Hindu pilgrimages in india explains its culture,devotionals & heritage the major hindu pilgrimages in india Tirupati,Vaishno devi temple,Varnasi,Vishwanath Temple,Tulsi Manas Temple,Durga Temple,Yamunotri, Temple,Badrinath,Gangotri,Gaumukh,Kedarnath,Allahabad pilgrimages,Haridwar pilgrimages,Ayodhya,Shirdi,Konark

The underlying tenets of Hinduism cannot be easily defined. There is no unique philosophy that forms the basis of the faith of the majority of India’s population. Hinduism is perhaps the only religious tradition that is so diversified in its theoretical premises and practical expressions as to be called a “museum of religions”. This religion cannot be traced to a specific founder nor does it have a “holy book” as a basic scriptural guide. The Rig Veda, Upanishads and the Bhagwad Gita can all be described as the sacred text of the Hindus.

Unlike most other religions, Hinduism does not advocate the worship of one particular deity. One may worship Shiva or Vishnu or Rama or Krishna or some other gods and goddesses or one may believe in the ‘Supreme Spirit’ or the ‘Indestructible Soul’ within each individual and still be called a good Hindu. This gives an indication of the kind of contrasts this religion is marked by. At one end of the scale, it is an exploration of the ‘Ultimate Reality’; at the other end there are cults that worship spirits, trees and animals.

Major hindu pilgrimages

Tirupati,

one of the richest temples in the country, is the most venerated Vaishnavite shrine of Lord Venkateswara. It was patronised by the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijayanagar kings. 130 kms from the city of Madras (Chennai), this temple is located in the southern Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Tiru’ in Tamil means `Sri’. Hence Tirupati translates to Sripati or Sri Maha Vishnu. According to the Puranas, the range of Tirumala hills represent the body of the serpent Adisesha, on which Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, rests. The seven hills represent the seven heads of the serpent.

Perched on the 860 m high peak of the Tirumala hills, the temple is a Dravidian masterpiece. The splendid Viman or ‘Ananda Nilayam’ rising protectively over the sanctum is the most
Tirumala Tirupati
arresting feature in the temple complex. It is plated with gold, as is the Dwajasthambam, or the temple flagpost. The innermost enclosure of the three ‘prakarams’, opened once annually, enshrines the two-metre high majestic black idol of Lord Venkateswara, bedecked with priceless glittering jewels, most striking of which is the diamond crown said to be the costliest in the world.

Some people believe that the idol of Sri Venkateswara has the attributes of Vishnu and Shiva, the preserving and the destroying aspects of the Hindu Trinity. This conception is a happy compromise appealing at once to the Vaishnavites and Shaivites. The idol has four arms, two in the rear, one carrying the Shankha or the conch, and the other the Chakra or the discus, and two in the front, one in the Abhaya pose and the other resting on the hip. On both the front arms, the Bhujanga Valaya, or the girdle of the serpent, an emblem of Shiva can be seen. People from the Northern parts of India, worship Lord Venkateswara, as Balaji. It is praised by poets as `Bhuloka Vaikuntha’.

The two very important customs followed in the temple are anointing the body of the Lord with camphor (Karpoora), saffron and musk, and offering the tonsure of hair as a sacrifice to the Lord.The Varahaswami temple, situated near the Venkateswara temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarani tank, is said to be even more ancient. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Varahaswami. It is said that the Adi Sesha himself forms the seven hills on which the temple of the Lord is located.

Vaishno devi temple

Since times immemorial, lakhs of pilgrims every year have been visiting the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi from all corners of the globe. Considered to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines in North India, the cave is the abode of the Mother Goddess, who is worshipped here in the forms of Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. As the Goddess welcomes her devotees every day, the number of pilgrims keeps on swelling year after year. Vaishno Devi is not merely a shrine; it is a site of spiritual cleansing and resuscitation for the heart that truly seeks the divine.

The Vaishno Devi shrine is nestled in the Trikuta Mountain. It lies 61 km north of Jammu in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Perched at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea
Vaishno Devi
level, Vaishno Devi is a cave in the lower Himalayas. Katra, the town at the foot of the Trikuta hills is the base camp for the Vaishno Devi shrine. Katra is 48 km from Jammu, 650 km from Delhi (via Una), 520 km from Udhampur, 410 km from Chandigarh and 80 km from Patnitop The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters when the route is often blocked by snowfall.

