Famous Hindu Spiritual Places In India That You Must Visit In Your Lifetime

India is believed and known to be the origin of Hinduism Religion. Hindu mythological stories revolve around this continent. Most of the famous Hindu spiritual places in India are worth remembering in terms of the visiting experience. If you are a devotee or take great interest in Hindu Mythology, then you should not miss out on these spiritual places in India. 

Tourists find these spiritual places amusing and make it a point to take the memories with them. India practices different religions, but the Hindu religion has a stronghold in this country as it is deeply rooted in this part of the world. For all those intense and religious Hindus, the Holy sites of Hindu religion, age-old shrines, monuments, and temples turn out to be of great attraction. There are many pilgrim spots, also in India. Culturally and religiously, India has a strong background.

[toc]

Names like Vaishno Devi, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Puri Temples are famous and popular among not only Indians but foreigners also. They are known to be the most potent andfamous Hindu spiritual places in India. However, the list of famous Hindu spiritual places in India is a long one. We shall try to focus only on the essential spiritual tourist places in India. The Char Dhams in India believed to be the ultimate destinations for Hindus to visit in their lifetime to acquire Moksha. Following is a list of the most potent and most spiritual places to visit in India.

[su_note note_color=”#f7f7f7″]

Famous Hindu Spiritual Places in India

#1 Kedarnath Temple

Situated in the Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the four Char Dhams. Believed to be a decades-old temple, it is positioned in the district of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, above the sea level of 3584 meters close to Mandakini River head.Engulfed in snow, the Kedarnath temple attracts devotees and tourists in large numbers every year. The temple is built of slabs of huge stones that are placed over a broad platform, rectangle in size. When you walk over the steps towards the temple, you will see inscriptions engraved in the Pali language at each level.

Adi Shankaracharya erected the present temple, which we see. As the mythology goes, after the great battle of Mahabharata fought, the Pandavas went to Lord Shiva for His blessings and redeemed their sins. Lord Shiva, trying to escape it, reached Kedarnathand took refuge in bull’s form.He followed to Kedarnath. Seeing it, he went underground with his humps left on the surface of the ground. You will see a figure of Nandi Bull standing as a guard outside the door of the temple. This was the time when pilgrims and devotees threw themselves at its gates. Now this place stands as a holy pilgrimage for many coming from all corners of India.

The picturesque gripping backdrop of the temple is another thing of attraction for the tourists. Surrounded by high mountains that are covered by snow during winters is a breathtaking scene. And during summers, the valleys are covered by green meadows making the temple visible even from distant places. The best season to visit this temple is between May to June in summers and September to October during winters. The rest of the year gets convenient to travel to this place as roads blocked with snows.

[/su_note]

[su_note note_color=”#f7f7f7″]

#2 Badrinath Temple

Another temple in Uttarakhand which is worshipped and visited together with Kedarnath temple in Badrinath Temple. It is also known as the Chota Char Dham site of pilgrims. One of the most famous Hindu spiritual temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu This sacred temple located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, 3100 meters above sea level. These Hindu temples believed to be “the spiritual sources of four holy rivers”- the Mandakini River at Kedarnath temple, Alaknanda River at Badrinath temple, Yamuna River at Yamunotri, and the Ganges River at Gangotri temple. 

This believes that devotees get redemption on visiting these temples and get Moksha. The existence of this temple can be dated back to the Vedic Age. According to the “Bhagavata Purana,” Lord Vishnu reincarnated as Nar and Narayana, the two twin sages who had undergone penance for the well beings of living creatures.And in Mahabharata, these two twin sages took rebirth in the yet again human forms like Krishna and Arjuna to uplift the welfare of humans.

It was Badrinath that Lord Shiva chose for himself initially. And Lord Vishnu tricked Him to leave for Kedarnath and later stayed in Badrinath.These mythological stories are the center of attraction for the devotees for their visits to these famous spiritual places in India. They thronged their service and devotion to these places to wash their sins.

The number of visitors had, however, decreased drastically after the disastrous flood in 2013. But the government has succeeded in reviving the old charm of these temples again. Since 2018, the numbers of pilgrims have increased and touched a record of around four lakhs.

