Spiritual India
The majority of humans believe that god is omnipresent, and that he/she is one. While that is largely true, whats also correct is that in our world we see him/her in different manifestations, in diverse forms. Holy books, stone idols, a shrine, or just an empty space, god certainly is multifarious. We all undertake pilgrimages every now and then. Some do it to purge one of guilty, some do for the sake of exploring another faith and still others do it as they are fervent followers of their religion. When talking of religious matters, can a discussion on India be far behind? Take a flight to India and embark on a spiritual journey, a journey of the enlightening kinds. A complex compound of various cultures, ethnicities and religions, this is how many describe India as. With Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism having their roots here, India is abode to holy faiths, temples and mythic imagery. This is exactly what lends the mystical charm to it. Tourists across the world travel to India to experience the religious facet of the country. Be it north, south, east or west, there are pilgrimages to be undertaken in nearly all parts of the country.
Beginning with Vaishno Devi, it is very highly revered and is probably the most popular pilgrimages. Located at the lofty Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Range, Vaishno Devi is the holy shrine of goddess Mata Rani or Vaishnavi. Devout pilgrims in thousands throng the holy place every month, including newly weds, vacationers, and large families seeking the blessings of the goddess. From extreme north we now move down to south. The deity Lord Venkateshwara is remembered when one speaks of Tirupati-Balaji. Literally meaning lord of Lakshmi the renowned shrine is located in the Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. A visit to this pilgrimage brings you face to face with the Dravidian architecture. Tirupati-Balaji is a foremost cultural and philanthropic institution with an equally influential history.
As is well understood, India is a place of faiths manifold. The second most prominent religion after Hinduism is Sikhism. The Harmandir Sahib or more commonly known as Golden Temple is your final Sikh pilgrimage. A visit to this temple is nothing short of being an enthralling experience. Spend an entire day and be witness to various rituals strictly followed by ardent followers daily. These include Amrit Vela, Parkarma, the Decorated Palki and Sawari, Parkash Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Har ki Pauri, and Rahras & Arti. Apart from being world famous as a tourist hotspot, Goa also has some beautiful churches. The most renowned among them is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Containing the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier, it was built in 1605 and is also a World Heritage Site. With cheap airline tickets being provided by mostly all carriers, you shouldnt postpone your journey to the divine anymore. You may never know, your wishes might just come true.
