pilgrimage

Pilgrims in India:

India is a place of mixed cultures, ethnicity and religions. In fact Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism have their roots here. A tour to India is generally undertaken for its cultural inclinations; but the religious facet of the nation no less excites people all over the world. Some of the prime Pilgrimage Sites in India are as follows:

SHIRDI:

Shirdi is a small town located in the state of Maharashtra in western India. The place is around 296 km (around hours drive) from Mumbai. Shirdi extends latitude 19°45¢ N and longitude 74°25¢ E. Shirdi is basically a religious tourist center. Thousands of pilgrims flock to Shirdi.

There are several places of tourist attractions in Shirdi, but it is the shrine of Sai Baba that is the hub of activity.

Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba was actually owned by a millionaire from Nagpur and a famous Sai devotee Shreemant Gopalrao. He wanted to keep an idol of Murlidhar here. However, according to the legends, Baba himself became Murlidhar and the temple became the Samadhi Mandir of Baba. The Samadhi of Baba is built with white marble stones. The railings around it are full of ornamental decorations. The idol of Baba is a marvelous statue made up of Italian marble built by Late Balaji Vasant in 1954. The temple has an assembly hall for about 600 devotees. The assembly hall also houses a showcase having various items used by the sage. The first floor of the temple has the pictures depicting the life of the saint. The temple opens on 5 am with morning prayers and close down at 10 pm with night prayers.

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There are several places to see and visit near Shirdi too. Situated around 5 km from Shirdi is Sakori. The place is home to the Upasini Maharaj.

Shanisinghnapur is 70 km from Shirdi. A temple devoted to Shani is located here.

The Indian town of Shirdi is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. touristplacesinindia can arrange for you all types of transport for your comfortable journey to and in Shirdi and throughout the Indian state of Maharashtra.

AMRITSAR:

The Golden Temple is the ultimate Sikh pilgrimage. The Harmandir Sahib, as it is traditionally known, actually means the temple of Hari or the Supreme God. Also known as the Darbar Sahib, the stupendous, architectural phenomena islocated at the city of Amritsar. The temple's exterior is gold-plated and the structure stands in the middle of a square tank. There is a causeway across the Pool of Nectar to reach the Temple. The shrine is symbolical of the doctrines of Sikhism. It also represents the magnificent strength of all the Sikhs. The amazing thing about Harmandir Sahib is that it has doorways on all four sides, meant to be open for the people of the all four castes. All over the, the Sikhs always look forward to visit to the magnificent temple and offer prayers at the Harmandir Sahib.

The study of the art and architecture of the Golden Temple has, unfortunately, remained a subject of unconcern for art historians and critics. Even scholars of Indian temple architecture have bypassed it and references, whenever made, were mere courtesies. Fergusson considered theGolden Temple an example of the forms, which Hindu temple architecture assumed in the nineteenth century. According to the official list of buildings of interest, published by the Punjab Government in 1875, the design of the temple, as reconstructed by Ranjit Singh, was borrowed from the shrine of Saint Mian Mir, near Lahore. Louis Rousselet, writing in 1882, regarded it as a "handsome style of architecture". Major Cole described it as an adaptation of Mohammadan styles, flavoured with a good deal of Hindu tradition. Percy Brown considered it to be a product of the synthesis of Hindu and Muslim influences, combined with elaborations that imparted it an appearance of its own.

PUTTAPURTHY:

Located in the south-western part of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi is surrounded by the arid and rocky hills bordering Karnataka. Famous for its SathyaSai Baba Mandir, it is one of the famous religious tourist destinations of the world. A number of domestic as well as foreign tourists visit this place every year just to have a glimpse of the legendary SathyaSai Baba and also to see his most talked about ashram. It is believed that the present Sai Baba is the reincarnation of the former Sai Baba of Maharashtra popularly known as Sai Baba of Shirdi. The income of the ashram has been used for the establishment of a number of public utility services. Although there is not much to see in Puttaparthi, the ashram itself keeps the attention of the visitor with its varied attractions. Puttaparthi belongs to the Bangalore Circuit of South India. The other destinations that come under the circuit are Bangalore, Kolar, and Nellur. Being at Puttaparthi, the best thing one can do is to visit the ashram and pay reverence toSai Baba. The nearby areas like Lepakshi are also worth visiting.

The Sai baba ashram itself is a huge complex with room for thousands, with canteens, shops, a museum and library, and a vast assembly hall where Sai Baba gives darshan twice daily (6.45-7.00 AM and 3.45-4.00 PM). Queues start more than an hour before the appointed time, and a lottery decides who gets to sit near the front.