The legend goes that more than 700 years ago, Vaishno Devi, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, used to pray to Lord Rama and had taken vow of celibacy. One day, Bhairon Nath, a demon-God, saw her and gave chase. The Goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, marked by the imprints of her feet, is the place where she rested. She then meditated in the cave at Ardhkanwari. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate her. Mata Vaishno Devi then blasted an opening at the other end of the cave. She assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off Bhairon Nath’s head, which fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located. The boulder at the mouth of the holy cave, according to the legend, is the petrified torso of Bhairon Nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments.

The Shrine:
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is said to have been built by the five Pandavas. The length of the cave is about 98 ft. The symbols of a large number of gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon can be seen here. At the mouth of the original tunnel to the holy cave can be seen the symbols of Vakra Tunda Ganesha, Surya Dev and Chandra Dev. When one crawls into the cave through the tunnel, he/she crosses over the Dhadh of Bhairon Nath. The symbol of Lord Hanuman, called Launkra Beer, can also be seen and the pilgrims have to wade through water beyond the Launkra Beer point. Twenty-three feet beyond Launkra Beer, on the upper left-hand side, the roof of the cave flares out and the weight of this overhang appears to be resting on the innumerable heads of Shesh Nag. Immediately below Shesh Nag can be seen the symbols of Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Padam. Higher up, almost touching the ceiling of the cave, are the symbols of the five Pandavas, the Sapt Rishi, the udders of the divine cow, Kamadhenu, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati.

How to reach Vaishno devi temple

Vaishno Devi Temple can be reached after making a steep 13-km trek from the road head at Katra, the town at the foot of the Trikuta hills. Several porters and ponies are available at Katra on hire.

Jammu is the nearest airport. Jammu’s civil airport at Ranibagh is 9 km from the city center. Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Indian Airlines, runs flights to and from Delhi, Srinagar and Leh.

Jammu is the nearest railhead, which lies on the other side of the Tawi River. Jammu is very well connected with all major destinations in India by rail. Direct express trains link it with Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta.

Taxis and buses are available from Jammu to Katra at frequent intervals. Regular bus services to Katra are also available from a number of north Indian towns like Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Jallandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jwalaji and Srinagar.

Varnasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that to die in the city is to attain instant salvation. Varanasi is the tract of holy land lying between the Ganga and the Assi rivers. The Assi river also flows into Ganga. Varanasi is also known as Kashi, the city of light since one of the twelve ‘Jyortinglinga’s is installed here. Varanasi has been a great cultural centre, especially in the fields of music, learning and the craft of silk weaving.

Places To See:

Vishwanath Temple

: The Vishwanath temple, or Golden Temple, is the most sacred temple
Varansi
in Varanasi and is dedicated to Vishveswara-Shiva as lord of the universe. The original temple was destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and the present temple was built in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore . 800kg of gold plating on the towers, which gives the temple its colloquial name, was provided by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore some 50 years later.

Tulsi Manas Temple

: Only 150m south of Durga Temple is the modern marble shikhara-style Tulsi Manas Temple, built in 1964. Its two tier walls are engraved with verves and scenes from the Ram Charit Manas, the Hindi version of the Ramayana. Its author , poet Tulsi Das, lived here while writting it.This Temple is on the spot where Saint Tulsidas composed the Ramayana in Hindi (The Ramacharitamanas).

Durga Temple

: The Durga temple is one of the most important temples in Varanasi and is built in the 18th century, by Bengali maharani and is stained red with ochre . This temple is built in north Indian Nagara style with a multi-tiered shikhara (spire). The shikhara of the temple is formed by many small spires which are built one on top of the other. Durga is the ‘terrible’ form of Shiva’s consort Parvati, so at festivals there are often sacrifices of goats. It is commonly known as Monkey Temple due to many frisky monkey that have made it their home.

How to reach Varnasi

Air : Varanasi is connected by air with Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhubaneshwar and Kathmandu.

Rail : Varanasi is important railway junction having train connections with all major cities of India .

Road : Varanasi is connected by road with all parts of the state.