[/su_note]

[su_note note_color=”#f7f7f7″]

#3 Dwarka Temple

Another Dham of significance is the Dwarka temple, which located in Gujarat. Dwarka, also is known to be the land of Lord Krishna, was the capital of the kingdom of Lord Krishna. This temple has many other names by which it is accessible and famous. JagatMandir, meaning Universal Shrine, and TrilokSundar Temple (the most beautiful in all the three worlds) are the other names.

This temple believed to be built by the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, Vajranabh, some 2500 years ago. This land considered to be one of the holiest and holy cities among other cities. The adorning, challenging, and exquisite culture of Hindu religion draws tourists and devotees from all around the globe for spiritual enlightenment.

Dwarka considered to grant Salvation for Lord Krishna’s earthly empire was established here. Its architectural details need to mention as many architects have found its designs and cravings extraordinary. The idol of Lord Krishna stands at the height of 2.25 ft, which is appalling to the eyes of devotees that they cannot look away from it. There are other temples around the Dwarkadeesh Temple, which are Somnath temple, Gita temple, Rukshmanimandir, and BeytMandir. 

The temple is open on all seasons to all its devotees and remains open to all from morning 7 am till 9:30 pm. 

[su_table]

Temple	Timing
Dwarka Temple	7 AM – 9.30 PM

[/su_table]

[/su_note]

[su_note note_color=”#f7f7f7″]

#4 Jagannath TemplePuri

Puri in Orissa is famous for the destination as one of the four holy sacred Dhams in India. It is counted among one of the most famous Hindu spiritual places in India. In this temple, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are the deities worshipped. The Idols are seated on the RatnaSimhassana (bejeweled Pedestal). This temple dates back to the 12th century when the Ganga Dynasty ruled over the Puri region. The temple was built and erected by its famous rule AnantaVarmanChodaganga Deva by the seashore of Puri. 

The design of the temple depicts the Kalingaarchitecture, where the main temple placed at an elevated platform at the height of 65 meters. The world-famous RathYatra festival is celebrated here that witnessed massive crowds.Along with its spiritual divine holy feelings, Jagannath Temple has many exciting and factual signs that interest the curiosity of other people also.

The flag flown at the top of its temple defies the direction of the wind. The flag always is seen flowing in the opposite direction as to the course of the wind. There is no scientific explanation for it.The temple leaves no shadow at any time of the day. It is still unknown whether it is Lord Jagannath’s revelation or marvel of the architectural designs.Another mystery hovering around the temple is that no birds or even an airplane is seen flying above the temple. 

The most mysterious, exciting, and fantastic fact is that no food wasted here. The number of visitors to the temple seen from thousands to lakhs of people. The Prasad prepared for the day never gets lost, nor seems less. This miracle considered to be the doings of Lord Jagannath.Many other mysteries revolve around the temple. Only those who have paid a visit can experience it. The temples are open to its devotees all year-round.

[/su_note]

[su_note note_color=”#f7f7f7″]

#5 Rameshwaram temple

The last Dham to mention is the Rameshwaram temple situated in the Ramanathapuram district of state Tamil Nadu. Considered to be one of the most important spiritual places in India, it attracts devotees from across the country for attaining Salvation.Hinduism lives in this place as it is regarded to be the place where Lord Rama began his rescue operation of Sita from the captivity of Ravana. Belief says that Sethupathis of Sethukavalan built the temple in the 12th century.

A Shiva Lingam has been installed by Shri Ram to pray to Lord Shiva for the atonement of His sin of killing Ravana, who was a Brahmana. This is called “Brahmahatya.” The bridge which built to reach Lanka named “Rama Setu.” The temple has two Lingams- “Viswalingam” that Lord Rama installed and “Ramalingam” made of sand, built by Devi Sita. This shrine witnesses lakhs of pilgrims and devotees around Maha Shivaratri.It believes that visiting all the four Dhamas is the ultimate Holy Places to visit to get Salvation in one’s lifetime.

[/su_note]

Best Spiritual Places in India

The above mentioned Dhamas has considered being the main pilgrimage sites to visit for every Hindu individual in his lifetime. However, there are other famous Hindu spiritual places in India where you can visit and get the same feeling.

When it comes to spirituality, no other country can be as good as India. Yoga, meditation, and the likes have come out from a country like India. Truth seekers, great philosophers, and meditators have spoken highly of the rich culture and practice in our country.

