10 India spiritual destinations that will change your life

Golden Temple, Amritsar The Golden Temple in Amritsar, which is significant to Sikhs, serves as the foundation for spiritual teachings. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the Golden Temple in 1830, and it still remains today. The shrine is built of pure gold, while the temple building is constructed out of marble and copper. An estimated 100,000 individuals receive free langar every day at the temple.

Jagannath Temple, Puri The famed Jagannath Temple, which is devoted to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), is located in Puri. One of the main draws is the yearly Rath Yatra, during which gods are transported in opulent chariots. The temple has a long and distinguished history, and Hindu mythology maintains a unique place for it.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand At the foot of the Garhwal Himalayas and known as the "Yoga Capital of India," Rishikesh has long been a significant spiritual centre in the nation. Many yogis and spiritual leaders come here today for meditation from all over India and abroad.

Bodh Gaya, Bihar It is believed that Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment, or "great awaening" (Sanskrit: Mahabodhi), at this unique location called Bodh Gaya. In this location, Siddhartha Gautama meditated beneath the Bodhi tree after giving up his princely life to travel and engage in austerity.

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh A young monk managed a risky and courageous escape from Tibet in 1959 as the Chinese occupiers hunted him down. He travelled across the Himalayas, arriving in India and then Dharamsala. The Dalai Lama arrived in India in this manner, establishing his residence and the Tibet government-in-exile in a small town nestled in the Himalayan mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamsala is still his home today and a centre for Tibetan culture.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh One of Varanasi's cities, Kasi, is known as the Spiritual Town of India. People from all over the world travel to the Holy Ganges to atone for their sins, making it the city of Gods as Lord Shiva is reputed to have created this metropolis. Many saints and sanyasis who come here to meditate are honoured by this vast centre.

Haridwar Uttarakhand Another Ganges entrance, Haridwar is thought to be where the river emerges from the mountains and empties into the plains. Here, a sizable spiritual gathering known as the Kumbh Mela takes place. Hindu mythology and legend are entwined with the history of Haridwar.

Mathura/ Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is thought to have developed around the historic Kesava temple. The Krishna Jamnbhoomi Complex, which houses the temple, was built. In Mathura, there are numerous places of worship to visit, including Sri Bankey Bihari Mandir and Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir. Additionally, Mathura features Vishram Ghat, which served as Sri Krishna's final resting place after he killed Kansa.

Pushkar, Rajasthan Pushkar, one of India's oldest cities, is situated northwest of Ajmer. Numerous tourists and pilgrims travelling to Rajasthan frequently stop in the serene city of Pushkar. Ajmer and Pushkar are naturally separated by the "Nag Pahar," or Snake Mountain. The famed Pushkar rose, often known as the "rose garden of Rajasthan," is transported all over the world.

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