Chardham Indian primilages =Yamunotri, Badrinath,Gangotri Kedernath,

Yamunotri

The Garhwal Himalayas have been blessed with some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites and Yamunotri is one such. One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, it is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim. According to an old legend, Asit Muni, the revered sage, used to reside here.
Yamnotri Temple
Location and Climate
Perched at an altitude of 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is very close to the Indo-Chinese border and is surrounded by the Himalayan offshoots on all sides. Yamunotri, lies near the Bandarpunch Mountain, which is 6315 m high and lies to the north. The glacial lake of Saptarishi Kund, on the Kalind Parbat, at an altitude of 4421 m, is the real source of the Yamuna River. Yamunotri is at a distance of 278 km from Dehradun, 236 km from Rishikesh, 176 km from Chamba, and 21 km from Sanya Chatti. It remains cool even during summers. The winters are snow-bound and temperatures fall below 0°C. One is advised to carry light or heavy woolens depending on the time of visit.

The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, it is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3165 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. The shrine attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October.

Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champassar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4421 mts. Pilgrims do not frequently visit the source of the river as it is not easily accessible.

Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. According to a legend, this secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni.

Among the major attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth.

The trek to Yamunotri is spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.

From Rishikesh, a 213 kms. journey by road takes one to Hanumanchatti. From here, the remaining 13 kms. trek is covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins and Porters are also available on hire.

Prime Pilgrimages

Yamunotri Temple

The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The present temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the late nineteenth century. Once destroyed by an earthquake, it has been rebuilt. A holy dip in the nearby tank filled by hot springs and cooking rice in its water are common rituals performed by the devotees.
* Surya Kund
One of the important thermal springs known for its very high temperature of 190°F. Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes here to offer to the deity in the temple.
* Divya Shila
Chamba TempleA huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
* Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers forms the starting point for the scenic Dodi TaL Trek.
* Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the banks of river Yamuna that makes a lovely sight enroute the trek upto Yamunotri.
* Chamba
A sylvan spot on way to Tehri that offers an excellent view of the Himalayan peaks. Situated at an altitude of 1,676 mts., Chamba is an ideal summer retreat.

Howto reach
Airport
Jolly Grant, 196 kms. from Yamunotri via Dehradun

Railhead
Rishikesh, 213 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.

Road
Dharasu, 107 kms. Tehri, 149 kms. Rishikesh, 213 kms.& Dehradun, 172    kms

Badrinath

An old Indian proverb goes, “There are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be.” Indians, known for their religious fervor, lay special importance to this holy town. The etymological root for the name of the town goes to the Badri Van, where the lush green Badri trees grow. According to a local myth, the word badri is derived from the wild berry that Lord Vishnu (God of the Hindu trinity, entrusted with preserving the Universe) survived on during his reparation at Badri Van.
Badrinath is situated on the right banks of the river Alakananda in the stae Uttaranchal, Badrinath is couched within the two mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan, with the Neelkanth
Sri Badrinath Temple
peak on the background. This breathtaking sight is itself an enchantment for tourists and is called the “Garhwal Queen.” It is located in the northern district of Chamoli and the nearest cities are Rishikesh (300 km), Mussourie and Dehradun. It is never too hot even in the summers, with night temperatures falling to as low as 10°C. This makes it a pleasant retreat from the other tropical places in the country.

Badrinath the acclaimed abode of Lord Vishnu is one of North India’s “Four Holy Temple Cities” or dhams along with Puri, Rameswaram and Dwaraka. Badrinath is also known as Tapobhumi (land of meditation and penance) and Bhubaikunth (heaven on earth). It is situated at an altitude of 3133 meters above sea level. Besides the main temple itself, the entrance to the shrine is of special significance. The temple of Badrinathji remains closed from October to April due to the winter snow, when temperatures fall to sub-zero degrees.

Before entering the temple itself, the pilgrims take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund, where there are thermal springs with natural curative properties. It is supposed to be the abode of Agni, the Hindu God of fire. Other famous natural spring sites are Narad Kund and Surya Kund.

The pilgrims generally perform the rites of remembrance and reverence for the departed souls of their near ones in the Brahma Kapal, a flat platform on the banks of the river Alakananda. A rock boulder with the impression of Sheshnag, a mythological serpent, called Sheshnetra, is also a place to visit. The footprints of Lord Vishnu are present on a boulder called Charanpaduka, and are of religious significance. Another important temple is the Mata Murti temple, dedicated to the mother of Badrinathji.

The origin of Alakananda River, Alka Puri, is of special interest to the daring tourists. Satopanth, a triangular lake, is located at a height of 4402 meters above the sea level and is one of the sources of the Alakananda River. It is named after the Hindu trinity-Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

At the convergence of the rivers, there are pilgrim sites that are collectively called the Panch Prayag. Devprayag, at the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alakananda, is famous for its rock inscriptions and the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Raghunath. Rudraprayag, at the meeting point of Alakananda and Mandakani, is known for the Rudranath and Chamunda Devi temples. Nandaprayag is known for the Gopalji temple. Karnaprayag is the confluence of Alakananda and Pindar rivers and is famous for its temples dedicated to Uma and Karna. The fifth pilgrimage spot is Vishnuprayag, at the confluence of Alakananda and Dhauliganga, where there is a very ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, besides the pool of Vishnu Kund.

