7 Most Spiritual Places to Visit in India

“Ayodhya Mathura Maya Kasi Kanchi Avantika |

 

Puri Dvaravati chaiva saptaita moksadayikah ||”

Are you prepared for a journey of a lifetime that will elevate your spirit and awaken your soul? 

 

Imagine yourself strolling through the hallowed corridors of centuries-old sanctuaries, feeling the weight of history echoing through every step you take.

 

Do you feel the gentle caress of sacred waters as you stand upon the banks of holy rivers, washing away the burdens of modern life and leaving you revitalized and reborn?

 

Look no further than the enchanting Saptapuri, which promises a life-changing experience. Each mystical site is the key to unlocking your connection to the divine within and sending you on a path to Moksha (salvation).

 

According to Hindu scriptures, there are seven sacred cities in India known as the ‘Sapta Puris’ or the ‘Mokshadayini Sapta Puris.’ These cities are believed to be pilgrimage centers where people can attain salvation. ‘Sapta’ means seven, and ‘puri’ means city. 

 

The Sapta Puri encompass places naturally endowed with spiritual powers, known as nitya tirthas, and the birthplaces of religious and spiritual masters, such as Ayodhya, where Rama was born, Mathura, Dwarka, Varanasi, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Kanchipuram. 

 

Let’s uncover the allure of the irresistible Saptapuri and why it is a must-visit for any spiritually inclined traveler.

 

1. Ayodhya – Where the Spirit of Lord Ram Lives On.

Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Ram, holds immense spiritual and historical significance in India. Along the banks of the sacred Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya is steeped in Hindu mythology and rich history.

 

The recent construction of the New Ram Mandir has solidified Ayodhya’s status as a pilgrimage destination, drawing devotees from around the globe. 

 

My first visit to Ayodhya was very recent, a few days after the Ram Mandir was opened to the public. It was as mesmerizing as it could get. Regardless of the rush, I could sense the vibrations reverberating when I stepped into the temple, opening my Akashic Records almost instantly. 

 

My Spirit Guides assured me that an enormous change awaited me after this sacred pilgrimage. A week later, I curated new programs for my spiritual school – one of which is my brainchild – the Akashic Records course, making it a huge success.

 

With over 700 temples gracing its landscape, Ayodhya is one of India’s holiest cities. It offers devotees a chance to connect with their faith and find inspiration in Lord Ram’s teachings of righteousness and dharma. 

 

How to best utilize the place?

Thousands of devotees throng the place every year, making it an energy vortex filled with powerful vibrations. The mantras chanted, and the hymns sung create an ethereal aura that even a novice would find their spirits uplifted and enhanced.

 

Ayodhya – a haven for contemporary sadhus and sages – is the most appropriate place to learn Automatic Writing, a spiritual tool for connecting with high-energy entities.

 

1. Chant the Ram mantra on a resplendent evening, sitting on the Ghats of the Ganges river. As you recite each syllable, feel the energy it emanates and the effect each sound has on your body. 
2. Visit Hanuman Garhi, Treta Ki Thakur, Mani Parbat, Brahma Kund, Panchamukhi Mahadev Mandir, and Valmiki Mahal. Each place has its vibrations that can be felt only when you attune your energy to that of the place you are visiting. 

 

2. Varanasi – Where the Magnificent Ganges Beckons.

Varanasi, also called Shiv ki Nagari, is India’s oldest city. It never sleeps and pulses with an energy that is truly contagious, boasting nearly 20,000 temples throughout its streets. Legend has it that Lord Shiva constructed this holy city, earning it the title of India’s spiritual capital. 

 

It is a world of its own, where the living and the dead meet – a place harboring lost souls. For those searching for their dearly departed ones, Varanasi is a hub for Mediumship healers. It is where some of the best psychic healers in India work tirelessly to bring relief to the dead souls and the living ones alike. 

 

Varanasi is famous for its sacred Ghats. The holy river Ganges flows through this city, and bathing in its waters is believed to cleanse your soul. Every corner of Varanasi echoes with prayers and chants, creating a divine atmosphere.

 

It is said that dying in Varanasi liberates one from the cycle of birth and death, making it a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. 

 

What to do in Varanasi?

1. The place is full of Lord Shiva’s energy, so it is ideal for those who wish to activate their chakras, especially the third eye chakra, and align themselves with divine power. 
2. Sail down the Ganges at sunrise and do sun gazing to raise energy vibrations. Chant the Surya Gayatri Mantra, “Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Mahadutyathikaraya Dheemahi, Tanno Surya Prachodayat,” and offer your prayers to the Sun.
3. The Ganga Aarti is one of the most spectacular events you should witness in Varanasi. It is a ritual at sunset daily to pay respects to Maa Ganga. The ritual is characterized by mantra chants, gongs, bells, and classical music, reverberating the entire place with unique vibrations and energy flow.  
4. Remember to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Lord Shiva, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the Durga Temple, and the Sarnath Buddhist Monastery. 
5. Your visit to Varanasi would be incomplete and without purpose if you did not take a holy dip in the Ganges.

