(Photo Credit : NA)
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India has a rich cultural legacy, known for its enduring religious harmony and spirituality. India and its neighbouring countries provide a wealth of spiritual locations for individuals looking for tranquillity, introspection, and a closer relationship with the Almighty. With its huge array of temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, and monasteries, India provides a unique fusion of spiritual experiences and religious customs. Here are eleven spiritual destinations that guarantee to awaken your soul, Do note that these religious places are not mentioned in any particular order.
2 / 12Kedarnath, Uttarakhand | Located in Uttarakhand, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is considered highly sacred in Hinduism. People worship Lord Shiva, as they believe he appeared as a lingam of light at this place. This holy site is open from April/May to October/mid-November. (Image: Shutterstock)
3 / 12Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi—also called Kashi or Benares—is home to the Ganga Aarti and historic ghats. Must-visit sites are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Sarnath. (Image: PTI)
4 / 12Bodh Gaya, Bihar | The Bodhi tree is one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage destinations since it is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Must-visit sites include the Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bodhi Tree, Great Buddha Statue, and Thai Monastery. (Image: PTI)
5 / 12Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand | Haridwar and Rishikesh, two holy towns that act as entry points to the Char Dham Yatra, are tucked away in the Himalayan foothills. Rishikesh is referred to as the Yoga Capital of the World, and Haridwar is popular for the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. (Image: PTI)
6 / 12Amritsar, Punjab | The Harmandir Sahib, known as the Golden Temple and the holiest site in Sikhism, is located in Amritsar. Its ‘langar’, or communal kitchen, acts as a reminder of service and humility. (Image: PTI)
7 / 12Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh | Tirupati, one of the wealthiest and most popular temples in the world, is the home of Lord Venkateswara. Must visit sites include Tirumala Temple, Padmavathi Temple, and Silathoranam Rock Formation. (Image: Shutterstock)
8 / 12Shirdi, Maharashtra | Shirdi is a historic religious destination associated with Sai Baba, a spiritual teacher respected by all communities alike. Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple to honour the saint and seek his blessings.
9 / 12Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Rajasthan | One of India’s holiest Sufi shrines is the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. People from all religions come here to pray and seek blessings because of its spiritual aura. (Image: Wikimedia Commons.)
10 / 12Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu | One of the holiest sites in Hinduism is Rameswaram, a part of the Char Dham Yatra. A spiritual wonder, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is famous for its lengthy hallways and finely carved pillars. (Image: Shutterstock)
11 / 12Lumbini, Nepal | Lumbini is home to numerous monasteries and meditation centres and is known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The sacred location is marked by the Maya Devi Temple. The complex includes 25 international monasteries, each reflecting unique cultural and architectural styles from several countries including China, Japan, and South Korea. (Image: Shutterstock)
12 / 12Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan | Situated on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang is a renowned Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site. This monastery is a gem of Himalayan spirituality, and the journey to its entrance is as transforming as the destination. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