Another pilgrim site is the Panch Badri. Yogadhyan Badri, where there is a meditative idol of Lord Vishnu, Bhavishya Badri, where there are forests nearby, Adi Badri, where there are 16 temples and one big temple of Lord Vishnu, are three of the most famous.

How to reach
The nearest airport is that of Jolly Grant, which is about 317 km from Badrinath. Helicopters and small private airlines are allowed to land there. The nearest railheads are Rishikesh (297 km) and Kotdwar (327 km). Badrinath is well connected to all the major tourist spots nearby, namely, Rishikesh, Hardwar, Kotdwar, Dehradun, and other hill retreats of the Garhwal and Kumaon region. Delhi is 238 km from Rishikesh.

Gangotri

Couched in the magnificent Garhwal hills, Gangotri is at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. Gangotri is situated in the northernmost part of the state of Uttaranchal and is very near the Indo-Tibetan border. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi. The summers are relatively cool and winters are freezing cold, with rains in the months of May and June. For the devotees and tourists, the gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to November.

According to an old legend, Lord Shiva rewarded King Bhagirath after his penance and Ganga came down to earth. However, due to her pride, and the fact that the earth would be

Gangotri Temple

devastated if Ganga came down in her full force, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was then proclaimed that Goddess Uma or Parvati, Shiva’s consort, would bathe in the Ganges daily and only then would she descend on the earth. The sacred stone near the temple denotes the place where Ganga first came down to earth. This is why Ganga is also called by the name of Bhagirathi.

Places to see:
The shrine of Gangotri is around three centuries old. It was renovated in the 20th century and is a 20-feet high structure of white granite. During the winters the statue is taken to Mukhimath village for six months, where it is worshipped. There is a natural rock Shivling (Shiva worshipped in his phallic form, as the originator of life) as well. It is called the Jalamagna Shivling. This is the place where Lord Shiva received Ganga in his locks. It is visible only during winters.

Nearby Places:

Gaumukh

The most famous site nearby is the Gaumukh (literal meaning, cow’s mouth) glacier, which is at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level. It is the geographical origin of the Ganges and is at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri uphill. The Ganges is called the Bhagirathi here. At a distance of 28 km from Gangotri is Cheedvasa, where one can pick up local artifacts. Bhojvasa, at a distance of 22 km, is an ideal camping site.

Nandanvan

Nandanvan is a 6-km tough trekking route along the glacier and gives a view of the Shivling. Across the snout of the Gangotri glacier is the sylvan Tapovan, which is known for its exquisite verdure encircling the base of the Shivling peak. From here, one can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, at a height of 5590 meters and reach Badrinath.
Harsil is 25 km from Gangotri and is perched at a height of 2620 meters above sea level. It is well known for its resorts. There is the Wilson Cottage, built in 1864, which is often visited. Sat Tal or the seven lakes is wonderful sight and is near the village Dharali (20 km).

Kedarnath

The Sri Kedarnathji shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Sri Kedarnathji range. At an altitude of 3,581 mts. It is a 14 kms. trek from Gaurikund.

Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer. Shiva, is considered the embodiment of all passions-love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms.

There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Sri Kedarnathji. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the
Kedarnath Temple Hindu piligrimage Tour
Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Sri Kedarnathji in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar.

Sri Kedarnathji and the four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar. Sri Kedarnathji is approachable on foot from Gaurikund, which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwara, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon Hills.

Around Kedarnath:

The Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and is almost 1000 years old. In the 8th century AD, it was refurbished by Adiguru Shankaracharya. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the idol is in the form of a pyramidal lingam. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country and is revered highly. The statue of Nandi, the divine bull of Shiva, stands at the entrance of the temple. During the winters, the statue is carried to Ukhimath, and is reinstated in Kedarnath in the month of May. The breathtaking view of the Kedardome peak behind the temple is a major attraction.

Samadhi of Adiguru Shankaracharya

The Samadhi of Adiguru Shankaracharya is located just behind the temple and is the final resting place of the saint. The Bhairavnath temple, situated to the south of the main temple of Kedarnath, is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the deity who guards the main temple in winter when it is closed.

