Most Visited Hindu Temples in India
Going to a temple and spending time in its sacred environs is a part of life of most of us. Below are some of the most visited hindu temples in India, rendering peace and enriching our souls.
Shirdi
The temple town of Shirdi in the western state of Maharashtra, India is synonymous with the 19th century saint Sai Baba. People flock from far and wide to pay obeisance to one of the most unassuming Godly figures. Not much is known about his earlier days though. He became famous as a person who helped mankind and was the creator of healing miracles.
How to reach Shirdi
The closest railway station to Shirdi is Kopargaon, while Pune airport is four hours away. Plenty of hotels in the town, the names of most beginning with Sai, makes pilgrims stay quite convenient.
Main temple – Samadhi mandir
The life size, silver and marble statue of Sai baba at the main Samadhi mandir looks so real, as though he is actually present. The entire atmosphere invokes a deep reverence for the great soul who is a symbol of hope, faith and harmony.
Usually it takes about 20 minutes from the main gates to reach the shrine, though on special days it may take 45 minutes. Everything is well organized, with all basic facilities for visitors. Devotees in turn following discipline and patience which Sai Baba had propagated. Thursday being the most auspicious day for Sai Baba , rush on this day is more.
Of particular significance at Shirdi are the inspiring aarti’s (a form of prayer) conducted four times a day. Starting with early morning kakad aarti at 5.15 am, which is the most important. Then there’s a mid-day aarti, evening aarti at sunset and finally the shej aarti in the night at 10 pm. Apart from this throughout many pujas and programs are held including bhajans (devotional songs).
Currently offerings of flowers or sweets is not permitted.
Tirumala – Tirupati
The very mention of Tirupati, a place in the state of Andhra Pradesh is associated with one of the most visited temples of India – the Lord Venkateshwara temple, Tirumala. Occupying a special place in the hearts of devotees, and so strong is the faith that it’s an annual pilgrimage that people make to seek HIS blessings!
Despite the heavy rush, their unsurmountable faith draws them here often. Though the waiting time to get a `darshan’ is somewhere between 2 to 5 hours and can even extend beyond that too, yet the devotion is beyond words. And for every reason – the place is truly a heaven on earth !!
Location of the temple
The main temple is situated atop the pristine, green Venkatadri mountains. It is 20 kms uphill from the base through winding roads and thick forests. Distance from Bengaluru being 250 kms and Chennai 125 kms.
Not just the exterior gold gopuram with its intricate carvings, the main idol of the deity inside is beautifully decorated. Adorned with precious gems, jewels, gold, diamonds and draped in silks !
As you move slowly forward or rather are propelled forward by the enthusiastic devotees amidst chants, the entire atmosphere is rendered with immense positive energy. Approaching the inner sanctum – the aroma of incense and camphor pervades. Stepping inside the dimly lit doorway, Lord Venkateshwara stands towering before you. As though in a trance you have to quickly say your prayers, not for a moment taking your eyes off the holy sight, before being ushered out. At no cost are you allowed to linger there for more than few seconds.
The `prasad’ here is as famous as the temple – the absolutely divine laddoos !
It’s up to you to either stay on in Tirupati for a couple of more days to visit the other temples around. There are package bus tours from Bengaluru that are completed in less than 24 hours also if you wish. With the opening of an airport, a pilgrimage to this sacred place has become much faster and easier!
Prior to your visit, it is a requirement to purchase entrance tickets. There are different categories of tickets. Most of the information along with contact numbers is available on their website.
The government has done a tremendous work in the past four decades to make a trip to Tirumala comfortable and convenient. From well maintained roads and infra-structure to bus services and security, everything is in place.
Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi – it is popularly believed and very rightly so that you make a trip to this holy shrine in north-western Himalayas on the behest of the Goddess. Situated within the Trikuta mountain range, at a height of five and a half thousand feet, Vaishno Devi is not just a religious destination but a breathtaking hilly getaway. A picturesque 12 km uphill track from a place called Katra in Jammu leads to the cave temple.
Nearest airport and railway station to Katra is Jammu. Helicopter services, horse rides till the temple, are also available cutting down travel time and making the journey easier for worshippers.
Such is the unshakeable conviction, propelled probably by an inner power of the mother, that we devotees undertake this journey on foot through lofty mountains and greenery. The entire route is lined up with shops, restaurants and sitting areas where people can take rest and then proceed. Arrangements for the yatris are quite good.
The main shrine lies inside a narrow cave, with the icy cold waters of the river Ganga originating from the Himalayas flowing below. Amidst chanting of the divine name and full fervor, the endless line of pilgrims inch forward to reach the main shrine. This consists of the original three rocks depicting three forms of the Goddess. It is said that these natural rocks appeared on their own. Nobody knows exactly when ! Perhaps, the beginning of time, for she is `adi shakti’. Totally captivating, priceless moments, which remain with you for a lifetime!
These are few of the most visited Hindu temples in India
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