Some of the best spiritual places in India are as follows-

[su_note note_color=”#f7f7f7″]

1.Kumbh Mela 

 Kumbh Mela is where all the four essential pilgrim sites come together- Ujjain, Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad) and Nashik (Trimbak). It is the biggest Mela being held in India, where pilgrims from across the country and tourists from around the globe come to witness. The Kumbh Mela held in Prayag Allahabad in 2013 seen a visit of 30 million pilgrims in one day.  Spirituality knows no religion, no boundaries, and no differences. It is faith that can move a mountain, succeed hardships, and push all the limits. Kumbh Mela is the perfect example of this. The decision of the venue for Kumbh Mela depends upon the positions of Jupiter, Moon, and Sun in different zodiac signs in that period. 

It is held every three years. The ArdhKumbhMela seen to take place every six years, and MahaKumbhMela held after the complete 12 years.  

This festival attracts millions of people, including saints, sadhus, devotees, and foreigners.

2.Kasi in Varanasi

Considered to be one of the holiest places in India, Kasi is also counted among the most famous Hindu spiritual places in  India. It is the heart of the Hindu religion where you can live it and experience it. There are several temples in Kasi where you can visit. The most significant thing about Kasi is the history and beliefs behind its existence. The Pandits and people living in Kasi are never short of the stories associated with the place. The Aarti that takes place by the bank of Holy River Ganga is not to miss out on. 

This place itself carries a spiritual; vibe that you can feel on entering the city of Kasi. People seeking truth often end up in Kasi; that is why the name “City of Gods.” 

Lord Shiva is believed to have founded the city. Taking a dip in river Ganga is regarded to wash away one’s sins. 

Many followers pay a visit to this place to understand and find the deep-rooted truth of the Hindu religion through scripts and the pandits.

3. Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

Entering Rishikesh is like walking through the Land of Serenity. Often known by the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh became globally accessible when The Beatles had come with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, to stay at Rishikesh.It is an ideal spot to study yoga and meditate. You can’t help but feel the durable spiritual power engulfing the area.Rishikesh starts with the LaxmanJhula Point tracing its way to Yamnotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. The ideal spiritual center Rishikesh is. 

It is said that God had appeared before the sage Raibhya Rishi as a reward to his penance, in the form of Hrishikesh. The State Tourism conducts an International Yoga Week between 2nd and 7th February every year. 

[/su_note]

[su_note note_color=”#f7f7f7″]

Top Spiritual Places in India

#1 Mathura : Mathura is counted among the top and famous Hindu spiritual places in India with others. We shall mention a few of these in this section so that you can have an idea about these places.Mathura is known to be the birthplace of the Hindu God, Lord Krishna. It is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Devotees from all around the world come to visit Mathura to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna, which we celebrate as Janmasthami.

#2 Madurai : Madurai in Tamil Nadu is another name to be taken in the top spiritual places in India. The Meenakshi temple in Madurai displays the Dravidian style of architecture that captures the attention of art lovers. 

# 3 Vaishno Devi : Vaishno Devi is another ideal spiritual spot. It is based in the Trikuta Hills in Jammu and Kashmir. The most sacred place, the large number of devotees, is seen taking a visit to this shrine. Some walk up to the top of the hill while others who find difficulty to walk are being carried. Vibrancy and spirituality linger around the area. 

#4 Amritsar : Golden Temple in Amritsar is another spiritual place to visit. Although the temple follows Sikhism, they welcome people from all other religions. Sitting at the temple makes you forget of all the worldly sufferings.

#5 Bodh Gaya :Last but not the least in our list is Bodh Gaya in Bihar. It is the place where Gautama Buddha found enlightenment sitting under the Bodhi tree. The tree still exists where he sat. The vibes that revolve around the surroundings are immense. Only sitting at that place fills your heart with spirituality you have never known.

[/su_note]

Conclusion

The list does not end here. But we have tried to cover as many places as one could get across the country. India is filled with its rich, diverse culture that follows and practices different religions. But it is Hinduism that finds its strong roots here in India. The famous Hindu Spiritual Places in Indiaare equally present in all parts of the nation. 

These are the places that you must visit in your lifetime to understand the spiritual beliefs of humankind. You will be amused by the stories behind the existence of all these places. Make plans and do visit these famous Hindu spiritual places in India, and you will never regret it.