The connection between India and mysticism seems to be two sides of the same coin. Our culture has always been an epitome of spiritual significance and has been a guiding light for many in finding liberation and mukti.
Yes, mukti, has always been the highest goal in our culture. It is said that India was once a land of 33 million Gods and Goddesses. This tells us how vast and greatly we as a people, a culture were impacted by the significant touch of spirituality.
And for finding God, truth, or whatever you may want to call it many of us go on spiritual journeys for satiating our religious fervor. Let’s explore some of the most popular pilgrimage sites.
# Haridwar Out of the seven holy places, Haridwar carries a great spiritual significance. And this is also the place where the Ganga river enters the Indo-Gangetic planes for the first time. Moreover, there are also many mythological stories which depict how the drops of Amrit had spilled on this very land while Garuda was carrying them.
The Aarti or the Puja is done at the ghats are a sight to behold. A million lamps are lit here bursting clouds of smokes which create an enchanting and beautiful aura when they rise into the atmosphere reverberating with the mindful and intensely rhythmic chants of the bells. Haridwar is also the land where the Kumbh Mela takes place once every 12 years of time attracting multitudes of devotees.
# Amarnath YatraThis spiritual journey is specifically responsible for attracting a multitude of devotees on an annual basis. Situated at an approximate height of 3,888m the Amarnath shrine has got a significant place in the Hindu culture thus is also considered one of the holiest shrines.
The lingam in the shrine rises and falls as per the lunar cycles of the moon. And since the ice is typically collected from the water dripping from the top of the cave, it specifically reaches the maximum of its overall height in the month of July and August.
# Shirdi Situated in Maharashtra the holy town of Shirdi has been associated with Sai Baba. He was one of the most famously revered mystics and saints which were followed by people from all regions. It is said that during his lifetime he had performed a great number of miracles. Today, many devotees come to this place during the occasion of Ramnavami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashmi.
# Tirupati
Considered as an abode of Lord Vishnu Tirupati is revered as one of the most famous spiritual destinations of Andhra Pradesh. This is mainly because of the pious presence of Tirumala Sri Venkateshwara temple. The significance of this place is such that sometimes this place is also referred to as the spiritual capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Some of the famous temples of this place include Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temple, Sri Vinayaka Swamy temple, Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy, and many others.
# Vaishno Devi Also known by the name of Mata Rani, Vaishno Devi is specifically known all across the one who blesses on its devotees anything which they are praying for. It is located at Katra in the Trikuta mountains. The holy cave is the place where the goddess is believed to have meditated. This place has been located at an altitude of 5,200 ft. We can have an idea regarding the spiritual significance of this place just by the fact that devotees have to cross a 12 km trek to get to the cave from the base camp at Katra.