List of Spiritual Destinations in India
India houses over 2 million temples. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, has spread its roots by making beautiful temples for various Gods, their different forms and reincarnations. These temples hold both mythological as well as historical significance. These temples witness visitors from all over the world. People visit these shrines not only because of religious connotations but also because of the riveting stories and faith that is associated with these temples.
Also See: Richest Temples in India
The Most Famous Temples in India
1. Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It was built by Kulashekarar Pandyan. It is one of the oldest temples in India. It is believed that Lord Shiva took the form of Sundareswarar and married Parvati as Meenakshi right where the temple is situated. The Meenakshi Temple has a brilliant Dravidian style of architecture. The best time to visit is during the ‘Tirukalyanam Festival’
You can get a bus to Madurai from major Indian cities. Use abhibus coupon code and get the cheapest bus ticket, and cashbacks.
Also See: Oldest Temples in India
2. Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple lies on the western coast of Gujarat. Being destructed repeatedly over time by invaders, the current structure was made in 1951 in the Chaulukya style of architecture. It is said to be the first among the 12 jyotirlinga temples on earth. Acording to legend, the moon god lost his powers and lustre due to curse. To reverse it, he took a dip in the Saraswati river at the site where the Somnath temple is built. The best time to visit is during the Mahashivratri temple.
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3. Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Jagannath Temple in Puri worships Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Jagannath. The present structure of the temple was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva from the 10th century. It is one of the four char dham sites in the country. The best time to visit is during the Rath Yatra (chariot festival).
The nearest airport being Bhubhaneswar, one can take a bus to Puri from there. Check out paytm bus ticket offer and enjoy great deals and cashbacks.
4. Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is one of the four char dham sites of India. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is also considered a chota char dham i.e a minor pilgrimage site. The only time one can visit this historical temple is between April to November. During rest of the year the weather is highly unsuitable to undertake the journey. The best time to visit is during the Mata Murti ka Mela in September and the Badri-Kedar festival in June.
5. The Konark Sun Temple
The temple is said to have been constructed in the 13th century by Narasimhadeva. Legend says that Krishna cursed his own son with leprosy. Samba, then prayed to the Sun Lord over a period of 12 years. Pleased by him, the Sun Lord cured him. Samba then made a temple to express his devotion towards Him. The temple is built in the form of a chariot dragged by 12 horses. Referring to the Konark Sun Temple, Rabindranath Tagore rightly said, “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.”
6. Sanchi Stupa
The Sanchi Stupa is located in the Sanchi district of the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Also known as the Great Stupa, it is one of the most significant Buddhist structures. It was built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BC and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The four gateways surrounding the Stupa signify the four emotions of love, peace, courage and trust.
Also See: Temples in Himachal Pradesh
7. Rameshwaram Temple
The temple, located on an island town of Tamil Nadu, is one of the Char Dhams of the Hindus. It is believed that after defeating Ravan, Ram and Sita first landed here, on the shore. Since Ravan was a Brahmin, Ram wanted to pray to Lord Shiva to seek atonement for having killed him. While Ram was busy worshipping, Sita made a Ramalingam. The Ramalingam is worshipped after the Vishwalingam, which was brought by Hanuman.
You can expect to reach Rameshwaram via train from some of the major cities. Book your tickets using paytm irctc promo code and get the best deals.
Also See: Hindu Temples in Pakistan
8. Vaishno Devi Mandir
The Vaishno Devi Mandir is located at a height of 5200 ft in the Trikuta Mountain. One has to trek for about 12 km from Katra, in Jammu and Kashmir, to reach the holy cave. Instead of statues, the Devi here is present here in the form of three rock heads. It is said that if you can make a successful journey to the Mata’s Mandir, it is because of her wish as She decides who shall visit her.
So answer to the spiritual side of life and plan a trip to these temples in India with your family using RedBus offers and seek the blessings of the Gods! Book your bus ride tickets from RedBus online booking site and have a fun family trip by road and make great memories without spending a fortune. Don’t forget to check out the RedBus coupons listed on CashKaro to earn cashback on every booking!
