3 Religious Places To Experience In India

India’s diversity is reflected in its vast history and culture. The country has been a spiritual haven for centuries, where people of various religious faiths have lived together peacefully without conflict or animosity. People from across the globe come to India seeking spiritual enlightenment.

The country has a diverse culture where people with varied religious beliefs live together in harmony. Pilgrim places in India are places of religious importance that attract devotees. Every major religion is present in the country and has its own holy sites and pilgrimage destinations, which must be visited once in a lifetime by every follower of the community.

The prominent pilgrim places in India add color to the cultural fabric of the country. Temples, Mosques, Churches, Gurudwaras, Monasteries, and even entire cities, you can explore the traditions and rituals of the many religions in India.

# Vaishno Devi Mandir

Vaishno Devi is a cave shrine in the temple town of Katra in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The famous Vaishno Devi Mandir attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The cave is located amidst the three-peaked mountains of Trikoot Parvat, also known as Trikuta.

Over one crore pilgrims visit this holy place annually to seek the blessings of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. It is therefore India’s second most visited pilgrimage destination. The popularity of the temple is attributed mainly to the unshakable belief that devotees have for the goddess.

The shrine is located 13 kilometers away from Katra in Jammu & Kashmir. From Jammu, it takes less than three hours by road to reach the pilgrimage. You can also avail the Indian railway services to Katra Railway Station which is just 2 kilometers away. Pilgrims visit this Shakti Peeth to pray for their wishes and desires to be fulfilled.

# Varanasi

Located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is popular as the World’s oldest living city. Also known as Kashi (City of Life) and Benaras it is the most revered city of Hindus. It has been called “the most pious place on Earth” for centuries due to its location along a major tributary in the Ganges River that Hindus believe spiritually purifies anyone who bathes there.

The religious city is the spiritual capital of India and among the seven holiest cities of the country. The experience of strolling along the narrow lanes of the city and watching the slow-paced life at its various Ghats may be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.

# Puri

Puri also known as Purusottama Kshetra is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. Revered as the ancient land of Lord Jagannatha, it is among the sacred ‘Char Dham’ sites. The temple city is dotted with several old temples that carry great religious, historical, and architectural value. The rich cultural heritage of the city makes it alluring for tourists.

Historically known as Sri Kshetra, this wealthy town was invaded 18 times by Hindu and Muslim rulers who desired its treasures such as golden coins from temple walls to statues made out of gold under the ground which has been found during excavation projects conducted over time.

The popularity of Puri keeps growing even after centuries have passed since its existence.

Puri is located on the east coast of India on the Bay of Bengal in Odisha. Jagannath Temple is the most prominent pilgrimage destination in the city. King Indradyumna built the temple in the 11th century. The temple is the abode of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.