The oldest and most common religion in India is Hinduism. There are no traces about its origin and it has moved ahead with recorded history. It is a vast religion and has countless deities, each of which is revered in different parts of India. There are several mythological stories which speak volumes about the divine incarnations, holy experiences and foundation of temples & religious shrines in different parts of the country.
One of the most prominent aspects of Hinduism is Tirtha Yatra. It literally means a pilgrimage undertaken to visit a holy site. As per Vedic shastras, a Yatri is supposed to undertake Yatra barefoot. However, these rules are not followed by present generation.
Here is a list of five popular Hindu pilgrim destinations which are largely visited by Hindus living in different parts of India.
1. Amarnath Yatra :
It would not be an overstatement to say that Amarnath Yatra is a sheer test of endurance with its duration spanning between 45 to 60 days. It is one of the most popular Himalayan pilgrimages in India and is organized yearly by the government of Jammu & Kashmir between the months of June and August. Baba Amarnath, the other name of Lord Shiva, offers a great treat for eyes.
Every year, during the months of June and August, an ice lingam forms along with two other ice formations representing Mata Parvati and Shri Ganesh inside the Amarnath Cave. The registration forms for Yatra are issued by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Of late, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has also started the facility of online forms, which can be downloaded from the official website.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir launched Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter service in 2004 to cut down the duration of this religious trek.
2. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra :
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The minimum age to undertake this arduous trek is above 18 years and helps pilgrim who want to undertake religious journeys for Kailash and Mansarovar trek. The Mount Kailash is a sacred place for three different religions-Hinduism, Jainism and Bon.
Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and circumambulating Mount Kailash is a holy ritual. The pilgrim tour commence in the months of May and June. The pilgrimage takes place in several batches and one has to undergo a medical test to ensure one’s physical condition. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter is a famous tour package, which cuts down the duration of this holy pilgrim.
3. Rath Yatra :
Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) is a popular festival in Orissa. Full of drama and spectacle, the fair attracts more than 5 million people from all around the world. This festival is celebrated in the honor of Lord Jagannath, another name of Lord Krishna. It is an ancient festival which is considered as the gateway to heaven by many devotees.
A day before the ceremony, the three deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, are given holy bath (Snana Vedi). The chariot of Lord Jagannath is called Nandighosa, which has 18 wheels and is 23 cubits high. The chariot of Balabhadra is called Taladhvaja, which has 16 wheels and is 22 cubits high. At last, there is Devadalana, the chariot of Subhadra has 14 wheels and is 21 cubits high.
4. Chota Char Dham Yatra :
One of the most celebrated pilgrim expeditions in India, Chota Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand covers four famous destinations - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is one of the most sought after expeditions to win a lifetime experience.
The foundation stone of these four pilgrim sites was laid by Adi Shankaracharya. With Chardham Yatra 2014 tour package, you can feel the religious pulsation and unshakable trust of pilgrims visiting these four destinations.
The duration of Chardham Yatra destinations has been shortened with the commencement of helicopter service. With the introduction of Chardham Yatra by Helicopter service, pilgrims can explore these four religious sites within 2 to 3 days.
5. Kashi Yatra :
One of the oldest inhabited cities in India, Varanasi is once in a lifetime destination for many Hindu devotees. The purpose of Kashi Yatra for many people is the performance of Vedic rites for their ancestors. It is customary for all Hindu pilgrims to undergo Kashi Yatra on foot.
The journey starts with Saikatha Pooja at Rameshwaram followed by visit to Triveni Sangamam at Allahabad where Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet. Following Kashi Vishwanath Darshan, Ganga water is collected to do Ganga Abhishek of Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram. Pilgrims also visit Gaya to do Gaya Shraddha to their ancestors.
Devotees who partake in these religious treks come with an unshakable trust and faith in the presence of almighty and its miracles. These pilgrim sites exhibit the dedication and endurance level of Hindu devotees.
You may also check-out here about Top 10 Temples in India
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