Pilgriamge Points 

"Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together", says Mark Twain.

 

The description of Varanasi is found as early as in Buddhist scriptures and in the epic, "Mahabharat".
Benaras is the site of the holy shrine of Lord Kasi Viswanatha (a form of Lord Shiva); this, along with its positional advantage of being on the banks of the Ganga, has given it a place at the forefront of the Hindu religion. It is believed that bathing in the Ganga or dying in the holy city circumvents re-incarnation and hence provides a permanent place in the Swarg (Heaven).

The 'Pali' version of Varanasi was 'Baranasi' which ultimately gave birth to the name 'Banaras'. According to the 'Vamana Purana', the Varuna and Assi rivers originate from the body of the primordial person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be the holiest of all pilgrimages. The Holy Land between these two rivers is 'Varanasi'. Varanasi, also famous as Kashi (Derived from the root 'Kas' - to shine) is called the city of spiritual light.

Being in Varanasi is an experience in itself and an experience of self-discovery an ethereal oneness of the body and soul. To every visitor, Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience.

ALLAHABAD

Allahabad, sacred city of Hindus, was formerly called 'Prayag'. It is believed that for 'Prakrishta Yagna' Lord Brahma chose a piece of land on the earth on the confluence of the three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Sarswati would merge into a confluence.

The major attraction of this city is the Kumbha - mela that is held every 12 years. It is celebrated for a month and is considered to be the biggest bathing ritual in the world. The whole city comes alive with multitudes of men, women and children visiting this holy city for a dip in auspicious "Triveni Sangam". It is believed a dip at this place washes away all your sins.

Every 6 years there is an Ardha - mela that too is as colorful as the Kumbha.

HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH
The ancient town of Haridwar, or the door of Hari is another name for Lord Vishnu, is also called Hardwar, or the door of Shiva, Lord of the mountains. This town is located on the banks of River Ganga.

As per the general belief a dip in the river here purifies your body and soul. The Aarti ceremony at Har - ki - pauri every evening is breath taking. This calm riverine town catapults into major center of activity during the Kumbh mela, which is held every 12 years.

Rishikesh or the land of Sages is a spiritual town Where River Ganga pours out of the Himalayas. It is the starting point for the Char dham yatra, the most important pilgrimage sector for Hindus.

This revered town, with its many temples has carved out a reputation for itself as an International center for the holistic discipline of yoga.

PUSHKAR
Situated, 14 Kms of Ajmer, in the state of Rajasthan is Pushkar. Legend has it that this quaint little town came into existence when few petals of lotus flower fell to the ground from the hands of Lord Brahma.

Pushkar has the only temple of Lord Brahma in the world.

Every year, in the month of November during the autumn period of Kartik, Pushkar attracts hundreds of cattle dealers from all over Rajasthan for the biggest cattle fair. At the time of full moon during this period multitudes of men and women take a dip in the Pushkar Lake which is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats.

JAGANNATH PURI AND KONARK IN ORISSA
The temple of Lord Jagannath, in the state of Orissa is situated in the city of Puri. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sector. This temple built during the 12th century AD by Chodaganga Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. In front of the main gate stands a 16-sided monolithic pillar called Aruna Stambha which formally stood in front of the Sun Temple and was brought to Puri during the 18th century AD

Every year, on the second day of the bright fortnight in the months of June-July, the famed Rath Yatra or "Car festival" is held at Puri. It celebrates Lord Jagannath's legendary return to his kingdom on earth. The Rath Yatra is a journey from dark to light and commemorates the journey of Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. In this religious journey, idols of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balbhadra are taken out in procession in three raths. The main rath is 43 ft high, 33 ft wide and has 16 wheels. The ropes of the chariots are pulled by millions of devotees, an act, which is considered extremely auspicious.

KONARK TEMPLE
The magnificent temple chariot of Sun God (Black Pagoda) on the sands of Bay of Bengal is a 13th century architectural marvel.

It is designed as a celestial chariot of the Sun God, complete with twelve pairs of wheels and seven horses.

Built by King Narasimbhadeva in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the Sun God, across the heavens, it is an architectural masterpiece in itself.

SHIRDI SAI BABA
Shirdi, 260 Kms from Mumbai, 130 Kms from Aurangabad is Holy City of Sai Baba. The saga of Sai Baba of Shirdi started in the middle of last century when as a boy of about 16 years of age, he first appeared here under a neem tree absorbed in a hard penance. For the next about 60 years he devoted his life for the upliftment of the poor and suffering. His origin, religion and early life are shrouded in mystery and though he is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva his teachings transcended all religions and beliefs. On Tuesday, 15th October 1918 Sai Baba entered his samadhi.

His origin, religion, and early life are shrouded in mystery, and though he is believed to be an incarnation of lord Shiva, his teachings transcended all religions and beliefs.

PUTTAPARTHY
It is the seat of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the most colourful and multifaceted saint of modern India. The teachings of the Baba are based on the famous 'five props' of Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness) Santhi (peace), Prema (universal love) and Ahimsa (non-violence). Prasanthi Nilayam, over the years, has attracted people from all over then world.

Located in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh State, Puttaparthi is a small village about 800m above sea level at latitude of 15 degrees north and a longitude of 70 degrees east. The township that is adjacent is named Prashanthi Nilayam which is where the ashram is located. The population of Prashanthi Nilayam (including Puttaparthi village) is approximately 8,850

It is 150 Kms from Bangalore by road.

TIRUPATI
Tirupati town is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The beautiful temple of Lord Venkateswara, located in the cool of the Tirumalai hills, is an important Hindu pilgrimage point.

According to legends, the range of Tirumala hills represents the body of the serpent Adisesha, on which Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, rests.

Tirupati is considered to be the richest temple in the world. Tirupati was developed mainly by the contributions made by kings during their rule. Almost all the kings from great dynasties of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine of Tirupati. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.

RAMESHWARAM
Rameshwaram is an island situated in the Gulf of Manner at the very tip of Indian Peninsular.

Legend has it that Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita from the devil Ravana. After killing Ravana, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva thanking him for the victor and to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana.

Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus, as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. The presiding deity is the Linga of Sri Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram is also popularly referred to as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.

KANYAKUMARI
It is the southernmost point of peninsular India and it is here where Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrimage center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset. The multicoloured sand is a unique feature of the beach here.

Legend says, that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati was to wed Lord Shiva, but he did not turn up that day. So the marriage was never solemnized.

The rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. Even today, one can buy stones there that look exactly like rice and cereals. Local folks believe that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. As for the princess Kanya Devi, she became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.

The temple of Goddess Bhagavathi, is an early form of temple believed to build by the first Pandyas. There are three Prakaras in the temple. The image of the Goddess in the sanctum is marvelous in its serenity and beneficence.