Barcelona and Birmingham via Bratislava. There are also surprising numbers of flights to Central Asia (eg. Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan). Qatar Airways now flies to Doha.
Road Distance or driving distance from Amritsar Airport to Golden Temple is 13 kms (8.00 miles). For customizing your travel journey you might consider adding some stop over points or adding some night stops here.
Your total travel time is approximately 0 hour(s) 18 min(s); which may vary depending upon the road and traffic conditions.
If you are planning to travel using a rented car, you can ask us for the same.
BASILICA OF BOM JESUS - GOA
The Bom Jesus Basilica, perhaps Goa's most famous church and among the most revered by Christians worldwide, is partially in ruins but still a model of simplicity and elegance, and a fine example of Jesuit architecture.
This is the only church in Old Goa, which is not plastered on the outside, the lime plaster having been stripped off by a zealous Portuguese conservationist in 1950.
Located at Old Goa, 10 kilometres east of Panaji, the Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument.
The foundation stone of this remarkably large church was laid on 24 November 1594 and the church was consecrated by Fr. Alexia de Menezes, the Archbishop of Goa and Primate of India consecrated it when it was completed on 15 May 1605. In 1946 it was raised to the status of a minor Basilica.
How to Reach BASILICA OF BOM JESUS - GOA
Air :
The nearest airport at Dabolim (30 km from Panaji) has frequent flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kochi, besides chartered flights from overseas.
Rail :
The two railway stations- at Vasco da Gama and Margao- also have a number of trains arriving at Goa from the rest of the country.
Bus:
There are frequent bus connections to Old Goa from Panaji and other places in Goa.
SAI BABA - SHIRIDI
Shri Saibaba of Shirdi lived between 1838 and 1918, whose real name, birthplace and date of birth are not known. An Indian spiritual guru and a fakir that transcended the barriers of religions, Saibaba of Shirdi was regarded with great reverence by both Hindu and Muslim followers. He lived in a mosque and after death his body was cremated in a temple.
His philosophy ingrained 'Shraddha' meaning faith and 'Saburi' meaning compassion. According to him Shraddha and Saburi were the supreme attributes to reach the state of godliness.
His most concise message for one and all alike was "Why fear when I am here".
Saibaba said that he was a slave in the service of those who loved him. He was ever living to help those who turn to him and that he has to take care of his children day and night.
Saibaba's mission was to restore belief in god and according to him, "I give people what they want in the hope that they will begin to want what I want to give them (knowledge of the Ultimate)." He then taught values of total surrender to the Almighty Master (ALLAH MALIK EK- The only ONE) and experiences his grace.
Today, Shri Saibaba has millions of devotees in India and abroad. Shirdi, the obscure village in Maharashtra has become a pilgrimage destination much as Bethlehem, Jerusalem or Varanasi. With over 25,000 pilgrims thronging in here each day the number of pilgrims climb to over a hundred thousand on holidays and festival days. There are over 2,000 major Sai temples in different parts of India and 150 abroad in places as far-flung as Canada and Kenya, Singapore and England.
How to Reach SHIRIDI SAI BABA
The sacred abode of Shri Sai Baba at Shirdi is easily accessible from all the corners of India and even from all the major cities of the world. You can reach this pilgrim center by air, train and road, which ever medium that suits you.
By Air
The nearest airport to Shirdi is at Nashik, 75kms away, Aurangabad is at a distance of 150kms, which is connected by all the major towns of India. You can also come till Mumbai by air and travel down to 296kms to reach Shirdi. Mumbai has both international and domestic airports that grant connectivity to the world. Domestic airport in Pune is about 231kms from Shirdi. There are regular public and private transport operators that ensure your easy access to the sanctum of Saibaba.
By Rail/Train
Kopergaon on Daund-Manmad Line is an important railway station about 16kms from Shirdi. This station is on the route of the Karnataka Express from New Delhi to Bangalore. Manmad is another important station about 58kms from Shirdi which carries a number trains from Mumbai and Delhi. Shirdi has a computerized Railway Ticket Booking Center within the temple premises. From here you can have railway tickets of whichever destination all through India.
By Road
Shirdi can be reached by taking a Bus from almost all major cities of Maharashtra. Shirdi is on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, 250 km from Mumbai and 75 km from Nashik. MTDC runs buses from all major destinations.
MAHABODHI - BODHGAYA
The history of Bodhgaya is about 2500 years old. In the sixth century B.C., prince Siddhartha Gautama attained supreme enlightenment at this holy place and became the Buddha. In commemoration of this event, emperor Asoka set-up the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) of polished sandstone representing the seat of enlightenment in third century B.C. Thereafter, he built a stupa in veneration of the Buddha which remained there upto the second century A.D. The original structure of Mahabodhi Mahavihara temple was completed in seventh century A.D. during the reign of Gupta kings.
In the Temple complex, one can also visit the other seven places where the Buddha spent in meditation after the attainment of Enlightenment. Al these places are situated inside the temple complex.
The shades under which the Siddhartha Gautama meditated and attained enlightenment on the full moon day of Vaisakh Purnima (May month). It was under this peepal tree that the Buddha spent the first week in meditation after attaining enlightenment.The present tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree which was earlier destroyed several times by man-made misery and natural calamities.
RANAKPURI - PALI
Ranakpur is a village located in Desuri tehsil near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur. 162 km from Jodhpur and 91 km from Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. The Nearest Railway Station to reach Ranakpur is Falna Railway station. Ranakpur is one among the most famous places to visit in Pali, Rajasthan. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur.