A solid path from near the main bridge, before the town, crosses the Mandakini to the left of the valley, and ends 4 km away at the glacier. At its edge is the Chorabari Tal Lake, now known as Gandhi Sarovar, as some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were scattered here. It is also said that Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, departed to heaven from this lake.

Close by, around 800 m from the lake, is the source of the Mandakini. One can also cross the river by the small bridge behind the temple, and scramble up the rough boulder-strewn moraine to meet the main track.

Vasuki Tal

At a distance of 6 km from Kedarnath is Vasuki Tal, which is perched at a height of 4135 meters above the sea level. It offers a splendid view of the Chaukambha peaks and is an important spot in the itinerary of trekkers. The trekking base to Kedarnath is at a distance of 15 km and is named Gauri Kund, where there is temple dedicated to Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva. One can also find thermal springs of medicinal value here. At the confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakani rivers is Son Prayag, at a distance of 20 km from Kedarnath.

Triyuginarayan

Around 25 km from Kedarnath is Triyuginarayan, the mythological venue where the wedding of

Vasuki Tal

Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag. An eternal flame, which is said to have been witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today.

Gupt Kashi

At a distance of 49 km is Gupt Kashi, which is famous for its temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath. Ukhimath, at a distance of 60 km, is the winter home of the deity of Kedarnath and the Rawal (head priest) of the temple. Agastmuni, at a distance of 73, km has a temple dedicated to sage Agastya.

Situated on the Gopeshwar-Ukhimath Road, about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 meters above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it.

Chandrashila

Chandrashila (93 km) is a beautiful peak providing a captivating view of the other snow-clad peaks. The trek from Tungnath to Chandrashila offers a rare sight of the rhododendron forests and the alpine meadows. Deoria Tal is 2 km from Chopta-Ukhimath Road. This beautiful lake is at an altitude of 2438 m and gives a scenic view of the neighboring snow-capped peaks. This land is an ideal place for angling and bird watching.

The four other Panch Kedar sites are located in the vicinity of Kedarnath. Madmaheshwar, where the navel (nabhi) of Shiva fell, is at a distance of 74 km from Kedarnath, at a height of 3289 m. Tungnath (90 km) is perched at an altitude of 3680 m. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of his arms (bahu). Rudranath (142 km), at a height of 2286 meters, is a very important pilgrim spot and Shiva’s face is worshipped here. Kapleshwar (160 km) is at an altitude of 2134 meters and Shiva’s locks are worshipped here.

How to reach

By Air: Jolly grant (Dehradun)-239 km away from Kedarnath of which 225 km is by road and rest 14 km is on foot.

By Rail: Railhead at Rishikesh, 221 km away of which 207 km is by road and the rest 14 km is on foot.
Railhead at Kotdwara, 250 km away, of which 236 km is by road and rest 14 km is on foot.

By Road: Kedarnath is approachable on footfrom Gaurikund, which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwara, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon Hills.

Bus This service is available at Rishikesh, Haridwar and Kotdwara for Gaurikund. During Yatra season, some special Yatra services are also arranged to Gaurikund.

Distance from Rishikesh to kedarnath 223 km, via Deoprayag 70 km, Shrinagar 35 km, Rudraprayag 34 km, Tilwara 9 km, Agastyamuni 10 km, Kund 15 km, Sonprayag 3 km Gaurikund 5 km, Rambara 7 km, Garurchatti 4 km, Sri Kedarnath 3 km.

Transport: Buess, private taxies and other light vehicles also ply between Rishikesh and Garikund-Badrinath and back. The charges are not fixed.

Horses, Dandies and Ponies are available at Gaurikund for going and carrying luggage to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath STD Codes

Allahabad pilgrimages

According to Hindu mythology, for the ‘Prakrishta Yagna’, Lord Brahma, the creator – God of the Trinity, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the three rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati – would flow into a quiet confluence. That land, blessed by the Gods, came to be called ‘Prayag’ or ‘Allahabad’, as it is known today. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres of India.

From the realms of mythology and legends, the history of Allahabad, then moved through time to 1575 A.D., when Emperor Akbar founded a city, of lavish proportions, and named it Allahabad. Allahabad lies 135 km west of Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is at the confluence of the Ganga (also Ganges), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati
Allahabad Piligrimage Tour
River, the point of their mingling known as Sangam. Also known by its old name of Prayag, the city is an educational hub and a great pilgrimage center, especially the world-famous Kumbh Mela.

