'Aham Brahmasmi’ or `I am the universe’, says the archaic Indian text Vedas. If you are at peace then the world is at peace! The realization of these words written in those archaic parchments happens in the tranquil spiritual destinations of the country which is a conglomeration of many religions. Oriental and authentic to the core, the spiritual destinations of the country bring to one’s mind an absolute peace which is there to stay.
Yamunotri is a spiritual place of Uttarakhand situated at an altitude of 3293 metres. It is regarded as the Sacred Jewel of the Himalayas and finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. Main attractions include the source of the Yamuna River, a view of the Bandarpunch Mountain that lies north, The Temple of Goddess Yamuna, the thermal springs at Surya Kund with a huge rock pillar Divya Shila that is worshipping before entering the temple. Trekking to Yamunotri is also a popular option with the sceneries of the mountains and peaks. Every year thousands of devotees
History
Based on Hindu mythology belief, the Champasar Glacier on the Kalind Mountain at an altitude of 4421 metres is the birth place of Yamuna, and is the source that feeds the Yamuna River in Yamunotri. Legends has it that Yamunotri was also the religious retreat to an ancient sage Asit Muni who lived in the secluded hill spot and bathed daily in the Yamuna River. The Yamunotri temple is built and dedicated to Goddess Yamuna during the 19th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt twice due to floods and snow around the area. The Yamunotri temple is part of the Chota Char Dam (small four pilgrimage places) widely revered by most Hindu devotees.
Getting There:
The nearest airport to Yamunotri is the Jolly Grant Airport (DED) which is located 25km from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. Which is connected by regular flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (DEL). Upon reaching the Jolly Grant Airport, you can take public transport to the capital city of Dehradun, which is over 200km from Yamunotri. As the terrain around the region is rough, only private cars and taxis travel there. Yamunotri can also reach by Helicopter from Dehradun in 45 minutes duration.
Siddhartha meditated for 49 days straight at the base of the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya before reaching enlightenment. Later named Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, this enlightenment destination which is located in the state of Bihar is a must visit spot for a traveller who is in search of inner peace. The centuries old Bodhi tree is still preserved at the destination and the sight of the place is meant to bring back a new self in you. Bodh Gaya which is known as the most important Buddhist spiritual destination is visited by millions of people every year, both tourist and local.
The place which is set right in the middle of land untouched by modern development of a civilization will also serve as a sanctuary for those who are in search of a quite holiday, far from the maddening crowd. The place also has the Maha Bodhi Temple, which is centuries old. The temple has a golden shrine which is open for visits. The place which is 96 km away from Patna, the capital city of the state is well connected through road and rail.
The holy river, Ganga which according to the Hindu mythology emanates from the dreadlocks of Lord Shiva, has many spiritual destinations which are built around it. The most famous among them would be Rishikesh and Haridwar, which are set right at the foothills of Himalayas. Both the places are situated in the state Uttarakhand which is over 200 km from the country’s capital city, Delhi.
Haridwar, literally `Gateway to God’, is a center of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries, Haridwar is the Gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. The main Ghat, Har ki Pauri, the very spot from where the river emerges is considered very spiritual. The place also hosts, two humongous religious processions including Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela both of which are attended by millions of people.
Rishikesh, now known as the world capital for Yoga, is a spiritual destination which is associated with many stories in Hindu mythology. The myth goes that Lord Ram, Lakshman and Goddess Sita visited the place during their exile or Vanavasa. Trimbakeshwar Temple which is 13 storied is considered to be one of the most blessed places. The place Swarg Ashram, known to the place where many Saints found oneness with God is a must visit spot.
Rishikesh and Haridwar have two `swings’ or `Jhulas’, Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula which are bridged built high about the river Ganga. The bridges are believed to be have been built by the Gods, Lakhsman and Ram.
The Sikh pilgrim destination, Golden Temple situated in the ancient and fascinating city of Amritsar is known to attract believers of all faiths due to its scenic location, peace and quiet. The temple is believed to have been built by the Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das in 1574 and completed by his successor, Guru Arjun Dev.
In the early 19th century, 100 kg of gold were applied to the inverted lotus-shaped dome and decorative marble was added. The temple in its interior shines in golden glow even now and is a state preserved monument. The most famous and sacred part of the Golden Temple complex is the Hari Mandir (Divine Temple) or Darbar Sahib (Court of the Lord), which is the beautiful golden structure at the center of a large body of water. The water that surrounds the Hari Mandir is a sacred pool known as the Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar). The place can be reached on road from anywhere in the state of Punjab.
The South Indian shrine, Tirumala Tirupati, an avatar of Lord Vishnu is one of the most sought after destinations in the country. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. Built in 14th century AD, the temple still stands erect on the hill.
The Prasada or the offering from God is Ladd, sweet made of ghee which is very unique to the place. The place can be reached from Hyderabad, which the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The hills have both rail and road connectivity.
