Shravan, or Sawan, is a holy month in the Hindu calendar, typically falling between July and August. It’s considered highly auspicious, and many people undertake pilgrimages or visit religious places during this period. Shravan, also known as Sawan, is a significant month in the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling between July and August. It is considered highly auspicious and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
# Baidyanath Dham, JharkhandBaidyanath Dham is a prominent pilgrimage site during Shravan, renowned not only for its Jyotirlinga but also as a Shakti Peetha. Located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, this sacred destination is a perfect choice for a special Shravan pilgrimage. Devotees traditionally carry holy water from the Ganges in Sultanganj for the Abhishek of Lord Shiva. They either walk the 110-kilometer route or use motor transport from Sultanganj to Deoghar.
# Varanasi, Uttar PradeshVaranasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is home to one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas. It is regarded as a land blessed by Mahakal and attracts numerous devotees from across the nation during Shravan. Visitors come to bathe in the Ganges and offer Gangajal to Kashiyeshwar Nath. The city is well-connected by train, with Varanasi Junction, Kashi, and Banaras being major railheads.
# Ujjain, Madhya PradeshUjjain, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and a major religious destination. It is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. During Shravan, devotees visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple to seek blessings and experience the powerful evening aarti. Ujjain also hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, drawing millions of devotees to bathe in the Shipra River. Ujjain Junction is a key railhead with connections to various cities.
# Rameshwar, Tamil NaduRameshwaram, in Tamil Nadu, is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during Shravan. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage destinations and is linked to Hindu mythology as the site where Lord Rama and his Vanar Sena constructed Ram Setu. The Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Shankar, is a major attraction. The best way to reach Rameshwaram is by train to Chennai, followed by a scenic road or rail journey to this sacred site.
# Gupteswar Cave, OdishaGupteswar Cave, situated in the Koraput district of Odisha, is a renowned pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nestled in the lush forests of the Eastern Ghats, the cave provides a serene environment for spiritual activities. Reaching the cave involves navigating a narrow passage and undertaking a challenging trek. Visitors should travel to Jeypore by train and then use public transport to reach Gupteswar.
# Murudeshwar, KarnatakaMurudeshwar, a coastal town in Karnataka, is known for its magnificent Murudeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. During Shravan, this temple becomes a major attraction for devotees seeking blessings from Bholenath. The town also offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Mangalore serves as the major railhead for reaching Murudeshwar, from where public transport can be used to get to the temple.
# Amarnath, Jammu and KashmirAmarnath, in the stunning region of Jammu and Kashmir, is a key pilgrimage destination during Shravan. The sacred Amarnath Cave is believed to be where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims undertake a challenging journey to see the natural ice stalagmite formation inside the cave, which is considered the Shiva Lingam. To reach Amarnath, take a train to Jammu Tawi and then proceed by helicopter, on foot, or by pony.
# Rishikesh, UttarakhandRishikesh, located in Uttarakhand, is renowned as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” During Shravan, visitors flock to the city to explore its numerous ashrams, temples, and yoga centers. The town's serene environment, surrounded by lush forests and the Himalayas, makes it ideal for spiritual practices. Rishikesh is accessible by train, with Yoga Nagari Rishikesh and Rishikesh being the major railway stations.
# Keesaragutta, TelanganaKeesaragutta, in Telangana, is home to the historic Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, set amidst scenic greenery, is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Telangana. According to the Ramayana, it is where Lava and Kusha performed the Ashwamedha Yagna. Devotees visiting during Shravan can reach Keesaragutta by taking a train to Secunderabad and then traveling by bus or cab.
# Adiyogi, Tamil NaduThe Adiyogi Shiva Statue, located at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is a remarkable sight during Shravan. This 34-meter tall statue, situated at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, attracts visitors from around the world for its spiritual and aesthetic significance. To visit the Adiyogi statue, take a train to Coimbatore Junction, which has good connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Chennai.