On the way between Bangalore and Puttaparthi, one can find the Veerbhadra temple at Lepakshi. At the entrance of the town, there is a huge, monolithic Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. The temple is about 500 meters away.
On November 23, the birthday of Sai Baba is celebrated in the ashram. On this day Sai Baba delivers a message to his devotees. The devotees of Sai Baba regard this day as a holy day.

The Indian city of Puttaparthi is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. touristplacesinindia can arrange for you all types of transport for your comfortable journey to and in Puttaparthi and throughoutthe Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

VAISHNO DEVI:

Indian Spiritual tradition has propounded four Purusharth (objectives) of a human life. These being Dharm (Righteousness), Arth (Material Pursuits), Kaam (Contentment) and Moksh (Enlightenment). Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to grant all the four boons to those who visit Her Holy Shrine. She is considered to fulfill anything and everything that a person wishes for in life, in a righteous way. It is an experience of all, that no one goes empty handed from Her GreatPilgrimage.

The journey to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is thus an enchanting journey of the places where Mata Vaishnavi had spent some time while observing various spiritual disciplines and penances. The culmination of this journey is at the Holy Cave where She merged Her Human form with the astral form of Her creators, the three Supreme Energies

A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cavelocated in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts lakhs of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds 5 million. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.

The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of theirpilgrimage , the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.

Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year.

Since the year 1986, when the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (commonly called Shrine Board) was formed (under “The Jammu & Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1986’), the management of the Shrine and regulation of the Yatra has been vested in the Board. The Board has undertaken a number of developmental activities aimed at making the Yatra a comfortable and satisfying experience for the Yatris. So far, over 125 crores of rupees have been invested by the Board for providing various infrastructural and other facilities. The Board continues to reinvest the offerings and donations received in carying out improvements in various kinds of Yatri facilities

TIRUPATI:

Tirupati town is 67-km from Chittoor in Chittoor district, the southern portion of Andhra Pradesh. The most important place of interest at the place is the historic shrine of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills, who is famous all over the country.

The shrine is located on a hill at Tirumala, a cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with an elevation of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. Said to be the richest temple in the world, this temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country who stand in line for hours together to obtain a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds.

Tirupati - A Fine Example Of Dravidian Temple Architecture
The temple at Tirumala is believed to have existed from ancient times. The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara, vied with one another in endowing the Shrine and offering worship of the presiding deity. The Tirupati temple with its 'gopuram' or tower is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.

The elaborate rituals and mode of worship in the temple were prescribed by the saint Ramanujacharya and are being followed even today. Anointing the idol with camphor, and the offering by pilgrims of the hair on their heads by getting themselves shaved by licensed barbers are the important customs in vogue at Tirupati Temple.

BODHGAYA:

Located in the Indian state of Bihar, Bodhgaya is a magnificent tourist destination as well as an important pilgrim points for the Buddhists. It earns much of its claimto fame from the fact that Buddha attained enlightenment here. For the Buddhists, it is an important religious site and every year is visited by a large number of devotees. The main attraction of this town is Mahabodhi temple which is positioned near the spot where Lord Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment. Bodhgaya is not only an important Buddhist pilgrim center, but it is also an important center for the study of Buddhism. Hence, Bodhgaya is one of the most inescapable tourist destinations and occupies an important place for the Buddhists.

The major tourist attractions of Bodhgaya are the various Buddhist monasteries and Mahabodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi complex is the place where Buddha meditated and attained Nirvana under the famous Bodhi Tree.

The solitude and peace seekers are surely going to find Bodhgaya a magnificent tourist destination that is away from the din and rush of the town and you will get the desired level of peace and joy during your Bodhgaya tour. Bodhgaya is also declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the number of tourists visiting this religious place is increasing day by day. Hence, there are also several accommodations in Bodhgaya that are known for their utmost hospitality and warmth in services. Bodhgaya can be reached by air, rail and road transport quite easily as there is an international airport in Bodhgaya that provides services to the various domestic and international flights. The road network in Bodhgaya is also equally good and the major cities in and around Bodhgaya are connected by the road transport system. The facility of railways is also available as the huge numbers of pilgrims and tourists drop in to this town for the tour.

RISHIKESH:

The ideal time to visit Bodhgaya is during the winters because during this period of time, the climate is quite pleasant and you can enjoy your tour to the fullest extent. The local people of Bodhgaya are hospitable and also quite helpful. This pilgrimage center occupies an important place in the itinerary of a tourist who is on his tour of east India.

Nestled picturesquely in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Rishikesh is an important pilgrim destination of north India and is also popular as the “world capital of yoga”. This spiritual town has gained immense significance and occupies a permanent position in the itinerary of a globe trotter who is on his north India tour. It is the point from where the journey to the char dhams (four sacred spots) commences. This place is also an irresistible lure for the adventure seekers as it offers a number of adventure options such as trekking expeditions to the snow capped Himalayan peaks and water rafting. travel to Rishikesh for an amazing experience involving religion, adventure, culture and ancient Yoga practices.

