Pilgrimage and Spiritualism in India

Despite of modernization keep spreading its tentacles to swallow the Indian subcontinent, India remains a mystic country for outside world for its divinity, religious ethos , culture and spiritualism. The country known for its enigmatic saints and their practices in obscure Himalayan caves, fanatic crowd in age old pilgrimage places, desolate Buddhist monasteries in Himalayan ranges, it seems a cradle for spiritualism and religious growth from time immemorial. Yoga and meditation, has earned great reputation in the world originated in this part of the world. Still in most part of India treatment is done by ancient practice of medicines like Ayurveda and Yoga. Western world has also recognized the healing power of Yoga and meditation. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism have roots in India, exist harmoniously and contribute meaningfully towards the evolution of a mature society.

The Ganges river with eternal spiritualism / divine path of Hinduism
Ganga is not only a river but a cauldron of religious, economic, cultural and social hullabaloo that live everyday with the people. Ganga invites pilgrims from India and the entire world. A source of resplendent life, the Ganges has never ceased to inspire heart, with its celestial origin and Byzantine course, it covers almost 2, 700 kms. Multitude of pilgrims throng her banks at large holy cities to perform the ritual bath and pujas. Every evening at sunset, thousands of fire lamps are set afloat on the river in obeisance to the celebrated waters. Ganga is not only worship for her sacredness but also revered because she is descending fro the Himalayas to irrigate the Indian land.

Different Pilgrimages located near the river
» Haridwar - Located at the Himalayas, Haridwar is one of the holiest cities on India, home of several temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva, both supreme divinities in the Hindu pantheon , this ancient city is the point of departure on the pilgrim's route, to the source of the Ganges. During festivals like Kumbh Mela, the place is crowded with tons of devotees all across the world for the divine bath. Each evening in Haridwar , the sunset is celebrated with the traditional aarti at Har KI Pauri.

» Gaumukh - The scenic beauty of Gaumukh, which is situated on the high altitude path is spellbinding. A splendor valley of Bhojbhasa at 3800 m, dominated by majestic white peaks is must to see. A small sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on 6,542 m high altitude. Gaumukh is a sacred city with an ambiance of divinity.

» Rishikesh – The name suggest it is a city of rishis (yogis and saints). An ancient city with strong and rich surge of water from the melted Himalayas, is a place of divine tranquility. In ancient times, Rishikesh was the place where wise and renowned rishis took meditative residence in the neighborhood foliage of mysterious forests. Ayurveda, the ancient healing practices is widely practise here. Scenic beauty at sunset from the Lakshman Jhula is fascinating. Rishikesh is like an another world where the atmosphere is embellished with devotional music, bhajans (songs) and ritual practices.

» Amarnath - Located in 'paradise' Kashmir, it is considered one of the major pilgrimages in India. Major attraction is an ice Shivalinga (lord Shiva's phallus) that change size with changing season and also as the moon shine and fades, it becomes bigger and smaller. Each year on the full moon day of July- August, when the Shivalinga attains its maximum height there is a festival at this cave temples. Lord Shiva is said to have first appeared on this day.

» Varanasi - Among the pilgrimages in India,Varanasi is revered the most. One can experience a mystic flavor at this spot, their are number of activities from which get a feel of spiritualism. Stand on any spot on the banks of the Ganga with hands raised in a namaskara and turn slowly on your axis , sitting on the steps of ghats and watch aarti in the evening will propel sense of divinity in the soul, watching dopey sadhus with incredible lifestyle will be a great experience.

» Ayodhya - Although a disputable area, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is also a popular sacred place, lying to the east of Lucknow - is believed the birthplace of Lord Rama. It is often associated with the legend of Vishnu's incarnation as a fish. It is a place dotted with monasteries and ashrams. With numerous monkeys and sadhus, place seems like straight out from epical tale.

» Tirupati - The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and spectacular places of pilgrimage in India. It is situated in the Chittoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh. The town owes its existence to the sacred temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara situated on the Tirumala Hill adjoining it.

Indian mystic wanderers - tale of sadhus, tantric practices and yogis and meditation
India is famous for spiritual practices and exceptional lifestyle of saints and yogis who abandoned all the material pleasures on Earth and devote themselves to practices of asceticism and meditation. With long beard and unkempt hair, sporting rudraksha necklace and tie their locks in a huge chignon, they are reminiscent of supreme ascetic. Their mystic appeal always lure overland travelers and they are nothing less than any wonders.

Buddhist trail
Apart from Hinduism there are lots to see and understand in this mammoth land. India is favorite place for westerner because of its strong connection with Buddhism. Though modern day Buddhism tends to be associated with countries such as Japan and Tibet yet, the thrill is unique in the land of its origin. Here Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, revealed the four novel truth and eight fold path, Buddhist pilgrimage trail is one of the best experience one can have.

Start with Bodhgaya in Bihar, this is where young Buddha attained nirvana. Another spectacular place is Nalanda, the first university from where monks trained and left to disseminate the faith worldwide. Other pilgrimage sites are great stupa of Sanchi, in Madhaya Pradesh. Climb to Dharamsala, where the monasteries are beautiful and have scent of ancient Buddhism. To the west , world heritage site beautifully carved paintings of Ajanta and Ellora will be exuberant. We provide tour like pilgrimage and spiritualism in india, indian pilgrimage tour, indian spiritual tour, pilgrimage tour in india, spiritual tour in india and many more.