Tirupati

The Tirupati Balaji Temple is located about 10 Km away from Tirupati. It lies on the base of the Tirumala hills in the Chitoor district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, the Tirumala temple is the most visited temple in the world.

The Tirupathi Balaji TempleThe temple of Tirupathi Tirumala Balaji in India is the second richest temple in the world after The Vatican in Rome. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims from across the globe throng to this temple that is among the famous holy Hindu pilgrimage sites. A Hindu South India pilgrimage is considered incomplete without a visit to the renowned Tirumala Balaji temple. Such is the reverence that this temple enjoys.

History :

The age of the Tirumala Temple is unknown but it was first mentioned in Tamil literature that dates back to as early as 500 B.C. Tirupathi was then called Tiruvengadam that was the northernmost border of the Tamil Kingdoms. Ramanuja was a legendary Vaishnava scholar and in the 12th century he identified the deity as Lord Vishnu thus removing many doubts the people had.

Kings of different dynasties have contributed generously thus making it a famous and the richest temple in the world. Originally built by the Pallavas, the temple was supported by the Cholas and Hoysalas, who were the rulers of Vijayanagara. The king of Vijayanagara, Krishna Deva Raya donated gold and other ornaments for the temple and also extended the temple by building more shrines. The temple gained immense popularity and fame under his rule. It thus became one among the prime places of worship in India.

Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath is 145kms east of Srinagar in Kashmir. In Amarnath, there is an ice Shiva-linga that changes size as per the season and as the moon waxes and wanes, it becomes bigger and smaller. On the full moon day the linga is about 6ft high. On the full moon day of July-August (Sravana) the Siva linga is of maximum height. Every year, on this day there is a festival at this cave temple. It is said that Lord Shiva first appeared on this day. A trip to Amarnath is regarded as one of the sacred pilgrimage sites in India in any north Indian pilgrimage.

Amarnath-yatraLocated in a glacial valley at 4175mts, the cave is 150ft high and 90 ft long. Within the cave are four or five ice formations that resemble figures of different gods, with the biggest being that of Lord Shiva (Amarnath). On the left side of the linga is an ice formation called Ganesh and on the right side is that of Parvati and Bhairava. Amarnath in India is a Hindu pilgrimage site of prime importance.

The Amarnath yatra is an important event during July-August. It is held annually and thousands of Hindus from various parts of the world visit these Amarnath caves. Pilgrims trek from Pahalgam to reach the caves and worship the great ice Lingam. Such, is the reverence, Amarnath has for the Hindus being one of the central places of worship in India.

The holy cave is covered with snow from September to June and so, opens only in July and August. Since it is also the rainy season, pilgrims will have to bear the rough weather in their quest to reach the holy cave. Each year about 25,000 people make this pilgrimage. Ponies and dandies can also be hired for this trip. It is very crowded during the Sravana festival, held annually. Also, there is a yearly pilgrimage from Srinagar that is lead by Chhari Saheb or the holy seepter.

Char Dham

Situated in the high and mighty peaks of the Himalayas, are the four most holy pilgrimage sites in India-Gangotri, Yamunotri, Sri Badrinathji and Sri Kedarnathji. Together, they are referred to as the Char Dham or the four Hindu pilgrimage sites. Known as "Kedarkhand" in ancient Hindu scriptures, for centuries, saints and pilgrims have walked through these holy valleys in search of the divine.

The Char Dham in India is the most sacred of pilgrimage tour of the Hindus among the North Indian pilgrimages. The Char Dhar consists of tours to the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The sources of two rivers - Gangotri and Yamunotri are linked to the female deities Ganga and Yamuna. Along with Badrinath and Kedarnath, they form the Char Dham of Garhwal. They are the four most hallowed shrines of the Himalayas.

Ganga, is the one of the places of worship in India, and is visited by the devout pilgrims to wash off all their sins. Linked to legends, hopes, fears, songs of triumph and victories and defeats against the evil, Ganga is the symbol of India's rich culture and tradition. Civilizations have taken turns as the mighty Ganga stood by the ravages of time to see them pass by.

Ganga was known by different names in ancient history. Among them is Loknadi or the river of the world. The mythological story linked to Ganga, is that she was the first to have descended from heaven to Earth. Lord Shiva received her into his matted hair to handle the strong impact of her fall. From there, the river that descended from Yamunotri was called Yamuna, from Gangotri-Baghirathi, from Kedarnath-Mandakini and the one from Badrinath was called Alaknanda.

