Blogs@Best1) Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the most well-known Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva is Kashi Vishvanath Temple. It is situated in Varanasi, India’s Uttar Pradesh. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples, the temple is located on the western bank of the sacred Ganges. The name of the major god, Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara, which means Ruler of the Universe, is used. As Varanasi is also known as Kashi, many people refer to the temple as Kashi Vishvanath Temple.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in CK 37/40,41,42 Bansphatak, Varanasi-221001, India. Official Kashi Vishwanath Temple Phone No.: 0542- 2392629, +91-6393131608, Official Website: https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org/ and Official Email address is shrikashivishwanathtempletrust@gmail.com, support@shrikashivishwanath.org.
Aarti ( Prayer) timings; 1-d, 3:00 A.M. to 4:00 A.M., Mangla Aarti, 1800.00 (Maha Shivratri day only) ; 1-e, 11:15 A.M. to 12:20 P.M., Bhog/Aarti, 180.00
Nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur. Nearest Railway station: Varanasi city station.
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2) Ujjain Mahakal Temple
Of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas in India, Shri Mahakaleshwar of Ujjayini is well recognised. In several Purans, the magnificence of the Mahakaleshwar temple is clearly depicted. Many Sanskrit writers, beginning with Kalidasa, have used sentimental language to praise this shrine. Mahakala was regarded as the unique presiding god of Ujjain, which once served as the hub for the computation of Indian time. At Ujjain, Shiva, the god who rules over time, reigns eternally in all of his glory. The Mahakaleshwar temple, with its shikhara rising into the sky and its towering façade against the skyline, elicits awe and devotion in people from the beginning of time. Even in the middle of the hectic schedule of contemporary concerns, the Mahakal rules over city life and gives residents an unbroken connection to the past. The lingam at the Mahakal, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, is thought to be swayambhu (born of itself), drawing currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as opposed to other images and lingams that are ritually established and endowed with mantra-shakti. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Dakshinamurti, Mahakaleshwar’s idol, is reputed to face south. According to tantric tradition, only Mahakaleshwar of the 12 jyotirlingas has this special quality.
In the sanctuary above the Mahakal temple, the Omkareshwar Shiva statue is dedicated. In the west, north, and east of the sanctum sanctorum are the images of Ganesh, Parvati, and Karttikeya respectively. There is a picture of Nandi to the south. Only on the day of Nagpanchami is the idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third floor available for viewing. A sizable bazaar is held next to the temple on the day of Mahashivaratri, and prayer continues all night long.
Ujjain Mahakal Temple is located in Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006. Official website: https://shrimahakaleshwar.com/ . Nearest Airport: Indore. Nearest Railway station: Ujjain Railway Station.
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3) Haridwar – Har ki Pauri
Haridwar Har ki Pauri is located in Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401. Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Dehardun Airport. Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar railway station.
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4) Ayuodhya – Birth Place of Lord Ram
the Ram Janmabhoomi is believed to have been the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Ram. According to the Indian epic Ramayan, Ram, Lord Vishnu’s seventh manifestation, is said to have grown up along Ayodhya’s river Sarayu. The Ram Janmabhoomi is a highly revered site for Hindu devotees.
After being a conflicted site for decades, the Ram Janmabhoomi land was handed over to a trust by the Supreme Court of India to build the Ram Temple. The groundbreaking ceremony for laying of the foundation stone for the Ram Temple of Ayodhya was performed on 5 August 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposed design of the temple is grand and magnificent.
The Ram Janmabhoomi site is where the famous Babri Masjid once stood. It is believed that the Mughals demolished a Hindu shrine to built this mosque at the birthplace of Lord Ram. In 1992, a group of Hindu nationalists tore down the Babri Masjid which led to a series of violent riot across India. In October 2019, a bench of five judges of the Supreme Court ordered the land to be handed over to a trust to build the Ram Temple. An alternate 5 acres of land was also given to the Sunni Waqf Board to built a mosque.
Ayodhya Ram janmbhoomi is located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Official Website is: https://srjbtkshetra.org/ and official helpdesk : +91 8009522111.
Nearest Airport is Lucknow International Airport but Ayodhya International Airport (officially known as Maryada Purushottam Shriram Airport) soon will be inaugurated on Dec, 2023. Nearest Railway station is Ayodhya Junction railway station.
