Spiritual journeys to take in India

India is known as an ancient land of spiritual wisdom and exploration. From the world-renowned Radha-Krishna pilgrimage in Vrindavan to the pilgrimage sites of Varanasi along the Ganges, the spectrum of spiritual lore and practice remains diverse and captivating. Whether you are seeking to renew your faith, explore your spiritual side, or just explore India, there are a plethora of spiritual journeys that you can take across the country.

These spiritual journeys vary from the sacred sites associated with Mahatma Gandhi's life journey, such as the Dandi March and Sabarmati Ashram, to pilgrimage sites for Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. These pilgrimages can provide an insight into the culture, folklore, and religion of the area, and need to be experienced in their greatest form. Here are a few of the must-experience spiritual journeys to take in India.

1. Vaishno Devi Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir

This is a popular Hindu pilgrimage where devotees flock to the Vaishno Devi Shrine in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Pilgrims are considered to have sought the blessing of three incarnations of Hindu Goddesses, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati in the form of stones at the Vaishno Devi Shrine. Many pilgrims undertake the 13 km trek from the nearest town, Katra, to the Shrine, making their way up the hilly terrain with strenuous effort. Pilgrims usually carry kashrus (dried food items), thread, and other offerings for the Goddess. Reaching the Shrine is considered extremely lucky, with many believing that their wishes will be immediately granted.

2. Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir

This is another spiritually-charged pilgrimage that draws Hindu devotees from all around India. This yatra offers a journey to the Amarnath Cave located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 12,000 feet. It is believed that during July and August, a natural Shivlinga is formed in the cave due to melting ice. This devotee’s spectacle has been going on for centuries, with monks, yogis, and spiritual seekers making their way to the cave to seek blessings from Shiva. Devotees usually take the traditional route from Pahalgam to reach the cave which involves a challenging mountainous trek. Some of the many memorable moments on the yatra include the chanting of chants, havans, and yagyas, and also the musical chanting recitals of the Mahabharata and Shiva Purana in the meadows. The beauty of the surrounding alpine region is breathtaking, making it an experience to enrich the soul.

3. Chardham Yatra, Uttarakhand

This is a Himalayan pilgrimage circuit of four revered Hindu sites - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. It is believed that undertaking the Yatra in its entirety washes away one's sins and enlightens the soul. It is also believed to be a journey of salvation from the cycle of life and death. The route of the pilgrimage involves an arduous trek through the lesser Himalayas, with the journey usually taking 12 days. Pilgrims usually start their journey from Haridwar and Rishikesh. The most notable spiritual highlights on this yatra include the Ganga Aarti at Haridwar and Rishikesh, the legendary Darshan at the revered Badrinath temple, and the arduous challenge of the Kedarnath mountain.

4. A Journey To Char Dham, West Bengal

This journey takes the traveler through four incredible destinations in West Bengal - Puri, Vrindavan, Dwarka, and Shikharji. These destinations hold great religious and spiritual significance in Hinduism. All these places were once capitals of the ancient region of Gauda which was dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and these cities remain the ancient pious pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. The journey covers Puri, a spiritual center that houses the famous Jagannath Temple, Vrindavan, a holy place revered for its association with lord Krishna, Dwarka, the home of Lord Krishna, and Shikharji, a great mountain that is believed to have atop it the earthly manifestations of several gods.

5. Narmada Parikrama, Madhya Pradesh

This is considered a highly sacred journey, as pilgrims undertake a 1,000-km trek around the course of the Narmada River. It is believed that your sins are washed away as you take on this arduous journey through several Hindu pilgrimage sites along the banks of the river. For those who are spiritually inclined, the Narmada Parikrama offers an incredible opportunity to explore and immerse oneself in exploring the river and its surrounding spiritual and cultural sites. Pilgrims usually start the pilgrimage at Omkareshwar, and then make their way around the entire circumference of the Narmada and then back to the same starting point in four to five months.

Conclusion

India offers a wide variety of spiritual experiences and journeys, whether it be temples, pilgrimage sites or holy rivers and mountains. Taking any of these journeys offer a great way to experience the culture and folklore of India, while also exploring your own faith. Whether you are a Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, or Jain, you can find something unique and memorable on your journey in India. So go ahead, explore India, and discover the spiritual experience that awaits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the responses to the inquiries about the spiritual journeys to embark on in India.

What are the popular spiritual journeys in India?

The popular spiritual journeys in India are the Vaishno Devi Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir, the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand, a journey to the Char Dham in West Bengal, and the Narmada Parikrama in Madhya Pradesh.

What do pilgrims typically do on spiritual journeys in India?

Pilgrims typically undertake treks, make offerings to deities, chant spiritual mantras, perform havans and yagyas, and seek blessings from revered gods.

Does anyone have to be of a certain religion to go on a spiritual journey?

No, a person does not need to be of any particular religion or faith to go on a spiritual journey in India. All kinds of travelers, irrespective of faith and belief, are welcome.