RELIGIOUS TOURISM IN INDIA
As Jerusalem is for Jews and Mecca for Muslims, Hindustan or India has a lot to tell about Hinduism. Hinduism being a religion unlike Christianity and Islam has got a number of Gods and Goddesses and this land indeed is a best place that could open up the history, myths and facts about this religion. This seems to be the very reason that people far and wide come to India to explore the religious places and the stories they have to offer. Now lets peak into the most famous sacred destinations of India.
VARANASI /KASI /BANARAS
The place is better known as Kashi and is located in the state of Utter Pradesh. It is the cultural capital of India and is the one of the oldest inhabited cities of the country. This place is the best option for one to start exploring about the religion and it’s past. It is believed that a Hindu gets moksha (Salvation) and is liberated from cycle of birth if cremated here. “Older than history, old than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together” said Mark twain once and this could be the best phrase describing the place.
This place also offers a window to get to try marijuana called Bhang. If you fancy doing so, you could get Bhang lassi from government approved Bhang shops. They are also available in the street but is better to stay away from those.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharath Mata temple and Tulsi Manas Temple including numerous ghats are some of the best places to visit in the city of Varanasi.
AJMER DARGAH SHARIF
It’s an Islamic pilgrimage centre but is also popular among Hindus. It is located in the south west of pink city in the state of Rajasthan. Sufi Shrine and Darah Sharif or Ajmer Sharif are the most popular destinations of the city. Other destinations include Nasiyan Jain Temple, Adhai- Din –Ka-Jhonpra( two and a half day mosque), the Taragarh fort, the Ana Sagar lake, Daulat Khana and Daulat Bhagh.
TIRUPATI BALAJI TEMPLE
The Lord Tirumala Venkateswara temple of Tirupati is one of the most popular temples in South India. It is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a place where around 60,000 pilgrims come daily and hence is very difficult to get near the actual shrine. One would want to stay in long queues for hours to get a glimpse of the idol but the very sight would fill your hearts and hence the devotees continue to flood into the temple all through the year. It is believed that a wish made in the sight of the lord would be fulfilled.
RISHIKESH, UTTARKHAND
It is situated on the foot hills of Himalaya, 26 km from Haridwar in state of Uttarakhand. It is a place of utmost intrest among Yoga fans and foreign tourists. Laxman Jhula, a 4 feet hanging bridge on the river ganges, Bharath Mandir, Triveni ghat( Ghat to wash away your sins) and Rishikund are the important attractions of the place.
BODH GAYA, BIHAR
Bodh Gaya is situated in state of Bihar and is most visited place for Buddhists. This is the place where Lord Buddha used to meditate and the tree is now called Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the biggest attraction of the place. Its here Lord Buddha got enlightenment and realized why humans suffer and found out a way to get rid of those by following the eightfold path.
GOLDEN TEMPLE, PUNJAB
It is the most important Gurudwara of Sikhs and is commonly known as Harmandir Sahib. Golden temple is located in Amritsar in state of Punjab. It has four doors which symbolize its openness to all people irrespective of their sex or religion. Thus people of all religion come in here and worship God equally.
HAJI ALI DARGAH IN MUMBAI
Though not popular among foreign tourists, it’s popular among the Indian folk. This is the tomb of a rich businessman Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari who gave away al his wealth to the poor before leaving to Mecca. About 40000 people visit this place on Thursdays and Fridays alone and it shows the popularity of the place.
