Sojourning To Spiritual Escapades In India
Since time immemorial, India is bejeweled as the birthplace of major religions. It is significantly the most sought destination for spiritual escapades and retreats. Aged gloriously with a golden past and exciting origin of the spiritual journey, every corner of India stuns the world with unique offerings. Hence, the world sees it as the spiritual capital bearing the greatest epic of all time. And so far, it is faring through the present day. Below are a few of the best spiritual escapades in India, luring the hearts of people who crave nothing but the purity of nature.
Varanasi
Varanasi is a Hindu sacred town settling pretty in the southeast of Uttar Pradesh. Believers perceives that it is a dwelling place of Lord Shiva. Fascinatingly, its divine significance lies on the majorly popular river Ganga considering it as the holiest river. Hence, to this very day, one can witness a massive auspicious procession on the river bank most times of the year. If ever lucky to see any of these solemn occasions, one will cherish it for a lifetime. Apart from the spiritual richness, the city brims with a display of arts, culture, tradition, and philosophy.
Experiencing a day or two in Varanasi will vividly invite you to deepen your soul and mind into complete wholeness. The morning aarti, the chiming of the temple bells, the chants, we do not know which but, it will absorb your disturbed mind into total calmness. The scene of priests taking baths along the banks, or the sadhus as they preside over the sacred rituals certainly will make you feel elated from the heaviness of life. Whilst here, stroll along the streets to see the lively community or visit the revered temples of Hanuman, Kashi Vishwanath, and many others.
Golden Temple, Amritsar
Amritsar is a spiritual and cultural importance for the community of the Sikh. The city reflects the ardent love and faith the people carry in their hearts. Beseechingly it makes one of the most popular pilgrimage sights. The Sikhs widely consider this exotic place a must-visit destination as many times as they want to. The fact is, Amritsar houses the grand Harmandir Sahib that is crucial among the believers and the tourists alike. It is also commonly epithet as The Golden Temple of Amritsar.
Amrit Sarovar, a pristine water body encircles the dreamy holy shrine. This explains how the city gets its name. The marveling structure stands on a rectangular platform that appears imposing to the onlookers. The religious relics and holy books are retained inside the temple that is embedded with fine gold leaves. The vicinity is inspiringly a spiritual retreat assuring peace and rejuvenation for a lost soul. Enjoy a golden trip to one of the most beautiful spiritual escapades in India.
Bodh Gaya
The existence of Bodh Gaya leads back to the story of a prince called Siddhartha of Lumbini. He attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya under a Bodhi Tree. Thenceforth, he renounced his earthly life and became a Buddha. Following his enlightenment, the place became a renowned pilgrimage site for the Buddhists Community. The site is atop the village of Bodh Gaya in Gaya district, Bihar. The Mahabodhi Temple complex is an ancient brick-dominated structure that survived through many years. It marks the territory where a sacred Bodhi tree is preserved. The tree is deeply associated with the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Till today, a direct offspring of the Bodhi tree sits there. Six other prominent sites including a charming lotus pond settle neatly within the religious complex. Coming to Bodh Gaya, marvel at the flawless landscape, the pleasing tranquillity, and the gaiety flutters of the colorful Buddhist flag. One can also peacefully listen to the soft murmur of prayers, chants, and the occasional sound of gongs from scattered monasteries and smell the sweet-scented burning incense. Immerse in the spiritual escapade in one of the finest religious sites of India to recreate your life and perfect your soul in the right setting.
Tawang Monastery, Tawang
People fancy exploring the majestic landscape of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. There are infinite destinations for one to visit here, but the Tawang Monastery outstands every other place. It is settled secluded 2 km away from Tawang and is one of the oldest monasteries in Asia. Also called Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse, it is translated as ‘the celestial paradise of complete victory’. It is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the World.
Upon entering the holy shrine, one will witness the imposing 8 m high statue of Lord Buddha overshadowing the sanctum. Within the territory, one can see the massive rotating prayer wheels, praying monks, buffering adorn lamps, and the beautiful thangkas. The complete view of every element around the complex speculates the spiritual presence.
Surrounding the three-storeyed monastery are a library, a museum, a residential for the monks, and a religious school. Besides, the ambience brings a joyful experience for the one looking for a peaceful milieu and undistracted time for oneself. Standing atop a hill nearby will hear you say that you have reached one of the best spiritual escapades in India. Meanwhile, you will feel phenomenal walking around the beautiful surrounding of the Tawang Monastery.
Auroville
If you are looking for one of the sensational spiritual escapades in India, you must consider Auroville. However, unlike other spiritual destinations in India, it does not specify any religion in particular. The core philosophy of this modern destination is ‘human unity. Mirra Alfassa, popularly referred to as “the Mother” by her follower is the founder and founded Auroville in 1968. True to the founder’s dream, it is a universal township of bringing people together of goodwill and aspiration for a better world.
People of all caste, kind, and creeds are welcome to set foot on this beautiful township, for once, forgetting the anxiety and burden they face in their ordinary lives. One can feel a pure harmony and contented livelihood that leaves an impeccable impression on visitors and people seeking peace of all sorts. One will be awe-inspired with how the residents are satisfied with what they do, how much they earn for a living, and why it is important to stay happy and contented.
Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni
Amongst many Marian Apparitions, the apparitions in Velankanni holds the most prestigious accounts that drove multitudes of people. In times, there are tales of miracles through Mother Mary, the Mother of Jesus in the little hamlet of Velankanni. As an honor, a Basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health is erected here. Inviting avid devotees from every caste, or creed across India, stories of healing and miracles never cease to happen. Believe it or not, this serene place remains unmatched from the devotion and fervent prayers of the faithful that comes to pay their visit.
The ambiance that fills the proximity is everything your soul needs for a deep recollection. It is one place to harness your spirit with the newness of life. Besides, the imposing Gothic Structure will leave you bewildered. Stay amused as you run your eyes from the biblical pictures in the stained glasses on the windows. Or gaze upon the beautiful paintings on the walls inside the massive Basilica. While planning a spiritual retreat here, attempt for the auspicious annual Feast of Our Lady of Good Health. It Hosts the most auspicious procession that drove one of the largest numbers of Christians from everywhere.
Vaishno Devi, Jammu
Set on top of the Trikuta Mountain peaks, the holy shrines of Vaishno Devi dwell splendidly. The journey to the holy shrines starts from the foothills of the Mountain at Katra in Reasi district, Jammu. The secludedness of the place is incredibly helpful to restore peace and healing. Moreover, the mass of believers solemnly proceeding towards the pilgrimage site is an enlightening spiritual journey. The trekking halfway to the mountain offers you jaw-dropping vistas and keeps you moving to see more.
When you reach the first shrine, the experience is one of a kind. Going further, it is exciting to overlook the whole town and the horizon beyond the reach of your eyes. Hence, it is a place described best as one of the ideal spiritual escapades in India. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy a walk around the market where people favorably find it attractive.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is one of the well-known spiritual escapades in India where people love to explore on their two feet. It is the center of the rich culture, philosophy, arts, and traditions of the Hindus. It is one of the holiest hilltown where the holy Ganges flow through the place magnificently. Moreover, this place closely associates with the most fabled myth and mythology of the Hindu Saga. Hence, believers across the country pay homage to this incredible place.
You will find popular temples such as Mansi Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, and other temples. This hilltown does not only famous for temples but also attracts people around the world to learn yoga. Also, the devotees take delight in dipping in the holy river to purify their souls. Enthusiastic travelers not only take the pleasure of visiting the temples and learning yoga but also in various adventure packages.