Rishikesh is also an important gateway to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Besides, the various yoga centers located here have elevated this town to a leading position among the tourist destinations of north India. Apart from the breathtaking natural beauty, you can take delight in a number of other highlights that are located here such as Bharat Mandir, Rishikund, Triveni Ghat, Geeta Bhawan, Lakshman Jhula, Swarga Ashram and Trayambakeshwar Temple.

All these tourist attractions in Rishikesh are highly recommended during a tour to this holy place. The search for the spiritual ends at this place as it is dotted with numerous spiritual centers that give valuable tips for a healthy living and purification of mind and soul.

Finding a good accommodation in Rishikesh will not be of much hassle provided you get booked in advance. Rishikesh is strewn with a number of hotels and resorts that offer excellent guest facilities and amenities essential for a contented stay. One of the leading three star hotels is Ananda in the Himalayas offering you the comfort and luxury of the modern days. Another hotel that you can put up in is ‘The Glasshouse’ on the Ganges, which is highly acclaimed for its services and facilities. Several resorts are also located here.

Rishikesh, being a center of religious importance has excellent network of transportation and you can reach here from the distant towns of India. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun and the carriers for the other destinations of India operate from here including New Delhi. You have to come down to Haridwar in order to reach Rishikesh from where other rail connections are also available. Rishikesh is well-linked by road with the capital city Delhi and which is further connected by the national highways to other destinations of India.

VARANASI:

 Varanasi, also popularly known as Benares and Kashi, is one of the world’s oldest living cities situated on the banks of the holy River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, this City of Lord Shiva is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for not only Hindus, but Buddhists and Jains as well.

Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who stood upon this land at the beginning of time, Varanasi is “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend” as Mark Twain had rightly put it. Since time immemorial, Varanasi has attracted hordes of pilgrims and devotees from all corners of the world, who come here to explore the religious places and other tourist attractions in Varanasi. To be in Varanasi is an experience of a lifetime, a self–discovery of its own kind, whereby you’ll experience an eternal oneness of the body and soul.

Mythology reins in Varanasi, and the city offers a breathtaking experience to every visitor. The early morning sun rays shimmering across the holy Ganges, the temples and shrines adorning the high banks drenched in a golden hue, the air filled with chants of soul-stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense, and a refreshing dip in the holy waters – the multifarious sights and sounds of Varanasi will mesmerize you.

Besides having remained a major cultural and religious centre in northern India for ages, Varanasi is also famous for the Benares Gharana (school) of Indian classical music developed here. Varanasi is also home to the distinguished Banaras Hindu University. Numerous eminent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided in Varanasi at some point of time or other. The local people of Benares are known to be connoisseurs of literature, music, Vedic philosophy, arts, crafts and architecture.

Accessibility:
Varanasi can be easily accessed by the major modes of transport, that is, air, rail and road. Several domestic flights ply daily to Varanasi from various cities in India. Being located in the heartland of the North Indian plains, Varanasi is also decently connected by rail to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and others. An excellent network of roadways facilitates road transportation from Varanasi to all the major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas.

MADURAI:

Madurai, in Tamil Nadu is one of the most ancient cities of India that dates back to the Sangam period long before the Christian era. Madurai boasts of a rich past during which it was the center of Tamil literature and many masterpieces were produced during those days. Madurai is also home to a large number of temples that reflect the refined architectural works of yore. There are numerous tourist attractions in Madurai that will fill your trip to Madurai with joy and excitement.

The most renowned landmark of this town is Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple which has architecture par excellence. You will also find concentric rectangular streets surrounding the temple and symbolize the structure of the cosmos. Lots of devout pilgrims drop in to this place for worshipping the immensely revered idol.

On a city tour of Madurai, you will also come across the Thirumalai Nayak Palace that was built by a king in the year 1636 with the assistance of an Italian architect. The intricate art work and stunning interior decorations of this palace are worth taking a look on a travel to Madurai.

Some of the other major attractions in this spectacular town are Gandhi Museum, Thirupparamkundram, Azhagar Kovil and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. This city has also kept pace with the rest of the world and for the recreation purpose you can find several clubs, cinema halls, cultural centers and skating complex. Tourism is fast growing here and you will definitely enjoy the vacations in Madurai to the fullest extent, thanks to the tourist friendly atmosphere provided by the authorities. The shopping enthusiasts are also going to find this town an amazing one since it has a large number of shops offering quality handlooms, fabrics and saris.

