Among other things, India is primarily synonymous with food and culture. The presence of several ethnic and religious groups makes it one of the most culturally diverse countries. Mark Twain didn't in vain say that "India has two million gods, and worships them all. In religion all other countries are paupers; India is the only millionaire."
Hence, they visit the country in large numbers. India's travel industry gains a significant share of its revenues from these religious places.
We take you on the tour of some of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the country.
Hindu Pilgrimage Places in India
Vaishno Devi
The Vaishno Devi Shrine, located in the Trikuta hills at an altitude of 5,200 feet, in Jammu and Kashmir is a cave, where one can find idols of Goddess in the form of 'Pindis' in rock formation. According to an estimate the temple dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi is visited by 8 million people every year. It is the second most visited religious shrine in India.
Tirupati Temple
The most visited religious place in the country, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is the second richest temple in India. The popularity of the temple as the Hindu Religious shrine can be estimated from the fact that the temple witnesses footfall of around 50000 to 100000 visitors every day. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Amarnath Cave
Located at an altitude of 3,888 meters, the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir is just about 141 km away from Srinagar. There is a Shivalingam, made of snow which is the main attraction of the cave which is. In the months of July and The Amarnath Yatra takes place in the months of July and August. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Amarnath Cave remains covered with snow for most part of the year.
Muslim Pilgrimage Places in India
Haji Ali
Built in the memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, Haji Ali Mosque is a great example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The dargah is located in the Worli area of Mumbai and around 40,000 pilgrims visit the place every day.
Ajmer Shareef
Situated in Ajmer, Rajasthan, the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty popularly called the Ajmer Shareef is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Muslims all across the country and world. Dargah is visited by visited by numerous thousands of devotees every year.
Jama Masjid
The Largest and the best known mosque in India, Jama Masjid's courtyard can accommodate 25000 people at a time. Constructed at the orders of Mughal King, Shah Jahan, the masjid is located in the central street of Old Delhi, the Chawri Bazar Road.
Sikh Pilgrimage Places in India
Golden Temple
Located in the city of Amritsar, Golden Temple is one of the most popular of the Sikh pilgrimage places. The temple has four doors symbolic of Sikhism being tolerant of all the other religions and states the fact that people from all religions are welcome in its premises. The construction of the temple was initiated by the 4th guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas.
Hemkund Sahib
Located amidst the Himalayas, Hemkund Sahib is visited by several sikh devotees each year when it is accessible. The Gurudwara located in the Chamoli District of Uttrakhand is covered with snow for most part of the year and it is only during specific time period (generally July) that it remains open for visit by devotees.
Christian Pilgrimage Places in India
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The church of Bom Jesus, "Good" or "Infant" Jesus, is known mainly for the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. It became the first church of India to be given the status of Minor Basilica. One of the richest churches in Goa, it is covered with marble and several precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier adorn its premises.
Church of the Sacred Heart
The white pillars supporting a canopy set against a dark brick background are evident of a strong Italianate influence. There are circular arcades and turrets rising above the roof to each side of the entrance porch. It is one of the most popular churches not only in the capital city but all across the country.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations in India
Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya in Bihar is the one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. It is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under a banyan tree. Several Buddhist devotees make their way to the place from all across the globe specifically from China, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
Sarnath
The deer park in Varanasi is the place where Gautam Buddha first taught dharma to his disciples. The first ever Buddhist Sangha came into existence at this place.
Other popular pilgrimage destinations in India are:
- Char Dhams (Puri, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Badrinath)
- Haridwar
- Gangotri
- Katra
- Hazur Sahib
- Fatehpur Sikri
- Nalanda
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral, Himachal Pradesh
Last Updated on 5/30/2012
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