The lights of holistic India: most sought after pilgrimage places

India, most often called the land of awakening is also the land that breathes holistic explorations. A land where civilization was born and subsequently also saw the birth and establishment of few of the major religions, theologies and philosophies, has as many pilgrimage places as there are stars in the clear sky. Here is a list of few of the most visited pilgrimage places in India.

Most Visited Pilgrimage Places in India

Vaishno Devi Temple

The holiest shrine that is home to the incarnate mother God, Shakti situated in the Katra Hill region of Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi temple is the penultimate and most visited shrine in the world after the Tirumala Venkateswara temple. The temple shrine is also called Mata Rani and is home to Mother Goddess Durga.

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Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Situated in the Tirumala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, in the town of Tirupati, the Venkateswara Temple is a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is the richest religious center in the world. It attracts millions each year. The Bhramotsavam festival that is held annually in Tirumala is the best time to visit this shrine.

Moinuddin Chisti Dargah

Situated in Ajmer, the Dargah of Moinuddin Chisti attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. The dargah is a shrine dedicated to Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti who was one of the most celebrated Sufi saints and is a holy place for the Muslims. The dargah also attracts many Sikhs and Hindus every year.

Amarnath Dham

The cave of Amarnath, attracts thousands each year. It is one of the most famous and holy shrines dedicated to lord Shiva in India. Situated at 12, 756 ft near Srinagar, the pilgrimage is considered one of the toughest in the world. An ice stalagmite Lingam forms annually in the Hindu month of Shravan that is considered the time when Lord Shiva visits terrestrial world to grant human beings ‘mukti’ or freedom. A trip to Amarnath Dham is considered a blessing for Hindus.

Lord Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple in the coastal town of Puri is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage places in Puri. Jagannath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is important as far as the Hindu theory of Kali Yuga is considered and attracts millions each year. Travel to Puri to be part of the famous Rath Yatra or the chariot festival which is held every year in the month of June. It is one of the most famous festivals in the world.