India – A big spiritual destination

India is the birthplace of various religions and religious philosophies. Many people visit India not for the tourist attractions, but to experience a calm and peaceful environment and get in touch with their spiritual self. Ever since the arrival of the Beatles, spiritual arts like Yoga and Meditation have attracted a huge number of tourists from the world. A visit to the various temples, a look in the religious texts and the stories of how the different legends originated can provide a deeper insight in the Indian culture, and will certainly refresh your senses like no other place in the world.

Here are few Top Spiritual Destinations in India

Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in North India. Situated on the bank of Ganges River this place is also known as Benares.  Varanasi has sacred importance for three main religion Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Varanasi is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, who come to bath in the holy river. Known as the City of Temples and a beacon of culture, Varanasi has produced many renowned writers. It’s also a center of silk weaving, so practice haggling at the chaotic bazaar for some beautiful souvenirs. Rickshaws are the best way to get about.

Haridwar

Haridwar means “Har Ki Paudi” is another of the holiest places in India, and one of the oldest living cities. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, it’s particularly popular with Hindu pilgrims who come to take a dip in the holy waters of the fast-flowing Ganga River and wash away their sins. Unlike Varanasi, the water is clean and fresh in Haridwar. The evening Ganga Aarti holds ​a special appeal. Another popular attraction is the Mansa Devi Temple. The largest religious gathering in the world, The Kumbha Mela, is held in Haridwar as well.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one of the holiest places in India and is located on a beautiful island. It is separated by a small Pamban channel from Sri Lanka. According to the Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram is located on a beautiful island in the lower side of India. Lord Shiva too is worshipped in this place. Renowned for its magnificent prakaras with massive sculptured pillars on either side, The Ramanathaswamy Temple houses the longest corridor in the world. Agniteertham is famous for its sacred waters and Pilgrims perform poojas in honour of their ancestors at this seashore. The Five-faced Hanuman Temple holds the floating stone which was used to build the bridge between India and Sri Lanka.

Puri
One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Puri also known as Jagannath Puri, is located in the state of Odisha. Famous for the Jagannath temple, Puri is believed to be the final resting place of Lord Vishnu. Unsurprisingly then, it is a very important place of worship for the Hindus.Completing the golden triangle of Odisha along with Konark and Bhubaneshwar, Puri is a large depository of art and architecture of India with the highlight of the town being the Shree Jagannath Puri Temple. One of the four dharms (most sacred pilgrimages) of Hindus, the Jagannath Puri temple was constructed in the 11th century and is the starting point for the famous Rath Yatra from which the English language derived the word ‘juggernaut’. During the Rath Yatra, in July, entry to the town and the temple is restricted to Hindus. Make sure you lean against the Shani temple, watch its summit and taste the food served. It is possible to get into the sanctum and touch the deities in the main temple for a minimum fee.

Madurai

Located in the southern part of India Madurai is well famous for its magnificent Minaakshi Temple.  This temple in Madurai is extremely popular and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, also called Meenakshi. You will find two different shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, also called Sundareswarar, and goddess Meenakshi. According to mythology, goddess Parvati was born as Meenakshi to the king of Madurai and went on to marry Lord Shiva. Their union was celebrated with great pomp, and Lord Vishnu gave Meenakshi away at her wedding as her brother. It is believed that if you apply the vermilion from the temple after performing your puja, your prayers pertaining to your spouse are heard.