Famous Temples in India – Pilgrim Journey

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Famous Temples in India Pilgrim Journey

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Badrinath Temple
Situated close to the Alaknanda River, the abode
of Lord Badrinath is located in the Chamoli
district, a small town of Badrinath
(Uttarakhand). This holy shrine of Lord Vishnu
forms a part of the four holiest sites (Char
Dhams) in Hindu religion. It is also one of the
four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites
(comparatively minor pilgrimage sites). It is one
of the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu
(Divya Desams), which find mention in the works
of Tamil saints who existed from 6th to 9th
century.
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The Konark Sun Temple
The Sun temple is situated in the small town of
Konark, which is situated in the Puri district of
Odisha. This marvel of architecture is dedicated
to Lord Sun. And resembling his carriage, the
temple has been built in the shape of a chariot,
which has twelve wheels and is shown as being
dragged by the seven horses.
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Brihadeeswara Temple
Also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil and
RajaRajeswaram, this 11th century temple was
built by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Brihadeeswara temple is
the largest temple in India that is situated at
Thanjavur city of Tamil Nadu. Cholas are known
for their majestic and splendid scale of
structures. The opulence and artistic proficiency
of Cholas is well reflected in the grand and
magnificent architecture of the temple. Made
entirely of granite stone, it was built as per
the principles of Vaastu Shastras and Agamas.
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Somnath Temple
This is one of the oldest pilgrimage centres in
India and finds mention in the ancient books,
like Shivpuran, Skandpuran and Shreemad Bhagvat.
Som refers to the Moon God, thus Somnath means
Protector of the Moon God. According to a
legend, Som got the temple built in the honor of
Lord Shiva as it was Shiva who cured the illness,
which was inflicted on him due to his
father-in-laws curse.
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Kedarnath Temple
Situated in the Himalayan range of Garhwal area
(Uttarakhand), Kedarnath temple is one of the
most sacred Shiva temples in the world. This holy
abode of Shiva is said to be built by the
Pandavas to atone for their sins committed during
their battle with Kauravs. The temple was
restored by Adi Sankaracharya in 8th century. It
is one of the Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand and
requires a pilgrim to walk a distance of 14 kms
over the hilly surface. One can make use of a
pony or manchan to simplify the journey.
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Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi is a village in the Raisen district of
Madhya Pradesh, which is a home to several
Buddhist structures built in between 3rd century
BC to 12th century AD. The most significant of
them all is the Sanchi Stupa, also known as the
Great Stupa. A Stupa is a holy place of Buddhist,
which is built in the shape of a dome that
consists of relics of Buddha.
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Ramanathaswamy (Rameshwaram) Temple
Rameshwaram (or Rameswaram) is a small island
town in Tamil Nadu and is one of the four holiest
pilgrimage places (Char Dhams) of the Hindus. The
reason for its being so sacred is the belief that
Lord Rama along with his wife Sita first landed
on its shore after defeating the demon Ravana
(who was also a Brahmin). To seek atonement for
killing a Brahmin, Rama wanted to pray to Shiva.
Hanuman was sent off to Kailash to bring an idol
of the God. In the mean time, Sita made a small
lingam. The one made by Sita is called Ramalingam
and one brought by Hanuman is called Vishwalingam.
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Vaishno Devi Mandir
After a trek of about 12 km from Katra (base
camp), one reaches the holy cave, which is the
abode of Maa (mother) Vaishno Devi and is located
at an altitude of 5200 ft in a mountain called
Trikuta. It is situated in Jammu and Kashmir,
near Katra town. Vaishno Devi is present here in
the form of three rock heads, called the Pindies,
instead of a statue. Due to the strong faith of
the people, every year millions of them come to
take the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi.  It is
said that it is Maa Vaishno who decides her
visitors. It is she who calls her devotees to her
doorsteps. Anyone making a successful journey to
her shrine is there because of her wish. The
shrine is open all year round.
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Siddhivinayak Temple
Located in Prabha Devi, Mumbai, Siddhivinayak
Temple was built in the 18th century.
Siddhivinayak or Lord Ganesha is the supreme
deity of the temple and is famous for being the
first one to be worshipped before commencing any
new work or assignment. That is why he is also
known as Vighnaharta (the terminator of
impediments).
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Gangotri Temple
The sacred origin of Ganga Maa (mother) is
worshipped at Gangotri temple, which is situated
in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. A
partially submerged Shivaling lying along the
temple in the waters of Bhagirathi signifies the
place where God Shiva entangled Ganga in his
hair. Built in the 18th century the temple is
made from the white granite.
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