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5) Mathura – Birth Place of Lord Krishna
Mathura is one of the seven Hindu holiest sites in India located in the west of Uttar Pradesh about 51 km away from Agra, 142 km from Delhi and 23 km from Gobardhan Mountain. Mathura is famous as it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna who is respected as the most powerful god for Hindus. It is believed that the God Krishna was taken his birth as a child of Mata Devoki at the jail of king Kansa (maternal uncle of Krishna). Krishna’s childhood was spent at Gokul in Brindaban just 13 km away from Mathura.
According to the mythology of Hindus Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom which was ruled by Kansa. Previously it was known as Madhuvanas or Madhupura and later it took its final name. The city covers an area of 3801 sq km on the west bank of the Yamuna River. From the ancient age of Indian history, the culture of the city was highly influenced by the story of lord Krishna. You will find here lots of Krishna temples and the people of the city celebrate several festivals throughout the year which are related to lord Krishna.
Holi, the colour festival and the Raaslila are two major festivals in Mathura. These festivals are celebrated with great devotion by the people of Mathura when lots of cultural activities like Rasiya (a traditional folk song related to the love of Radha and Krishna) and Charkula (a traditional folk dance) are performed by locals. During the festival of Raaslilas, Mathura people perform a special Raas dance. They believe that Krishna Ji dances with Gopis (girls) on the banks west of Yamuna at that time.
The climate of Mathura is hot in summer and a little cold in winter. From mid-April to July, the city receives summer season when the temperature varies between 41°C to 28°C. Winter season continues from mid-November to march when temperature varies between 27°C to 8°C. The monsoon season of Mathura persists from June to September. The annual average rainfall of the city is about 72 cm. The best season to visit this place is July to August when Janmashtami (Krishna birthday) is celebrated and February to March when the festival of Holi is celebrated.
Mathura – Birth Place of Lord Krishna is located in Janam Bhoomi Marg, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001.
Official website: https://mathura.nic.in/tourist-places/ and Official Email: upmat@nic.in
Nearest Airport: Kheria Airport (AGR), Agra and Nearest Railwas: Mathura. Railway Station(s): Mathura Junction (MTJ), Mathura Cantt. (MRT)
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6) Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram, also known as the Golden City of Temples, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the entire world. It is the crowning jewel of Tamil Nadu that offers the perfect respite to the spiritual souls with its beautiful temples that are known for their architectural splendor. It is known to be the second holiest city after Varanasi, and thousands of visitors flock into this city to seek solace and spiritual bliss. It has been an important center for Tamil learning and exhibits the glorious Dravidian heritage.
You can also find the remains of Buddhist stupas over here that indicate that Buddhism prevailed over here for a long time. This city is a unique amalgamation of culture, history, and traditions and woos the visitors with its unmatched charm.
There are many places to visit in Kanchipuram that create an impression to last forever on your senses. From bird sanctuary to scenic gardens and cascading lakes, Kanchipuram takes you closer to nature with its fresh burst of air, and soothing environment. This city is extremely renowned for its beautiful Kanchipuram Sarees that are woven from the thread of pure mulberry silk.
If you’re looking for some of the best accommodation options, then there are numerous luxurious hotels in Kanchipuram that offer you a royal stay. You can even explore the palatable local delights served by quirky cafes and swanky restaurants over here. If you’re a shopaholic, then there are both high end as well as local stores in Kanchipuram from where you can buy everything under the sun at great prices.
You can also witness festivals and fares all around the year in Kanchipuram, making it a gateway to happiness and delight. Steeped in tradition and drenched in spirituality, Kanchipuram is a city that offers a wealth of experiences to enrich the soul of the visitors.
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7) Hampi Temple
In spite of being a little town, Hampi in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is significant both historically and spiritually. The area is considered a sacred site since it is home to several ancient temples. From the 13th century, the foundations of the Hampi temples and monuments that were constructed during the Vijayanagar Empire period in the Middle Ages have remained in place. You may learn a lot about history and religion in this place as a tourist. Together with learning about the region’s illustrious past, you pass by several temples that are examples of ancient architecture at its finest.
Reaffirm your confidence in the temples that still survive as reminders of the magnificent mediaeval era constructions by travelling to Hampi. Due to its historical significance, UNESCO designated Hampi hamlet, which is situated along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, as a World Heritage Site in 1986. Visitors to Hampi include those who are eager to look at the historical sites, assess the monuments, and, most significantly, desire to pray in the old temples. The entire year, devoted travellers pour into this mediaeval community.
Best Time To Visit Hampi
The greatest time of year to visit Hampi is often winter because the weather is still the most agreeable for walking around this area. Thus the best time to visit this place is still from November to March. It is not suggested to travel here in the summer because the weather is often very severe and uncomfortable. Travellers must walk a substantial distance to see all the sights because all monuments, especially temples, are a set distance apart from one another. This area should be investigated in the winter.
