India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, where Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism are the major religions followed by the people of India. It is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and other religions. Everyone enthusiastically participates in the cultures and traditions of all religions, as it is their means of forming a bond with the divine power in their own way of expressing it.
You can find a large number of temples, gurudwaras, churches, mosques, monasteries in India, and each place has its own story behind it. Let us know some of the most fascinating and famous religious places in India, which is a must-visit place if you in India for a Religious tour.
# Tirumala VenkateswaraTirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh is one of the richest Vaishnavite temples in the world. Venkateswara is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and this temple is also known as Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple, and Lord Venkateswara are also known as Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.
The temple is built on the seventh peak of Seshachalam hills in Tirupati which is at a height of 853 meters above sea level and is also called the “Temple of Seven Hills“. Tirupati Balaji temple receives the maximum donation from pilgrims making it the richest temple in India. Brahmotsavam is the annual festival at Tirupati Balaji temple which is celebrated in September every year, which attracts tourists and devotees from all over the country.
# Vaishno Devi, KatraThe Holy Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra is a holy cave located in the folds of the three-peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot) and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The Vaishno Devi Temple attracts millions of devotees every year. The devotees have to go inside the holy cave to seek darshan which is in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the cave.
Although the temple is open for devotees throughout the year to have darshan the best time to visit is summers March – September. The cave is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft and the devotees have to trek nearly 12 km from the base camp of Katra. The trek is not easy but devotees don’t deter to walk the scenic route with great enthusiasm to seek the blessing of the Goddess. There is a helicopter facility too from Katra to Sanjhhi Chhat, from there it’s only a 1.5-mile trek left. Further, there are palanquins, porters, and ponies running in the route for those who need help in covering the trek.
# Golden Temple, AmritsarThe Golden Temple is also called Harmandir Sahib which means “abode of God” or Darbar Sahib means “exalted court” is located in Amritsar, Punjab. It is regarded as one of the holiest Gurudwara and most important sacred sites in Sikhism, to which the faith of millions of devotees is attached. It is a symbol of brotherhood and equality.
# Shirdi Sai TempleShirdi Sai Temple is another important religious site in Shirdi town, Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Sai Baba who believed in “God is One“, “Sabka Malik Ek” and who was equally revered by Hindu, Zoroastrians, and Muslims all around the world. Shirdi is a secular place where all religions are treated as one & a belief in the power of Faith & Patience is foremost. A place where all heads bow down in prayer, where faith prevails, where hopes are built, where patience pays, and where infinite joy and everlasting contentment abound.
# Amarnath TempleAmarnath is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva and set at a height of 3,888 meters in the snowy mountains of Jammu & Kashmir. Visiting the Amarnath Cave of Lord Shiva fulfills all the wishes of the devotee, although the darshan is extremely rare and tough. The cave is covered with snow most of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is open for pilgrims. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make their trek to Amarnath cave across the challenging mountainous terrain.