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» Spiritual Cities In India
spiritual
cities in india
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Rishikesh : |
Rishikesh
is the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttar
Pradesh. Abundant in natural wealth, Rishikesh is also the gateway to the
Chaardhams of the Garhwal Himalayas - Kedarnath Badrinath, Gangotri and
Yamunotri. The sight of the Ganga cascading through the Himalayan foothills
is a breathtaking sight. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganga at
Rishikesh.Located at a height of 1360 ft from the sea level, Rishikesh is
also known as the Mecca of Yoga & Meditation. It is believed that
several yogis and sages lived and practised penance here.
How to Reach ?
One can reach Rishikesh via Haridwar by road. Haridwar is well connected to
rest of the nation by air, rail and road.
What to See ?
Tapovan, Swargashram, Geeta Bhavan temples, Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula,
Nilkanth Mahadeo temple. In addition, Rishikesh is also a major destination
for the river rafters. One can also practice yoga & meditation here for
there are several centres and ashrams providing classes on yoga &
meditation.
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Haridwar : |
Haridwar
or Gateway to Gods as it literally means is situated on the right side of
the bank of the holy Ganga. This is the point from where the river Ganga
spreads over the northern plains. Associated with both Lord Shiva and Lord
Vishnu, Haridwar is among the seven most sacred cities of India. Haridwar is
also one of the four venues for the Maha Kumbh Mela, held after every twelve
years. Essentially a religious hub which assures of salvation for devotees,
Haridwar is also a centre of herbal medicine, and traditional studies at
Gurukul Kangri. Surrounded by scenic beauties, this sacred city of Uttar
Pradesh India is attracts not only the religiously bent, but also the nature
lovers.
How to Reach ?
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun, but the roads or rail
to Delhi are more advisable. Delhi is well connected to almost all the major
cities of India and world. Haridwar is well connected by railways to the
rest of the country and its connection to National Highway no.45 makes road
travel smoother from the nearby places.
What to See ?
Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi, Kavand Mela, Chandi Devi, Sapt Rishi, Maya Devi,
Daksha Mahadev Temple.
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Leh (Buddhist
Monastery) : |
Leh
is one of the favorite tourist destinations located to the eastern parts of
Jammu and Kashmir in the northernmost parts of the country. Hooked at a
height of 3,505 m from the sea level, the region is watered by the Zanskar
River, which flows into the Indus River just below. The Stok mountain range
lies just south of Leh, while towards the north one can find the
snow-covered Ladakh range. In the winters, Leh is freezing cold with
temperatures going below 0°C. The capital of the Ladakh district, Leh
is lapped in the snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas. This lama land has
been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Studded with colorful
gompas, Leh have been attracting the devout Buddhists from all over the
globe since ages. In addition, it is also a favorite hiking destination and
is known for offering best hike options in the country.
How to Reach ?
There are regular flights from Delhi to Leh that are run by the Indian
Airlines. There are direct flights once a week from Leh to Srinagar and
twice a week to Jammu. There are two overland routes to Lehthe roads
from Srinagar and Manali. The Leh–Srinagar road is usually open from
June to October, while the Leh–Manali route is open from July to
September. In the winters the road are generally blocked by too much snow
fall.
What to See ?
The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, The Sankar Gompa, The Shanti Stupa.
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Bodhgaya : |
situated at a distance of 105 km from the state capital Patna, the sacred
city of Bihar - Gaya. Bodhgaya is 7 miles south of Gaya. Bodhgaya is
considered to be highly sacred for being the site where Lord Buddha gained
enlightenment. The tree now known as the Bodhi tree under which Buddha
attained the enlightened state is the most venerated tree in the world.
Another attraction of Bodhgaya is the ancient Mahabodhi Temple, housing a
magnificent gilded image of Buddha as well as a 150 feet high tower and the
walls of the temple are painted with scenes from Buddha's life. The original
shrine is said to have been built by the great Emperor Ashoka. Close to the
temple is a museum, which has some more images of Buddha in gold, bronze and
stone. It is believed that the platform below the Bodhi tree where Buddha
meditated is the axis of the universe. The platform is called Vajrasana.
How to Reach ?
Bodhgaya is easily approachable from Patna by air. Gaya also has its own
railhead which links it to all the major cities of India and the well
defined road network makes it accessible from all the major and nearby
cities of Bihar and neighboring states.
What to See ?
Mahabodhi Temple, The Bodhi Tree, There are several Buddhist Monasteries
built by foreign countries which are worth visiting.