Places to See:

Sangam

The sacred Sangam is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in Hindu mythology – Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. It is believed that it is at the Sangam, that a few drops of the nectar ‘Amrit Bindu’ fell .. making its waters truly magical. It is during the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh that the Sangam truly comes alive .. attracting the devout from all across the country.

Patalpuri Temple

Within this underground temple, inside the fort, lies the Akshayavat – or the immortal tree.

Ashoka Pillar

This gigantic Ashoka pillar, of polished sandstone, stands 10.6 m high, dating back to 232 B.C. The pillar has several edicts, and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir inscribed on it, commemorating his accession to the throne.

Hanuman Temple

This unique temple at the Sangam, is the only one in North India, where the idol of Lord Hanuman, is to be seen in a reclining posture.

Mankameshwar Temple

Situated near Saraswati Ghat, on the banks of the Yamuna, this is one of the famous Shiv temples of Allahabad.

How to reach

By Air: The nearest airports are Varanasi, Kanpur and Lucknow.

By Rail: The city has direct rail connections with important cities like Delhi, Calcutta, Patna, Gwalior, Meerut, Chennai, Mumbai, Varanasi and Guwahati.

By Road: Allahabad, on National Highway 2 and 27, is connected to the rest of the country by good, motorable all-weather roads.

Haridwar pilgrimages

The holy city of Haridwar is located in the Himalayan Indian state of Uttaranchal at a distance of 214 km from Delhi. Haridwar extends from latitude 29° 58′ in the north to longitude 78°13′ in the east. The place is well connected to other cities of north India by road and train.

Haridwar or ‘the Gateway to the Gods’ is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar. Due to its geographical location too, Haridwar stands as the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of Uttaranchal namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics, Haridwar has always remained a major pilgrimage for the Hindus.

Places to See:
Haridwar Piligrimage Tour at Hari Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Har ki Pauri

King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari’s footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar

According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Mansa Devi Temple

The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.

Chandi Devi Temple

The Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Ganga’s banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. A three kilometers trek from Chandighat, it is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. It is at a distance of six kilometers on Neel Parvat on the other bank of River Ganga.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev stands in the south Kankhal town. Mythology has it that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva’s first wife) performed yagya at this place, but didn’t invite Lord Shiva (Mahadev). Feeling insulted, Sati burnt herself in the yagya kund. Provoked by this, the ganas (followers) of Lord Shiva killed King Daksha. Later, Lord Shiva brought him back to life.

How to reach:

By Air : The nearest Airport is Jollygrant, BhaniaWala, Dehradun (41kms)
By Rail : Connected with all important Cities of India.
By Road : Hardwar on National Highway no.45 is will connected to all major cities and other parts of the state.

Ayodhya

City of Lord Rama
The city of Ayodhya is an important pilgrim place for Hindus in India. It is one of the seven holiest cities of India. Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram, who is an important deity in the Hindu pantheon. This small, quiet town attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Hindu pilgrims visiting Ayodhya during festivals and important religious functions consider a holy dip in the sacred Saryu River very auspicious.

Ayodhya is located in center of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the south bank of river Saryu. The climate of Ayodhya is tropical. The summers are hot (April-June) while the winters are cool
Ayodhya Piligrimage Tour
(November-February). The southwestern monsoon rains hit Ayodhya in July-September. Ayodhya is 130 km east of Lucknow and 6 km from Faizabad.

Places to See
The main tourist attraction of Ayodhya was the Babri Masjid (Mosque), built by the Mughal king Babur. Unfortunately, the traveler can no longer see this monument as it was demolished in the riots that took place here in 1992. It is said that Ayodhya has 7000 temples, but there are some 100 temples of relative significance. Near the remains of the Babri Masjid, the traveler can see the Ram Janmabhumi (birthplace of Lord Ram) shrine. It is believed that Lord Ram spent much of his childhood here. Other places to visit in Ayodhya are Lakshman Ghat, Kala Ram temple and the Kanak Bhavan temple, which was built in the 19th century. There are several Jain shrines in Ayodhya. One kilometer east of the Ram Janmabhumi shrine is Hanumangadhi (Fortress of Hanuman, the revered monkey god and friend/devotee of Lord Ram). It is said that Lord Hanuman lived in a cave nearby to protect the Ram Janmabhumi.