There is no dearth of the lodging options that are available in Madurai and you can find varied classes of hotels here. Some of the famous hotels in this town that are ideal for the accommodation purpose include the Taj Garden Retreat, Madurai Ashok and Madurai Park Inn. These hotels offer great value for money and promise a gratifying stay. Madurai is easily accessible by the air, rail and road network. There is an airport in Madurai that connects the city Chennai and Mumbai by regular flights. Cities like Coimbatore, Chennai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari are well-connected by the rail network. The road transport is equally good and the nearby destinations of Tamil Nadu and other south Indian states can be conveniently accessed by well maintained roads.

MATHURA:

Mathura City in Uttar Pradesh is a place greatly revered by the Hindu pilgrims and it is an indispensable stopover on the itinerary of a tourist who is on his Uttar Pradesh tour. Mathura is most reputed as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is also called as the Krishnajanmabhoomi. Mathura is a wonderful place for exploring the mythological associations the city has, especially with the events related in the Mahabharata. One of the most important tourist attractions in Mathura is the Krishna Janambhoomi temple. Located in the heart of the city, it is believed to have been built on the place where Lord Krishna was born. There is a stone slab marking the exact site of his birth which fascinates the believers.

The Dwarkadhish temple is another attraction in this temple town that should not be missed out by the tourists. The temple is located on the way to Yamuna and is highly venerated by the Hindu pilgrims. Mathura city in Uttar Pradesh is also famous for the production of the images of Buddha and they would also make for some of the best buys for the souvenir hunters.

A trip to Mathura would also take you to the Ranghbhumi which is the site where Kansa, Krishna’s uncle was slain by him. Nearby there is also Vishram Ghat where Lord Krishna rested for sometime after killing Kansa. The place is reminiscent of the mythological charm that seems to linger here.

The Government Museum is also among the important tourist attractions and is a must visit for the tourists. The museum is a repository of the largest collection of Kushana sculptures in the nation. Some of the things housed in the museum are stone sculptures terracotta items, gold, silver and copper coins, clay seals, ancient pottery, paintings and bronze exhibits.

Mathura is a growing tourist hub and hence it offers to its tourists fine lodging options. The city has three star hotels such as Best Western Radha Ashok and Hotel Sheetal Regency. You will also find Economy Hotels such as Hotel Mukund Palace and Hotel Surya International. There are also budget hotels such as Dwaper Resorts and Hotel Kaveri. Mathura has a good transportation network and it can be reached from all corners of India. The nearest airport is Kheria in Agra which connects the cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

The rail transport is equally good and the cities of Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gwalior, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Lucknow are connected by the super-fast and express train network.

churches of Goa:

Many buildings in Goa are reminders of the Portuguese who ruled over this small state in India, even after the rest of India achieved independence from the British. The churches of Goa are among the most obvious signs of Portuguese presence in Goa. These churches are the center of tourism in Goa as they attract a large number of tourists each year. The white structures of these churches are an integral part of the landscape of Goa. Some of these churches can be counted among the top tourist attractions in Goa, as they house important relics or documents related to the history of the state.

Famous churches of Goa:

Basilica of Bom Jesus:
This is undoubtedly the most famous among the churches of Goa. This church contains the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier. The remains are brought out for public viewing every ten years and this occasion attracts numerous pilgrims from all over the world. The sacred body is believed to be devoid of decay even after more than four centuries. It is believed that the saint has been protecting the people from various calamities for centuries. The church was built in 1605 and has been declared a World Heritage site.

S E Cathedral:
This cathedral is famous for the cross of Miracles whish is believed to be growing in size. The cathedral is dedicated to the memory of Saint Catherine. The martyrdom of the saint is depicted in the central altars that are heavily gilded. The building is enormous in proportions and built in Tuscan style.

Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi:
This church is a remarkably beautiful structure and one of the important places to visit in Goa. The interior is superbly decorated with paintwork and woodcarving. The tombstones are elaborately engraved with themes form the life of St. Francis. The convent houses the archaeological museum which exhibits many items related to the tribal past of Goa among other artifacts.

Church & Convent of St. Monica:
This church used to enjoy royal patronage and was called the Royal monastery on that account. The large three storied structure was completed in 1627. Laterite is the main building material. Since 1964, the building has also been used by the Mater dei Institute as a nunnery.
The Church of Mae de Deus:
This beautiful Gothic structure is set among scenic surroundings. The chief attraction of this church is the shrine of the Mae de Deus or Mother of God, which was brought from the ruins at Old Goa.
The Church of St. Cajatan, Church of Our Lady of Rosary ,Reis Magos Church, Church of St. Alex and the Rachol Seminary are some of the other important churches of Goa.