India is a spiritual country. It contains some of the oldest cities, which have been blessed since antiquity. The following are some of the top places in the country for achieving spiritual consciousness.

Varanasi

Varanasi, on the western bank of the Ganges, is considered the entrance to spirituality and salvation. It is also known as Kashi, the ‘City of Light’ since it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Varanasi is one of Hinduism’s Saptapuri or seven holy cities. The lively Ghats are the beating heart of Kashi. Temples can be found in every nook and cranny of the city.

The following places and things add to Banaras’ allure:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located on the banks of the Ganga, is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Vishwanath translates as “Universal Ruler.” The Puranas make mention of the temple. The main shrine’s tower is capped with 800 kg of gold plating.

The temple complex also has shrines to Lord Vishnu, Kaalbhairav, Vinayaka, Virupaksh Gauri, and Avimukteshwara. Devotees seeking Moksha take a plunge in the holy Ganga after paying a visit to Lord Vishwanath.

Tibetan Temple

The temple represents Lord Buddha’s teachings and displays the majesty of Tibetan architecture. The structure houses a wonderful statue of Shakyamuni. Traditional Buddhist paintings called Thangksa adorn the walls. Numerous prayer wheels have chants written on them. It is believed that by turning the wheels clockwise, one can profit from the hymns written on them.

Ganga Aarti 

Kashi is synonymous with Ganga Aarti. It is a kind of worship on the banks of the holy river. Every morning and evening, priests perform the big ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The aarti with large brass lamps and resonating mantras create a beautiful mood that words cannot describe.

Ghats 

Varanasi boasts over a hundred Ghats, each of which is associated with a legend or story. Dashashwamedh Ghat, for example, is thought to be the location where Lord Brahma performed the Dasa Ashwamedha sacrifice.

Furthermore, the significance of Manikarnika Ghat is linked to a tradition that states that when Goddess Parvati lost her earrings, Lord Shiva cursed the location to be a haunted site of the dead. Tulsi Das penned Ramcharitamanas at Tulsi Ghat. Durga Ghat, Assi Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Kedar Ghat, and Manmandir Ghat are some more prominent Ghats in Varanasi.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Batuk Bhairav Mandir, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manasa Temple, and New Vishwanath Temple are also renowned temples in Varanasi.

Tirupati

Tirupati, a pilgrimage hub in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is revered as one of the holiest places in the world. It is one of India’s oldest cities, with references to it in the Vedas and Puranas. Tirupati is famous for the Lord Venkateshwara Temple, which draws millions of visitors each year.

Due to tremendous donations from devotees, the Venkateshwara Temple is one of the wealthiest temples in the world. Tirupati Balaji Temple is another name for it. The temple is located on the seventh peak of the Seschachalam Hills at an elevation of 853 meters.

The beautiful sculpture of Lord Venkateshwara is etched on the granite stone inside the main shrine. Lord Venkateshwara is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who appears here to safeguard mankind from evil.

The temple contains a massive statue of Lord Shiva. Ananda Nilayam is also the area of the temple complex that houses the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and other deities. Devotees who visit the temple are given laddoo prasadam. Apart from the Lord Venkateshwara Temple.

Tirupati is a country of sacred feelings thanks to the following locations:

Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

An ancient temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, popularly known as Anjaneya, is located just across from Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple. Lord Hanuman is in Anjali’s position, with his hands shackled. The shrine’s enormous lampstand, which stands 20 feet tall, will captivate you.

Sri Kapila Theertham Temple

The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and boasts a self-created Lingam, a Svayambhu form of God. It is one of the 108 sacred locations on Tirumala Hills. The temple is named after Maharishi Kapila, a Lord Shiva devotee.

According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati granted Maharishi Kapila heavenly ‘darshan’ here, and the Lingam thereafter arose out of the Earth. In front of the temple, there is a waterfall and a lake. The lake’s water is said to have holy powers.

Chakra Teertham

The sacred waterfall honors Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that this is where Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra fell. The pond’s water is thought to have curative properties. Pilgrims bathe in the sacred pond to cleanse themselves of all sins.

Other prominent holy locations to visit in Tirupati are the Sri Varahswami Temple, the Sri Govinda Raja Swamy Temple, the Akaashganga Teertham, the Papavinasham Teertham, and the Sri Padmavati Ammavari Temple.