How to reach Ayodhya

By Air: For Ayodhya the nearest airports are Amausi (Lucknow-134km.) and Babatpur (Varanasi-209 km.).

By Rail: Ayodhya is situated on the gauage Northern Railway line on Mughal Sarai-Lucknow main route. Ayodhya/ Faizabad are connected to various parts of the country by the following trains-1067/1068 Saket Exp. (Mumbai /Faizabad); 3307/3308 Doon Exp.(Calcutta/ Dehadun);3151/3152 Jammu- Tawi Exp. (Calcutta),348/3484 Ganga- Yamuna Exp. (Bhiwani/Delhi-Varanasi/Malda Town);4649/4650 Saryu- Yamuna Exp. (Delhi/Varanasi); 9165/9166 Sabarmati Exp.(Varanasi/ Ahmedabad).

By Road: Connected by road to several major cities and towns, some of the major road distances are; Lucknow-125km; Gorakhapur-132 km; Jhansi-441 km; Allahbad-166 km; Sravasti-109 km; Varanasi-209 km., Gonda-51 km.

Konark

The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. The poet Rabindranath Tagore said of Konark that ‘here the language of stone surpasses the language of man’, and it is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words.

The massive structure, now in ruins, sits in solitary splendour surrounded by drifting sand. Today it is located two kilometers from the sea, but originally the ocean came almost up to its base. Until fairly recent times, in fact, the temple was close enough to the shore to be used as a navigational point by European sailors, who referred to it as the ‘Black Pagoda’.
Kedarnath Temple Hindu piligrimage Tour
Built by King Narasimhadeva in the thirteenth century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period and the following passages occur in a prayer to him in the Rig Veda, the earliest of sacred religious text:”Aloft his beams now bring the good, Who knows all creatures that are born, That all may look upon the Sun. The seven bay mares that draw thy car, Bring thee to us, far-seeing good, O Surya of the gleaming hair. Athwart in darkness gazing up, to him the higher light, we now Have soared to Surya, the god Among gods, the highest light.”

So the image of the sun god traversing the heavens in his divine chariot, drawn by seven horses, is an ancient one. It is an image, in fact, which came to India with the Aryans, and its original Babylonian and Iranian source is echoed in the boots that Surya images, alone among Indian deities, always wear.

The idea of building an entire temple in the shape of a chariot, however, is not an ancient one, and, indeed, was a breathtakingly creative concept. Equally breathtaking was the scale of the temple which even today, in its ruined state, makes one gasp at first sight. Construction of the huge edifice is said to have taken 12 years revenues of the kingdom.

The main tower, which is now collapsed, originally followed the same general form as the towers of the Lingaraja and Jagannath temples. Its height, however, exceeded both of them, soaring to 227 feet. The jagmohana (porch) structure itself exceeded 120 feet in height. Both tower and porch are built on high platforms, around which are the 24 giant stone wheels of the chariot. The wheels are exquisite, and in themselves provide eloquent testimony to the genius of Orissa’s sculptural tradition.

At the base of the collapsed tower were three subsidiary shrines, which had steps leading to the Surya images. The third major component of the temple complex was the detached natamandira (hall of dance), which remains in front of the temple. Of the 22 subsidiary temples which once stood within the enclosure, two remain (to the west of the tower): the Vaishnava Temple and the Mayadevi Temple. At either side of the main temple are colossal figures of royal elephants and royal horses.

Just why this amazing structure was built here is a mystery. Konark was an important port from early times, and was known to the geographer Ptolemy in the second century AD. A popular legend explains that one son of the god Krishna, the vain and handsome Samba, once ridiculed a holy, although ugly, sage. The sage took his revenge by luring Samba to a pool where Krishna’s consorts were bathing. While Samba stared, the sage slipped away and summoned Krishna to the site. Enraged by his son’s seeming impropriety with his stepmothers, Krishna cursed the boy with leprosy. Later he realized that Samba had been tricked, but it was too late to withdraw the curse. Samba then travelled to the seashore, where he performed 12 years penance to Surya who, pleased with his devotion, cured him of the dreaded disease. In thanksgiving, Samba erected a temple at the spot.

In India, history and legend are often intextricably mixed. Scholars however feel that Narasimhadeva, the historical builder of the temple, probably erected the temple as a victory monument, after a successful campaign against Muslim invaders.

