Top 10 Holy Places in India
Known for the diversity of its cultures and religions, India has many sacred places. These sacred sites attract millions of pilgrims every year due to their historical, mythological and spiritually meaningful significance. Below is a list of Top 10 sacred places in India that every explorer must visit:
1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Considered as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is the oldest city in the world. The river Ganges flows here and those who die here attain salvation. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the main attraction here. One can Also visit Sarnath which is at 10 kms Distance from Varanasi.
2. Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir
A major temple of Goddess Durga located on the Trikuta Mountains, Vaishno Devi witnesses devotees making the arduous journey to seek blessings at the cave temple.
3. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, this holy land is associated with Lord Rama from the Indian epic Ramayana. Famous for its intricate architecture and sacred water pools, Rameswaram is one of the 12 holiest temples of Lord Shiva i.e also known as Jyotirlinga of Shiva.
4. Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide.
5. Golden Temple, Punjab
The holiest of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib. Located in Amritsar, the serenity of the surroundings and the soulful hymns that reverberate in the premises leave visitors spellbound.
6. Dwarka, Gujarat
As one of the Char Dhams, Dwarka is believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna. The grand architecture of the Dwarkadhish temple attracts countless pilgrims.
7. Amarnath Cave, Jammu and Kashmir
The Amarnath cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a cave that has a naturally formed Shivlinga of ice. This cave is one of the most important pilgrimage sites during the Amarnath Yatra.
8. Kamakhya Temple, Assam
The Kamakhya Devi Temple is located atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, a Shakti Peetha dedicated to the goddess of power and fertility, and serves as an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Goddess Durga.
9. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple located in Tirupati, is considered one of the richest and most visited temples in the world dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a must-visit for spiritual seekers.
10. Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Meenakshi Amman Temple located in Madurai represents beautiful Dravidian architecture, famous for its grandeur and detailed sculptures, being dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva.
These places of worship are symbols of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Be it temples or monasteries or gurudwaras or mosques, these places offer deep peace and devotion. Whether you are a pilgrim or a traveler looking for a peaceful stay, the experience you will get from these places will be unmatched.
