List Of 12 Major Spiritualistic Centres To Visit In North India

India is one of the major spiritual centres in the world with its plethora of temples and other religious sites that have today become the cynosure of world’s eyes. These spiritual sites not only attract pilgrims from different corners of India and the world but, also lures many knowledge seekers, researchers and curious travellers who are keen to get an insight in India’s rich spiritualistic and Vedic history.

* Amarnath Cave, Jammu & Kashmir

One of the most sacred shrines for Hindus, the holy ‘Amarnath Cave’ is located in a narrow gorge at the end of the ‘Lidder Valley’ in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Covered with snow for most of the year, the cave gets accessible to pilgrims for only a short duration in summers around the festival of Shravani Mela in July and August. It is believed that Lord Shiva unrevealed the secrets of life, death, moksha and immortality to Goddess Parvati in this holy cave. Large number of devotees gather here to get the divine darshans of the natural Shivlinga formed from ice in this cave.

Abode of Lord Shiva, the cave can be reached through a strenuous climb from Srinagar via Pahalgam or Baltal (Sonamarg). Chandanwari forms the major stopover along the Srinagar-Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Amarnath route. It is believed that Lord Shiva left his moon (Chand) at Chandanwari on his way to Amarnath and hence, this place got its name. Pilgrims can reach Chandanwari through various options of road transport from Srinagar and it is at Chandanwari from where a steep climb of around 16km. needs to be covered on foot or ponies to reach the Amarnath cave. The magic of picturesque vistas and an aura of complete spirituality and divinity all along the route helps the pilgrims forget all their fatigue, giving them an indescribable sense of motivation and power to reach their destination.

* Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir

Another one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India, is the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi located on the ‘Trikoot Parvat’ near Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. Thousands of devotees from all across India and different corners of the world visit the temple every year. Three forms of Goddess Durga in shape of three natural rock formations known as ‘Pindies’ are worshipped in the cave of Mata Vaishno Devi.

The holy ‘Vaishno Devi Yatra’ starts from the base camp of Katra, covering a distance of almost 12km. Pilgrims need to cover the distance on foot. For those not in prime of health, ponies and palkis can be rented from Katra. Private helicopter services can also be booked from Katra, which ply till ‘Sanjhi Chhat’ from where the remaining distance needs to be covered on foot. The hilly roads to the holy cave are in quiet good conditions with rest houses, dhabas and eateries lined at various places across the route. Panoramic views, aesthetic natural beauty and loud chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’ filling the air, gets you going to your final destination. Besides the main temple of Vaishno Devi, here are other sites that can be visited in and around Katra.

* Yamunotri, Uttarakhand

One of the 4 pilgrim destinations of the ‘Chhota Char Dham Yatra’ in Uttarakhand, Yamunotri marks the holy abode of Goddess ‘Yamuna’. Home to the originating point of River Yamuna, one of the sacred rivers for Hindus, the place is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. According to Hindu mythology, whoever takes bath in waters of River Yamuna gets a painless and peaceful death. Following is a list of main tourist attractions in and around Yamunotri.

* Gangotri, Uttarakhand

Second of the 4 pilgrim destinations of the ‘Char Dham Yatra’ in Uttarakhand, Gangotri marks the holy abode of Goddess ‘Ganga’, the most sacred river of Hindus. Home to the originating point of Ganga River, this is one of the most spiritual places for Hindus in the world. It is believed that taking a dip in holy waters of Ganga can relieve you from the vicious cycle of life and death. Unspoilt natural charm, mesmerizing scenic vistas and a fresh mountain air along with the chants of ‘Jai Ma Gange’ echoing in the ears, makes you feel connected with a divine power as you head towards Gangotri. Here are some must see attractions in and around Gangotri.

* Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

One of the most revered pilgrim destinations for Hindus, Kedarnath is the home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also forms the 3rd dham of the Char Dham Yatra. The place is visited by uncountable number of pilgrims every year seeking spiritual bliss and salvation from an unending cycle of life and death. Following are main tourist attractions in and around Kedarnath.

* Badrinath, Uttarakhand

Last of the four dhams of the ‘Chhota Char Dham Yatra’ in Uttarakhand, Badrinath is the holy abode of Lord Vishnu. According to Puranic legends, Lord Vishnu performed a great penance here and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, took the form of berry trees to shade him from the harsh sun. ‘Badri’ is the local name for berries and hence, this place came to be known as ‘Badrinath’.

* Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Haridwar or the ‘Gateway to God’, is one of the most sacred pilgrim destinations in India. Located on the foothills of Himalayas and banks of holy Ganga River in the state of Uttarakhand, Haridwar attracts umpteen number of pilgrims, travellers and holiday seekers from across India and different corners of the world. Pilgrims travel to this holy city from far-off locations to take bath in holy waters of the sacred river to absolve their sins. Haridwar is also one of the 4 pilgrim destinations in India where ‘Kumbh Mela’ is organized on a rotation basis. Magical charm of the city with its bustling markets lined up with small eateries and curio shops, ghats crowded with pilgrims and sadhus and sounds of temple bells echoing in the ears; takes you in its full spirits. Here are some major tourist attractions of Haridwar.

* Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Another sacred pilgrim destination for Hindus, Rishikesh is situated on the foothills of Himalayas on the banks of Ganga River in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Also named as the ‘World’s Yoga Capital’, the place is dotted with numerous Yoga and meditation centres. Rishikesh is also home to various ashrams and is a hub of adventure activities like white water river rafting, mountain climbing and river rappelling.

* Mathura-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan are associated with Lord Krishna. Located on the banks of River Yamuna in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura is the place where Krishna was born and Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood and early youth. Many folktales of Radha and Krishna revolve around the city of Vrindavan. One of the important pilgrimage centres for Hindus, these holy cities are thronged by millions of pilgrims every year particularly during festivals of Janmashtmi and Holi.

* Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Nicknamed as the ‘City of Temples’, Varanasi is acclaimed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, situated on the banks of holy River Ganges in state of Uttar Pradesh. Once known as Benaras or Kashi, Varanasi is the most sacred city and spiritual centre for Hindus. Believed to have been created by Lord Shiva himself, many people come to Varanasi to spend their last days so as to attain salvation from the cycle of life and death. The city is a magnet for pilgrims, travellers, knowledge seekers and historians alike. Electrifying sounds of the temple bells, echoing chants and hymns of the temple prayers and a fragrance of incense in the air of the city; is sure to make you connect with your spiritual self. A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without visiting the following attractions.

* Bodhgaya, Bihar

Located in Gaya district of Bihar, Bodhgaya is the most sacred pilgrim destinations in the world for Buddhists. It is at this very place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Monks and thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from all across the world visit this holy city every year.

* Baba Baidyanath Dham, Jharkhand

Located at Deoghar in the state of Jharkhand, Baba Baidyanath Dham is one of the famous pilgrimage centres in India for Hindus. Considered as one of the sites of 12 holy Jyotirlingas, the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are visited by uncountable number of devotees every year especially during the holy Shravan month of Hindu calendar which falls during July and August. This is also the time when devotees commence with a 105 km. long ‘Kanwar Yatra’ carrying holy waters from Ganges in Sultanganj to offer to Lord Shiva in Baidyanath Dham on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri.