Pilgrimage
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Vaishno Devi (Jammu & Kashmir)
One of the most Religious & Hindu Pilgrimage destinations in India is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Shri Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the oldest shrines of India, located at a height of 5300 feet on the holy Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Hill Range. The Holy cave is 13 Kms from the Base Camp Katra. The scenic beauty, the landscape around and the constant chanting of 'Jai Mata Di', leaves a mystic effect on the devotees. At the culmination of their pilgrimage the devotees are blessed with the 'Darshans' of the deity in her three manifestations as three Pindies, located inside the sanctum- sanatorium, which is open for the devotees throughout the year in all seasons.
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Shirdi (Maharashtra)
Shirdi is famous temple of Shri Sai Baba, one of the most visited pilgrim spots in India it lies 122 kms from Nashik in Maharashtra. Popularly known as the 'Child of God', Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all religions and the message of universal brotherhood. Every activity at Shirdi revolves around the vast temple complex dedicated to Sai Baba. Thursday is marked by special pujasand darshan of the Sai Baba statue. There are other places of interest that devotees can visit as well including Dwarkamani Mosque where the Baba meditated and slept on alternate nights. Near the mosque, in a corridor is the dhuni or eternal flame that burns day and night. Other places of importance are the Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori Ashram.
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The Golden Temple (Amritsar)
The Golden Temple Amritsar (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.
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Tirupati Balaji (Andhra Pradesh)
Tirupati is a major pilgrimage and cultural city in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is the largest city in the Rayalaseema region and also the 4th largest growing city of the Indian state Andhra Pradesh . Tirupati is famous for Venkateswara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, located about 20 kilometre north west of Tirupati in the Tirumala hills at an elevation of 853 metres (2,799 ft). One of the most important pilgrimage centres in the world, the temple draws millions of pilgrims and is the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. Tirupati has several temples and is a major economical and educational hub in the southern region of the state.
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Dwarka (Gujarat)
Dwarka (Jamnagar district) in ancient Anarta (Saurashtra) was the capital of Lord Krishna's terrestrial kingdom. Dwarka which was known as Suvarna Dwarka (The Golden Dwarka) had been very prosperous and hence got the name. The Dwarkadhish temple honours Krishna Bhagwan and attracts thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country. The Dwarka of Krishna's time lies submerged under the Arabian Sea. The temple has rich carvings. The ancient shrine has been supported by kings and commoners alike from its inception. It is one of the important moksh dhams. The Gomti River flows nearby.
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Mathura & Vrindavan (UP)
Mathura widely known as birth place of lord Krishna is located on the western bank of river Yamuna. Held in sanctity by the Buddhists, Jain and Brahmanical faith alike, it has a long and chequered history. 15 Km. north of Mathura on the same bank of Yamuna, lays the celebrated town of Vrindavan, almost as closely associated with Krishna as Mathura itself. Indeed one hardly speak of Vrindavan alone to; the devout Hindu. Mathura-Vrindavan presents a unified image of untold beauty and religious sanctify. What is comparatively a matter of detail is that Vrindavan is believed to have been the stage on which Krishna performed his famous romantic and sportive roles. There are hundreds of shrines, as also numerous ghats and several sacred tanks along with ancient temples.
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Ajmer Sharif (Rajasthan)
Dargah Sharif or Ajmer Sharif is a sufi shrine of sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti located at Ajmer 130 Kms southwest of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The shrine has the grave (Maqbara) of the revered saint, Moinuddin Chisti. It is old saying that people who visit Ajmer Sharif and pray with pure faith and loyalty at his Dargah will free their soul. The Dargah Khawaja Gharibnawaz has several tombs, buildings, Daalaans and courtyards are of Mughal architecture. Ajmer is also a significant centre for the Jain religion, possessing an amazing golden Jain temple.
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Pushkar (Rajasthan)
Pushkar is located in the Heart of Rajasthan (India). It's a pilgrim destination for Domestic and European travellers. It has more than 500 temples including the only one temple in India dedicated to 'Lord Brahma' the Creator of the Universe. It is written and spoken in Indian Mythology that after visiting all the Hindu Pilgrim towns and temples (Four Dhams), if Pushkar is not visited for Pooja then salvation is not achieved. Pushkar is world famous for its cattle fair normally held in the Hindu month Kartika, which is normally in October-November also it is a year round destination for different fairs & festivals.
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Haridwar (Uttrakhand)
HARIDWAR – Dwar of Hari or Gateway to Lord Vishnu, is a holy city situated at the base of Shivalik ranges of high Himalayas as well as on the flow path of revered River Ganga. It is widely believed that by taking a dip in this holy river, one is cleared of all his past sins. Lakhs of devotees from all over India visit Haridwar every year to take a dip in the holy River Ganga. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. Haridwar is also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held once in every 12 and 6 years respectively.
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Rishikesh (Uttrakhand)
Rishikesh is a famous Hindu religious destination, popular amongst devotees, yoga persons and adventurers. Rishikesh is situated at 409 meters above sea level in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan Range and surrounded by the Shivalik range. Rishikesh is 35 kms from Haridwar. It is Gateway to the Himalayas and being on the bank of river Ganga it is an ideal destination for adventure activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking etc. and also ideal starting point for exploring expedition in the Himalayan Region. Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "The World Capital Of Yoga", has numerous yoga centres that attract tourist from around the globe.
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Hemkund Sahib (Uttrakhand)
Situated at a height of over 15,000 feet above the sea level in the Himalayan ranges of Chamoli district of northern India, Sri Hemkunt Sahib has emerged as a popular centre of Sikh Pilgrimage which is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the world every summer. Hemkund literally suggest 'lake of snow' and the pristine water of this lake is as cold as snow. Numerous waterfalls, dense forest, enchanting view of Himalayas, crystal clear lake, rapidly changing weather enhances the scenic beauty of the place. In spite of difficult terrain where Hemkunt is situated, devotees from all over the world make it to this unique Sikh shrine every summer.
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Jagannath Temple (Orissa)
Jagannath Temple is one of the most renowned as well as the biggest temples of Orissa. Established in the 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord of the Universe. The credit for laying the foundation of the Jagannath temple of Puri goes to Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev. The temple is located at a distance of 60 km from Bhubaneswar, on the coast of Bay of Bengal, and is greatly revered by the devotees following the Vaishnava traditions. One of the most popular attractions of the Jagannatha Temple of Puri comprises of its Rath Yatra that is organized every year.
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Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
Rameswaram is a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre. It is connected to the mainland by road and railway bridges. Rameswaram is known for its 22 theerthas or wells in and around the main temple. This place is equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Shaivites. There are beautiful beaches at Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi and Pamban. The Olaikuda beach is 1 km from the main temple and is engulfed by coral reefs, which makes bathing in the sea safe and enjoyable. Flamingos, sea gulls and a variety of birds migrate to the Rameswaram Island during winter. Rameswaram has a tropical climate and can be visited any time of the year. But the best time to visit is from October to April.
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