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8) Tirumala ( Tirupati )
Tourists and religious pilgrims alike go to the ancient Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, which is revered for its elaborate Dravidian design and gold-plated dome. This well-known shrine is located high in the Tirumala hills and receives prayers every day. The town is dotted with additional temples, and the verdant landscape is full with waterfalls. One of just three of these geological phenomena in the globe, a unique, naturally occurring pre-Jurassic stone arch measuring 25 feet long and 10 feet high, may be seen in Tirupati.
According to tradition, Lord Vishnu selected Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh as a substitute for Vaikuntha, his celestial residence. It is often used to refer to the adjacent Tirumala Venkateswara temple, which is home to a Lord Vishnu shrine.
The temple is located on Venkatachala, the seventh peak in the Tirumala Hills. At the base of Tirumala, there lies a town called Tirupati. The snake Adisesha, whose seven hoods are thought to house Vishnu, is represented by the seven peaks of Tirumala. It is not unexpected that the temple is one of the wealthiest pilgrimage places in India given that both the Vedas and the Upanishads emphasise the advantages of visiting the location.
Legend has it that after Lakshmi abandoned him, Vishnu became depressed and wed Padmavati, one of her incarnations. Vishnu had no money for his own wedding since Lakshmi (the goddess of riches, success, and prosperity) had abandoned him. So he got what he wanted by borrowing it from Kubera. When worshippers make sacrifices at Tirumala, they think they are aiding the Lord in satisfying his debt and that He would afterwards assist them.
One of the most popular sites of worship in the world is Tirupati. Between 50,000 and 100,000 pilgrims visit the temple every day (between 30 and 40 million people on average year), and on significant days and festivals, such as the yearly Brahmotsavam, the number of visitors can reach 500,000.
In addition to still being a pilgrimage centre, Tirupati nowadays is quickly becoming into the economic centre of southern Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is home to major brands’ retail locations for the automotive, electrical, textile, mobile, and electronic industries. Here, you may observe a number of sugar mills, pharmaceutical firms, and cement plants.
For a long time, the vicinity of the Lord Venkateswara temple was known as Venkatachala. It is said that Lord Brahma himself came up with the name Venkatachala. There are varying accounts of the temple’s origin and divinity, and its actual antiquity is unknown. In the 12th century, Ramanuja, a Vaishnava scholar, recognised the god as Lord Vishnu and put an end to the controversy surrounding divinity. The Kings of Vijayanagara and Mysore, the Devrayas, the Pallavas, the Cholas, and
Even during the colonial era, the shrine had British followers. The governor of Madras Presidency, Sir Thomas Munroe, thought that Lord Venkateswara’s grace had healed him of his stomach sickness. By giving the community of Kotavayulu a present in exchange for a daily offering of a gangalam of Pongal, he established an endowment. The Munroe gangalam is still the name given to it.
In 1930, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam was established. It oversees both the temple’s business and numerous charity endeavours.
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9) Puri Jagannath
According to folklore, prior to being known as Jagannath (Lord of the Universe), the Lord was worshiped as ‘Purushottama’ – the one who is the creator, the protector and the destroyer of the world. It is believed that the present structure of the Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri was built by King Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva, who was the founder of the Ganga Dynasty, in the 12th century AD. However, the completion of the temple happened in 1230 AD under Anangbheema Deva III, who also installed the deities in the shrine.
The historic city of Puri, in the state of Odisha, is home to the Shree Jagannath Temple, one of the four dams (pilgrimage sites) of India. This ancient temple, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath—the Lord of the World and a manifestation of Lord Vishnu—receives millions of pilgrims every year. Throughout the well-known Rath Yatra celebration, this number increases dramatically.
Together with the main temple, which has so many fascinating legends related to it, this shrine, which is built in the Kalinga architectural style, also has a number of smaller temples. Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Lady Subhadhra are the main deities at this revered shrine.
The temple’s architecture is undoubtedly magnificent, and its antique gates provide a look into the skilful craftsmanship of an earlier time.
From early in the morning till late at night, the Grand Road (Bada Danda), which leads to the Jagannath Temple, is always filled with pilgrims and bustling with activity. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere is just wonderful both inside and outside the temple. Once in a lifetime go to this sacred location is highly recommended!
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India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, with many cities considered holy by the local population. These cities are significant for their religious and spiritual importance and are visited by pilgrims from all over the world. Here are 9 sacred cities in India that every tourist must visit if they come to India.