In any case, the temple which Narasimhadeva left us is a chronicle in stone of the religious, military, social, and domestic aspects of his thirteenth century royal world. Every inch of the remaining portions of the temple is covered with sculpture of an unsurpassed beauty and grace, in tableaux and freestanding pieces ranging from the monumental to the miniature. The subject matter is fascinating. Thousands of images include deities, celestial and human musicians, dancers, lovers, and myriad scenes of courtly life, ranging from hunts and military battles to the pleasures of courtly relaxation. These are interspersed with birds, animals (close to two thousand charming and lively elephants march around the base of the main temple alone), mythological creatures, and a wealth of intricate botanical and geometrical decorative designs. The famous jewel-like quality of Orissan art is evident throughout, as is a very human perspective which makes the sculpture extremely accessible. The temple is famous for its erotic sculptures, which can be found primarily on the second level of the porch structure. The possible meaning of these images has been discussed elsewhere in this book. It will become immediately apparent upon viewing them that the frank nature of their content is combined with an overwhelming tenderness and lyrical movement. This same kindly and indulgent view of life extends to almost all the other sculptures at Konark, where the thousands of human, animal, and divine personages are shown engaged in the full range of the ‘carnival of life’ with an overwhelming sense of appealing realism.

The only images, in fact, which do not share this relaxed air of accessibility are the three main images of Surya on the northern, western, and southern facades of the temple tower. Carved in an almost metallic green chlorite stone (in contrast to the soft weathered khondalite of the rest of the structure), these huge images stand in a formal frontal position which is often used to portray divinities in a state of spiritual equilibrium. Although their dignity sets them apart from the rest of the sculptures, it is, nevertheless, a benevolent dignity, and one which does not include any trace of the aloof or the cold. Konark has been called one of the last Indian temples in which a living tradition was at work, the ‘brightest flame of a dying lamp’. As we gaze at these superb images of Surya benevolently reigning over his exquisite stone world, we cannot help but feel that the passing of the tradition has been nothing short of tragic.

How to reach Konark

How to reach Konark by Air: The nearest airport is Bhubhaneswar, which is 64 km away. It is connected with Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Nagpur through direct flights.

How to reach Konark by Rail: Puri is the nearest railhead, about 31 km from Konark and 64 km from Bhubaneswar.

How to reach Konark by Road:The National and State Highways connect Konark with Puri, Bhubaneshwar and other major places in Orissa.You can also hire taxis and private buses to get to Konark from Puri.

Shirdi

Shirdi, hometown and resting place of Shri Sai Baba, who many believe is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Shirdi is visited by millions of devotees every year. As his teaching cuts across all religions and beliefs, pilgrims from all faiths throng to get a sight of the Samadhi Idol.

History:

Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi was established in 1922 to carry out the noble service of Sai Baba. At the age of 16, Sai Baba first appeared here under a tree. For the next 60 years, he devoted his life towards helping the poor and alleviate their suffering. The villagers of Shirdi each claimed him as a member of their own religion, but he always encouraged each to stick to his
Sirdi saibaba
own religious path. Some even believed he was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He effected cures, conferred health, happiness and prosperity and made childless couples conceive but Sai Baba’s real purpose was to awaken in them a longing for the spiritual life.

Places To See:

The Samadhi Mandir (temple) of Sai Baba was owned by a millionaire and a famous Sai devotee from Nagpur, Shreemant Gopalrao. He wanted to keep an idol of Murlidhar here. According to legend, Sai Baba himself became Murlidhar and the temple became the Samadhi Mandir of Baba. The Mandir houses a statue of Sai Baba made of Italian marble and surrounded by ornamental decorations. There is also an assembly hall for devotees with a showcase of objects used by Sai Baba.
Dwarkamai is a mosque where Sai Baba inhabited till his death. The main attraction here are the paintings of him. A shrine has been constructed at the place where Sai Baba cam to as a child and is called Gurusthan. The dhuni (sacred fire) still burns here and its ash is smeared on devotees

How to reach

Air : The nearest airports are Mumbai (260 kms), Pune (185 kms) and Aurangabad (125 kms).
Train: The nearest railway station is Manmad (60 kms) on the Central Railway, which is connected to many parts of the country with Express trains.
Road: Shirdi is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Maharashtra and surrounding areas.

Tags: Allahabad pilgrimages, Ayodhya, Badrinath, Durga Temple, Gangotri, Gaumukh, Haridwar pilgrimages, Kedarnath, Konark, Shirdi, Tirupati, Tulsi Manas Temple, Vaishno devi temple, Varnasi, Vishwanath Temple, Yamunotri, Yamunotri Temple