Ranakpur is widely known for its marble Jain temple, said to be the most spectacular of the Jain temples. There is also a small Sun temple which is managed by the Udaipur royal family trust.
Surrounded by the Aravlli range, this sanctuary covers parts of Udaipur, Rajasmand and Pali districts. You can come across wild animals like wolf, hyena, sloth bear, leopard, sambhar, chinkara and several others here. A sight of the wolves strolling around the water bodies can be a great experience. Birds like peacock, parakeets, red spur owls, bulbul, Golden oriole, Dove, Grey Pigeons, and White Breasted Kingfisher are common here. In addition, this wildlife sanctuary has a wide variety of trees with herbal properties. To get to know how to reach Ranakpur, you can take help of Ranakpur travel guide. Ranakpur is connected with all major cities of the region by air, railways and road. Udaipur is the closest airport that is 96 km from here. Daily flights to Mumbai and Delhi are available from Udaipur. The railway station here is connected with all major cities by a network of trains. If you want to travel by road then you can opt for buses to Ranakpur from Udaipur, Jodhpur or any other city of the state. The best time to visit Ranakpur is between October and February.
AMARNATH DHAM - SRINAGAR
The cave of Amarnath is considered to be most famous and holiest shrines of great God, Lord Shiva in Hinduism. Amarnath Temple cave situated at an altitude 3,888 m (12,756 ft) near Srinagar and surrounded by snowy mountains. An ice stalagmite Lingam formed annually in the caves due to freezing of water during the month of sharavan.
Thousands of Hindu devotees make an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave on challenging mountainous terrain to see an ice stalagmite formed inside the cave.
According to a Hindu legend, this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, Parvati. Two other ice formations represent Parvati and Shiva’s son, Ganesha.
Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam. The latter journey takes approximately 5 days.
About Amarnath Yatra
The journey of Amarnath is of 141 km from Srinagar, out of which 45 km from Pahalgam has to be covered on foot, is believed to be the holiest of Hindu shrines. The holy cave houses an ice stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the moon. The annual Amarnath yatra takes place in July and august. The Amarnath Cave is high and shallow and extending up to 130 feet.
How to Reach
By road if you want to travel than from Baltal there is a regular bus service during the pilgrimage time, you can get back to Srinagar that night. At other times, camp at Baltal and continue to Sonamarg at a more leisurely pace the following morning. From Sonamarg there are three buses a day to Srinagar and it takes around five hours to reach.
Things to Carry for the Trip
You should be mentally and physically fit to go for the trip as the journey includes trekking at a height of 1,4000ft. You should get yourself medically tested before the journey and forward that certificate to the registering authority designated for your area of residence.
You should carry lots of heavy woolens like jackets, sweaters, woolen thermal body warmers, trousers, monkey caps, mufflers, blankets and any other warm items. Among other items you should carry sleeping bags, blankets, windcheaters, raincoats, waterproof shoes with sufficient grips, tents, torch with sufficient batteries and supporting sticks.
You should carry sufficient amount of money for accommodation at Pahalgam and meeting other requirements.
You should also posses a registration card.
LORD JAGANNATH - PURI
In one sense, Puri is synonymous, with Jagannatha and vice versa. For more than a century past, historians, foreign and Indian, have been trying to' unveil the mystery of the three deities namely, Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra worshipped in the Puri temple. But the success they have achieved is almost negligible. All the same, the traditional authorities strongly hold that Jagannatha is perhaps as old as human civilization. The antiquity of Jagannatha is so much shrouded in mystery that it may take many more years for scholars to arrive at any definite conclusion. There are a number old works in Sanskrit which sing the glories of Odisha in general and of Puri in particular. A passage is frequently quoted from the Rig Veda and explained in the light of the well-known commentary of Sayana to show that the history of Jagannatha dates back to the age of the Rig Veda itself.
The Puranas (Voluminous works in Sanskrit containing accounts of ancient Indian history, culture, mythology, philosophy, religion, etc.) present elaborate accounts pertaining to the origin of Jagannatha in an atmosphere of mystery and divine inspiration. Prominent among the Puranas are the Skanda Purana, the Brahma Purana and the Narada Purana. Even in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, there are references to the Shreene of Jagannatha. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata are believed to have come here and offered worship to Jagannatha. ,Some scholars hold that even Jesus Christ and Mohammed, the founders of Christianity and Islam respectively also visited Puri.
How to reach Puri Jaganath
Hometown-Bhubaneswar/Puri
Option 1: There is a smooth network of roads in Orissa which connects it to all the major cities of the country and the nearby towns of the state.
Option 2: One can even reach Puri via rail as the railway station at Puri is linked to all the important cities in India with regular trains. The railway station of the town is also very easily accessible from the main town area.
Option 3: Incase you want to go by air, fly to Bhubaneswar (56kms from Puri). Bhubaneswar is the main connecting point between Puri and other Indian destinations. Travel to Puri by surface. Check into a hotel in Puri.
Next day get up early in the morning and get ready to participate in Rath Yatra by 6 am.
Note: Lots of pilgrims and tourists come to Puri at the time of Rath Yatra. To make yourself free from the hurdles of accommodation, book your hotel in advance. Toshali Sands in Puri is a four star resort which arranges full tours for Rath Yatra-including transfer to any hotel accommodation from airport/railway station, Sightseeing of Rath Yatra and other places to visit in Puri.
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