According to scriptures of the Hindu religion, the Char Dham, meaning the four sacred spots, is the most revered and sacred of all pilgrimages. A pilgrimage to Ganga, Yamuna, Kedarnath and Badrinath will wash off one's sins and also ensure release from the cycle of birth and death. That is the honor; these four places have in the Hindu religion.

The Char Dham lie in the snow peak Garhwal ranges and is, thus considered the most sacred of all the Himalayan ranges. Heaven and the Earth is said to unite in these holy spots. Those who are born or die here are said to be very fortunate. The Char Dham should be visited from left to right beginning from Yamunotri, going to Gangotri, Kedarnath and finally Badrinath. This route follows the Hindu tradition of Parikrama or clockwise circumambulation.

Hari Duwar

Haridwar, India is one of the seven most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites that are together known as moksapuri or saptapuri. Haridwar literally means gateway to Hari, an epithet for Vishnu who is said to be the Creator in the Hindu Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer. It is also known as Gangadwara as it is near Haridwar that Ganga, regarded as the holy river of the Hindus, enters the plains of India.

HaridwarReferred to as Mayapuri Kshetra in the Puranas, Haridwar is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in India of the Hindus. Regarded as a significant destination among the North India pilgrimage sites, pilgrims from all over the country come to Haridwar, to pray at the temples on the banks of the river Ganga. It is thus, regarded as one of the important places of worship in India. The Kumbh Mela, a one-month long fair, is another added attraction in Haridwar that draws huge crowds from across the country.

History says Haridwar is an old and ancient city. It is mentioned in the accounts of Huien Tsang, the famous seventh century Chinese traveler. In 1399, a Turkish named Amir Timur(Tamerlane) invaded the city of Haridwar. He had already annexed Persia, Afghanistan and Mesopotamia and was eyeing India. On the pretext of glorifying Islam, Timur gained the support of his courtiers and soldiers who were not for conquering a remote area as that of India. But, when he finally invaded India, people in Haridwar, comprising of mostly Hindus, were killed brutally by the strong Turkish army.

During the nineteenth century, Haridwar became an important place for Arya Samaj, which was a movement towards reforms in India. In 1902, the followers of this sect known as Arya Samaj's founded the Gurukul of Haridwar that became a famous centre for Vedic Studies. At present Haridwar is also fast growing as a tourist destination among the westerners who have been enthralled by its sacred culture and divine aura.

Mathura

Mathura, a city in Uttar Pradesh, is located at a distance of 141 kms southeast of Delhi and 47kms northwest of Agra. It lies in the western part of the state in the northern region of India. Being part of the great northern plains, it lies on the west bank of the river Yamuna. Mathura is regarded as one of the holy Hindu pilgrimage sites among the north Indian pilgrimage destinations.

MathuraBeing the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is one of the hotspot pilgrimage sites in India. Krishna is the best known, loved and the most complex form of Lord Vishnu. Temples are lined up in the scenic ghats, leading to the water's edge in this sacred town of Mathura. On the right bank of the river Yamuna, there are temples aplenty with arched gateways. These define the sanctity of the famous town of Mathura. People from India and round the world throng to visit Mathura regarded as one of the holiest places of worship in India.

Mathura is an ancient city, the origin of which is linked with legendary tales of history. It is placed in a strategic location that was the central place for various trade routes. To its west lie West Asia and the Roman Empire; to its north is Central Asia and the Silk Route en-route Taxila, Pushkalavati and Purushapur and to its east lies China. Mathura, in India was the centre for trade and also a meeting point for varied cultures.

In the fifth century BC., during Buddhism, it became a major metropolis and the capital of the Surasena Kingdom-one of the 16 Mahajanapadas of the period. Mathura was at its `golden age' during the rule of the Kushanas and the able governance of rulers like Kanishka, Huvishka and Vasishka. Art flourished and economic wealth grew during this period. It became a power centre during the Mauryan period through the enlightened rule of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BC) to the Gupta era (4th century AD).

According to the Bhagwat Purana, Shri Krishna is said to have danced here along with the gopis. The ritual of dance ( also called Raas) on the banks of the Yamuna at Vrindavan is fondly attached to Krishna. The gopis( female friends) were happy with Lord Krishna dancing with them, but when he disappeared they felt very agonized with their separation from their beloved Krishna. The gopis recalled and enacted his lilas (divine episodes of his life), which was later called Raslila that is remembered till date.