The Jesuit church which was built in 1594 still holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. The world heritage monument is known to attract tourists from across the globe. It is believed that the body of St Francis which is stored in a silver casket in the ceiling of the church is known to have not decayed due to his oneness with God.
This is one of the oldest churches in Goa and is carpeted with marble flooring and inlaid with precious stones. Apart from the elaborate gilded altars, the interior of the church is simple. The church also holds paintings with scenes taken from the life of St. Francis Xavier.
The Saint’s body which was to shipped to Goa from China is still revealed to the believers who are even allowed to pray by his side during special occasions. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule, about 10 km from the new city of Panjim.
A historical city which is ancient in its feel and look, Varanasi located on the banks of river Ganga is that spiritual destination which one should not miss. The place which is known to be the pre-eminent destination to achieve ‘Moksha’ or eternal peace (Hindu belief) is where ashes of the dead are floated for a quick entry into heavens. The sight of a thousand lamps with the ashes attacked to small pots being floated into the river at dusk should not be given a miss as it reinstates the belief of oneness with nature and the almighty.
The place which is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh is considered holy not only by the Hindus but by Buddhists and Jains. Sarnath located close to Varanasi is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha, gave his first public oration on Dharma (righteousness). The place which has a feel of serenity gives one a peek into the history of this God-man who walked the Earth preaching of non-violence and justice. One can reach Varanasi mostly by buses from Delhi and Agra. The place is well connected by road.
Yamunotri Dham
History
Based on Hindu mythology belief, the Champasar Glacier on the Kalind Mountain at an altitude of 4421 metres is the birth place of Yamuna, and is the source that feeds the Yamuna River in Yamunotri. Legends has it that Yamunotri was also the religious retreat to an ancient sage Asit Muni who lived in the secluded hill spot and bathed daily in the Yamuna River. The Yamunotri temple is built and dedicated to Goddess Yamuna during the 19th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt twice due to floods and snow around the area. The Yamunotri temple is part of the Chota Char Dam (small four pilgrimage places) widely revered by most Hindu devotees.
Getting There:
The nearest airport to Yamunotri is the Jolly Grant Airport (DED) which is located 25km from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. Which is connected by regular flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (DEL). Upon reaching the Jolly Grant Airport, you can take public transport to the capital city of Dehradun, which is over 200km from Yamunotri. As the terrain around the region is rough, only private cars and taxis travel there. Yamunotri can also reach by Helicopter from Dehradun in 45 minutes duration.
Bodh Gaya
The place which is set right in the middle of land untouched by modern development of a civilization will also serve as a sanctuary for those who are in search of a quite holiday, far from the maddening crowd. The place also has the Maha Bodhi Temple, which is centuries old. The temple has a golden shrine which is open for visits. The place which is 96 km away from Patna, the capital city of the state is well connected through road and rail.
Haridwar
Haridwar, literally `Gateway to God’, is a center of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries, Haridwar is the Gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. The main Ghat, Har ki Pauri, the very spot from where the river emerges is considered very spiritual. The place also hosts, two humongous religious processions including Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela both of which are attended by millions of people.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh and Haridwar have two `swings’ or `Jhulas’, Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula which are bridged built high about the river Ganga. The bridges are believed to be have been built by the Gods, Lakhsman and Ram.
Golden Temple
In the early 19th century, 100 kg of gold were applied to the inverted lotus-shaped dome and decorative marble was added. The temple in its interior shines in golden glow even now and is a state preserved monument. The most famous and sacred part of the Golden Temple complex is the Hari Mandir (Divine Temple) or Darbar Sahib (Court of the Lord), which is the beautiful golden structure at the center of a large body of water. The water that surrounds the Hari Mandir is a sacred pool known as the Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar). The place can be reached on road from anywhere in the state of Punjab.
Tirumala Tirupati
The Prasada or the offering from God is Ladd, sweet made of ghee which is very unique to the place. The place can be reached from Hyderabad, which the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The hills have both rail and road connectivity.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
This is one of the oldest churches in Goa and is carpeted with marble flooring and inlaid with precious stones. Apart from the elaborate gilded altars, the interior of the church is simple. The church also holds paintings with scenes taken from the life of St. Francis Xavier.
The Saint’s body which was to shipped to Goa from China is still revealed to the believers who are even allowed to pray by his side during special occasions. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule, about 10 km from the new city of Panjim.
Varanasi
The place which is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh is considered holy not only by the Hindus but by Buddhists and Jains. Sarnath located close to Varanasi is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha, gave his first public oration on Dharma (righteousness). The place which has a feel of serenity gives one a peek into the history of this God-man who walked the Earth preaching of non-violence and justice. One can reach Varanasi mostly by buses from Delhi and Agra. The place is well connected by road.
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