Also, Read 9 Books That Retell The Ramayana From Various Points Of View

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is a spiritually charged city. It is known as the ‘Temple City of India’ since it is home to over 700 temples. The name ‘Bhubaneswar’ is derived from Lord Shiva’s Sanskrit name, ‘Tribhubaneswar’. According to ancient Hindu writings, Bhubaneswar was one of Lord Shiva’s favorite destinations, and he would spend time here under a mango tree.

Many of the temples in the city were constructed during the eighth and twelfth centuries AD when Shaivism dominated the religious spectrum. The following temples are must-sees in Bhubaneswar.

Lingaraj Temple

The temple, built in the 11th century, is devoted to God Harihara, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple is constructed in the Kalinga Eula style. It is divided into four sections: Viman, Jagmohan, Nat Mandir, and Bhog Mandap.

The temple’s spire stands around 180 feet tall. The temple complex is home to more than 64 tiny lingams. In addition, sculptures of Lord Vishnu & other deities and goddesses are carved on the temple complex’s walls. Devotees take a holy dip in the water of the Bindusagar tank, which is said to have curative properties.

Mukteshwara Temple

The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was established in the 10th century. Mukteshwara means “God of Liberty.” The temple is made up of an exquisitely constructed stone archway. The temple’s ceiling is adorned with an eight-petal lotus. The walls are also engraved with pictures of Panchatantra folktales and Jain monks.

Rajarani Temple

The temple is known as the ‘Khajuraho of the East’ because it was built in the 11th century. The temple’s walls are adorned with erotic sculptures of ladies and mating couples. The temple wall also includes carvings representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage.

Brahmeshwara Temple

The 60-foot-tall 9th-century shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The spire features elaborate carvings and a lotus on top. Sculptures depicting gods and goddesses, sadhus, musicians, dancers, amorous couples, animals, birds, and religious practices adorn the walls.

Ananta Basudev Temple

The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is the most popular Vaishnava temple in Bhubaneswar. Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, and Goddess Subhadra are all enshrined here. Queen Chandrika Devi erected the shrine in 1278 AD. Devotees are served Bhoga Prasada.

Vaital Deul Temple

The temple was built in the eighth century. The temple, also known as Tini Mundia Mandir, is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, who has eight arms and wears a skull garland. The shrine’s three spires represent Goddess Chamunda’s three superpowers. The walls are curled with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati impressions. There is also an engraved sculpture of the Sun God riding on a chariot drawn by Aruna with his sisters Usha and Pratyusha.

Chausath Jogini Temple

Queen Hira Devi of the Brahma Dynasty erected the temple in the ninth century. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, has 64 black stone idols of the Goddess implanted in the wall cavities. The temple holds 70 Yoginis per Yogini custom.

Other well-known temples in Bhubaneswar include the Parasurameswara Temple, the Bhaskareswara Temple, the Ram Mandir, and the ISKCON Temple.

Prayagraj

Prayagraj is famed for the holy Sangam, which is the confluence of three rivers: the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. Every 12 years, the city hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela on the banks of the Triveni Sangam. Pilgrims from all across the country and the world come to seek salvation in the holy city. The city is home to hundreds of temples. Some of these are thousands of years old.

Hanuman Mandir 

It is also known as the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple, and it has a 20-foot-tall reclining idol of Lord Hanuman. The idol is eight feet below ground level. The temple also contains 108 Shiva lingams. According to local legend, the water of the holy Ganga falls after touching the deity of Lord Hanuman. This gives good fortune to Prayag and the entire planet.

Kalyani Devi Temple

It is one of Goddess Sati’s 51 Shaktipeethas. According to Hindu legend, the temple is located where Goddess Sati’s left-hand fingers fell. The deity of Goddess Kalyani Devi is at the center of the temple, with Goddess Chhinnamasta and Shankar-Parvati on the sides. The primary god is thought to be over 1500 years old.

Patalpuri Temple

It is a shrine located beneath the Allahabad Fort Complex. The ancient temple dates from the Vedic period. Inside are deities of many gods and goddesses. According to legend, Lord Rama used to visit the shrine. The Banyan Tree near the temple is known as Akshaya Vat, and it is thought to have heavenly qualities. According to ancient texts, Chinese traveler Huan Tsang visited the temple in the 5th century.

Shiv Kuti Temple

The temple, which is located on the banks of the Ganges, contains Lord Shiva in Rudra Roop. According to the Shiva Purana writings, the shrine is the hallowed site where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva after crossing the Ganga during his exile from Ayodhya.

Mankameshwar Temple, Alopi Devi Temple, Naag Vasuki Temple, and Shankar Viman Mandapam Temple are among the other holy sites in Prayagraj.