The Raslila in its present form is ascribed to Swami Haridas and Shri Narayan Bhatt. The Raslila can be performed only by young Brahmin boys of 13 to 14 years of age as the charming childhood pranks of Shri Krishna are the main themes of these dramas.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh, located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh, lies in the Tehri-Garhwal region, now part of Uttaranchal. It is one of the holy pilgrimage sites in India among the north Indian pilgrimage destinations. Situated at an altitude of about 1360 feet above sea level, it is 238 km northeast of Delhi and 24 km north of Haridwar. Tour BokkingIt is the gateway to the gigantic Himalayas and is surrounded by hills on all three sides.

RishikeshOn the right banks of the Ganges, is Rishikesh at the confluence of the Ganga with the Chandrabhaga stream. The banks of the Ganges are lined up with temples. It is regarded as one of the major places of worship in India. Rishikesh is the place where Lord Vishnu is said to have vanquished the demon Madhu. It is said that many yogis and sages lived and practices penance at Rishikesh.

Rishikesh does not include the town of Rishikesh alone but also an association of five distinct sections, covering hamlets and settlements on both sides of the river. These include the sprawling suburban Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages";; ShivaNanda Nagar, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshmanjhula, a little further north; and the assorted ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. In Rishikesh, the winters last from November to March, when temperatures fall below 0°C. The monsoons are generally experienced in the months of July and August.

Legend has it that the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance and God appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh, as a reward. The place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Tapovan, located on the left bank of the Ganges has a temple of Lakshmana as it is believed that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama carried out penance here. Rishikesh also represents the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.

Another major attraction for tourists in Rishikesh, is the Lakshmanan Jhula. Built in 1939, it is a suspended iron bridge in which Lakshman is said to have crossed Ganga on jute ropes between the places where this bridge is built. The Ram Jhula, which is also a suspended bridge, recently built between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram an also an attraction worth visiting. Ram Jhula is also known as Shivanand Jhula. In Rishikesh, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple is one of the sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva drank the venom that came out during the churning of the ocean. In the 1960s, Rishikesh in India, came into limelight as the place where the pop group Beatles had a chance to meet their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Since those time the small town is also known as the world capital of yoga.

The view from the Lakshman Jhula is magnificent with the holy river Ganga flowing below. The picturesque surroundings along with the cool breeze from the River soothens the eye. A boat ride across the Ganges will give, yet another experience of a lifetime.

Vaishno Devi

The Vaishno Devi Temple is situated at an altitude of 5200ft above sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This holy shrine is set in the mountains, which is about 650 kilometers from the National Capital, Delhi. Situated on the top of the Trikuta mountain, at a height of 1700mts is the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi-the Mother Goddess.Tour BokkingVaishno Devi in India is regarded as one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.

Vaishno DeviA must visit place for those on a north India pilgrimage, the Vaishno Devi upholds a sanctity that attracts thousands of devotees every year. For the Hindus, it is one of the holiest places of worship in India. The cave shrine is 61kms from Jammu and it is 30mts long and just one and a half mt high and is open round the year for people of any religion. Millions of Indians from all parts of India visit this shrine. Such, is the reverence this holy cave shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi, people swear by her ability to fulfill all their wishes.

At the end of the cave are the three stone idols dedicated to the three forms of the mother Goddess-Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. To reach this holy cave shrine pilgrims have to enter a narrow opening in small groups and walk through ice-cold water.

There are many legendary tales associated with the Vaishno Devi shrine. According to a legend, Mother Goddess hid in the cave, while trying to escape from a demon, whom she ultimately killed. It is said that, the devotees who visit the Mata or Mother for fulfilling their wishes, never go empty handed. But there are some who throng the holy shrine, only to see the Mata. Vaishno Devi, in India is a one of the sacred pilgrimage sites in India.

The route to reach the shrine of Mata Devi passes through Katra, which is 13kms from the shrine and is the base point for the pilgrimage to star their climb to the shrine. One can rent a horse or can be carried up or else walk up the mountain. From there, pilgrims climb 1km to Banganga, where the Goddess is believed, to have stopped to drink water. And 6kms away is the cave shrine of Ardhkuwari, where she is believed to have meditated for nine months. The final stop of the shrine is Bhawan, where arrangements are made for wash and change, accommodation and for depositing luggage and valuables.

The nearest airport base and the train station is Jammu that is 48kms from Katra. Regular buses and private car service is available between Jammu and Katra. The climb to Vaishno Devi is not easy. One can go up the cave and be back on the same day. It normally takes four hours to climb and 3 hours to descend. Pilgrims must get a yatra-slip from the tourist reception centre to pass BanGanga.

Regarded an accomplishment or sorts by the pilgrims, a trip to the holy shrine of Ma Vaishno Devi fulfils every pilgrim's aspiration of a holy pilgrimage.