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We spend most of our time in the office, home or stuck in the traffic. And sometimes, we all want to take a break from this day-to-day life and be at some place where we could dive deep and reconnect with our inner selves. India is one of the best places to get in touch with your spiritual side. For centuries, people from across the world have travelled to India to explore spirituality and for self-discovery. From mosques to churches to temples to monasteries and Gurdwaras, India is a land of religion and it beckons spiritual seekers. We give you top 10 spiritual places in India where you can immerse yourself in spirituality.
1. Hemis Monastery
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Located in Ladakh District in Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery. This monastic institution has over 1,000 monks and more than 200 branches in the Himalayan region. It is also the richest monastery in the country. The rich collection of the monastery includes silver and gold stupas, copper statues of Buddha, murals, holy Thangkas and other ancient artefacts. The monastery is reachable by motorable roads from Leh. The route to this beautiful monastery is equally beautiful. So, be ready for a memorable trip to Hemis Monastery.
2. Mathura
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The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most important and famous religious places in India. The city has a close association with Lord Krishna but it is also considered by Buddhists and Jains. The best time to visit Mathura is during festivals like Holi and Janmashtami. According to the Garuda Purana, there are seven pilgrim sites where you can attain salvation and Mathura is one of them.
3. Golden temple
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Located in Amritsar, Punjab, Golden temple is the most sacred place for people following Sikh religion. Also known as Harminder Sahib, Golden temple is a place of sublime peacefulness and tranquillity. The sweet strains of gurbani keertan will sooth your soul. The gurdwara welcomes everyone and is a symbol of brotherhood and equality. You will get an opportunity to take part in the preparation of the free meal in the community kitchen. Your trip to Golden temple will leave you with a feeling of deep satisfaction.
4. Rishikesh
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Made famous by the English rock band, The Beetles, Rishikesh is an important pilgrimage site in India. Located at the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh is the place where you can spend your time meditating, praying or just soak in its natural beauty. With several yoga institutes and ashrams, Rishikesh is the place you must visit if you have embarked on a path towards spiritual awakening.
5. Bodhgaya
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Located in Bihar, Bodhgaya is a sacred city and an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists. The place is closely associated with the life of prince Siddhartha. Bodhgaya is the place where Siddhartha meditated under a Bodhi tree and attained enlightenment. The place will mesmerise you if you are interested in history and seek spiritual enlightenment.
6. Mouinuddin Chishti dargah
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Located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Mouinuddin Chishti dargah is an important place for the spiritual healers across the world. Known for the Ajmer Urs festival, Mouinuddin Chishti dargah is named after Khwaja Moin-ud-Din Chishti, a Sufi saint. The complex of dargah includes the saint’s tomb along with other structures made of marble. This dargah is a well known pilgrim centre.
7. Shirdi
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One of the most visited pilgrimage in India, Shirdi is famous for Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir. Thousands of devotees visit Shirdi, a small town in Maharashtra, for a glimpse of their beloved Sai at the temple. You can either take state transport vehicle to reach Shirdi or walk to this sacred town. The divinity of this place will definitely calm your mind.
8. Basilica of Bom Jesus
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Located in the coastal state of Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most popular churches in the country and is more than 300 years old. The church is dedicated to ‘Infant Jesus’ and has been declared a World Heritage Monument. The beautiful frescos, gilded altars and the white marble floor of the church will leave you in awe. The church also houses the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier. The body of the saint is displayed to the public every ten years. The last exposition was held in 2014. People from all over the world visit this church during this period.
9. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
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Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is also among the most visited temples in India. The temple is also known as Venkateshwara Swamy temple or Tirupati Balaji temple, and is the second richest temple in India. The temple sees around 40 million visitors every year. Dedicated to Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Vishnu, Tirupati Balaji temple is located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The temple was constructed during the time when Krishnadeva Raya was ruling. The temple has the Dravidian style of architecture.
10. Rameshwaram
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One of the main Hindu pilgrimage sites, Rameshwaram is located on the Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. The place is known for its beautiful temples and history. Rameshwaram is one of the four sacred destinations included in the Chaar Dhaam pilgrimage. The Ramanathswamy temple in Rameshwaram houses one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The temple is the most popular tourist attraction here. The long corridor of the temple is an ideal place for some meditation and soul searching. According to Hindu epic Ramayana, Rameshwaram was the place from where a bridge was built by Rama to Lanka.
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