The rich and diverse culture of India is a result of various aspects that majorly include its people’s beliefs of varied religions. Can you even imagine that people in India worship around two million Gods? Such is the strong inclination of Indian people toward religion and religious places. There are innumerable places of pilgrimage in this country that attract domestic and foreign tourists throughout the year.
There are many temples, gurudwaras, mosques and churches in every nook and corner of the country. However, there are certain religious destinations in India that keep on getting tourist attention much more than various other places. Check out some of these most visited religious destinations that are dearest to visitors from all across the world.
Tirumala Venkateswara, Tirupati
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which is also known as Tirupati Balaji, is a famous place of pilgrimage and one of the most visited Indian Hindu temples. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. People from all over the world specially visit this place on the holy occasion of Brahmotsavam festival organized by the temple.
Siddhivinayak, Mumbai
This temple of Lord Ganesha (the elephant God) is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This temple is considered as one of the richest temples in Mumbai. The holy vibes of this place attract millions of tourists from across the world every year.
Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer
This is a significant Indian religious site located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Popularly known as Ajmer Sharif, this place has Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s dargah. This is the most important place of pilgrimage for Muslims from all over India and the world. Ajmer Sharif is symbolic of national integration and humanity and people from all religions frequently visit this destination for getting their prayers answered.
Vaishno Devi, Jammu
Another holy place, which no believer in Hinduism would ever want to miss visiting in their lifetime, is the Vaishno Devi temple based in Katra hills in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This place has Hindu temples that are dedicated to Adi Shakti. Mother Goddess Durga’s shrine is located at about 5,200-foot altitude.
Golden Temple, Amritsar
A prominent place of pilgrimage for Sikhs, the Golden Temple is based in Amritsar, Punjab. It is also known as Harmandir Sahib. This Gurudwara is one of India’s heritage monuments that reflects the holy traditions and culture of Punjab. This wonderful religious place is surrounded by a very beautiful lake and people from all religions equally appreciate its beauty and holiness.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
This wonderful church in old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This popular landmark church is the country’s first minor basilica and one of the oldest Christian places of pilgrimage in India. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of Goa’s richest churches.
Mahabodhi, Bodhgaya
The Gaya district in the state of Bihar is famous for its Mahabodhi Mahavihara Bodhgaya Temple. This temple holds great significance for all followers of Buddhism, as this is the place where Lord Buddha got enlightenment under the famous Bodhi tree. The temple complex also includes a monastery called Bodhimanda Vihara. Millions of Buddhists from all over the world frequently visit this temple of Lord Buddha.
Amarnath Dham, Srinagar
The famous Amarnath cave is believed to be the most significant and holiest shrine devoted to the great Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Temple is based at an altitude of 12,756 feet in Srinagar. This place is covered from all sides by snowy mountains. In fact, an ice stalagmite reflecting Lord Shiva’s Lingam is formed in this cave every year due to this snow. During that time, thousands of people flock to this destination for praying to Lord Shiva.
Jama Masjid, Delhi
Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is India’s largest mosque and is very famous among visitors coming to the capital city. At a single time, this place can accommodate around 25,000 people. Muslims not only from India but also from various other countries come for pilgrimage to this holy mosque.
Lord Jagannath, Puri
This temple of Lord Jagannath is a priority pilgrim destination of Hindus in India. Located in Puri, Orissa, this temple is world famous for its Rath Yatra. The Rath Yatra is held every year in the month of June and a famous annual festival is also celebrated at this place.
Sai Baba, Shirdi
The town of Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra has this very beautiful shrine of Shri Sai Baba, a famous saint worshipped by people of several Indian communities. Shri Sai Baba was believed to be a saint who had magic in his hands and who could relive any sufferer from his diseases and problems. That is the reason his followers are spread all over the country to celebrate his holiness. Shri Sai Baba is no less than a God for Hindus, Muslims and Zoroastrians.