 

3. Mathura – Where the Divine World of Lord Krishna Enchants You.

Mathura, located at the confluence of Vrindavan and Govardhan in Uttar Pradesh, holds a special place in history as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Hindu scriptures state that Lord Vishnu incarnated as the mischievous and playful Krishna to save the world from the tyranny of King Kamsa. 

 

Known as the “heart of Indian culture,” vibrant temples embellish the streets of Mathura. The best time to visit is during Krishna Janmashtami, when the entire city comes alive to celebrate Krishna’s birthday. Besides its significance for Hindus, Mathura is renowned for its stunning Buddhist art.

 

What to do in Mathura?

1. One of the main attractions in Mathura is the Krishna Balaram Mandir, the headquarters of ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness). You can find bhakti yogis of Lord Krishna chanting “Hare Krishna” hymns and kirtans.
2. If you ever visit Mathura, don’t forget to do the Vrindavan Parikrama, which involves walking in a 13-kilometer circle around the Vrindavan, chanting the Tulsi Gayatri mantra, “Om Tulsidevye Cha Vidmahe Vishnupriyaye Cha Dheemahi Tanno Vrinda Prachodayat.”
3. At sunset, offer prayers to the river Yamuna and chant, “Gangge Ca Yamune Caiva -E]va Godavari Sarasvati Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri Jale-Asmin Sannidhim Kuru,” to invoke the divine energy of the holy water. 

4. Haridwar – Where Your Soul Recharges.

Haridwar, which translates to “Gateway of Lord Vishnu,” is a sacred city where Hindus gather before starting their Char Dham Yatra. They take ritual baths in the holy waters of the Ganges.

 

According to Hindu mythology, Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva, who let the Ganga descend from the braids of his head to the Earth for the benefit of humanity. 

 

Har ki Pauri is the spot where the Ganga first touched the ground. Prominent temples in Haridwar include Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Maya Devi Temple, and Chandi Devi Temple.

 

Every 12 years, Haridwar hosts the world-famous Kumbh Mela, attracting pilgrims from all over the world to this holy city in India. Haridwar isn’t just a destination but a sanctuary for lost souls.

 

What to do in Haridwar?

1. Haridwar is the confluence of the divine energies of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Pilgrims visiting this place can sit on the quiet banks of the Ganges, meditate, and perform Automatic Writing to connect the energies present here. 
2. The place always resounds with aarti bells, chants, and songs that naturally awaken your psychic senses and heighten your awareness of the higher realms of consciousness. You can learn sadhanas specific to your ishta devata here and receive blessings from them. 

 

5. Kanchipuram – Where the Mortal Meets the Divine.

Kanchipuram, the architectural marvel of South India, is one of the seven sacred cities because of its many divine temples. Situated on the banks of the River Vegavathi, it is also known as the City of Thousand Temples and the City of Gold.

 

The city holds historical and religious significance for Hindus as it is where Adi Shankaracharya propagated the Advaita philosophy. 

 

Kanchipuram proudly hosts about 108 Shaiva temples and 18 Vaishnava temples, making it one of the temples with its own Akashic Records. During the famous Athi Varathar unveiling after 40 years, most reported gaining psychic abilities and accessing their Akashic Records.

 

Some well-known temples include Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kailasnathar Temple, and Kamakshi Temple.

 

What to do in Kanchipuram?

1. Kanchipuram is Adi Shakthi’s spiritual seat, appearing as Kamakshi Amman. A visit to the Kamakshi Amman temple can alter your mind and take you on the plane of divine consciousness. 
2. As Kamakshi sits on a throne supported by the Trimurthis – Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the place radiates the energies of the holy trinity combined. It is an ideal place for sadhaks to connect with their Spirit Guides and learn Automatic Writing.

 

6. Ujjain – Where You Break Free From Samsara.

Ujjain is one of India’s Sapta Puri, that sits by the Kshipra River. It was created during the cosmic event of Samudra Manthan, where the Devas and Asuras came together to churn the Great Ocean. It proudly houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, where the Lingam is worshipped with fervent devotion. 

 

Ujjain has solid connections to Lord Krishna. Legend says that Lord Krishna and his brother Balram came here to study under Muni Sandipani. There is a Gopal Temple with silver statues of Lord Krishna, Balram, and Muni Sandipani. Visiting Ujjain allows you to break free from the eternal cycle of creation and destruction.

 

What to do in Ujjain?

1. The place is completely dedicated to Shiva and Shakthi, making it a hotspot for Bhakti and Shakthi sadhanas.
2. The place is also the abode of Mahakal Bhairava, where tantra practices and rituals are part of the worship.  If you are a beginner in tantrism, Ujjain is where you can get initiated into tantric traditions. 
3. You can visit the Mahakaleswar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where the Shivling is believed to have self-manifested (Swayambu). 
4. Since it is a Swayambu lingam, the Mahakaleswar temple radiates specific energy frequencies between 30 Hz and 300 Hz, transforming it into a combination energy vortex. The energy emitted matches our brain wave frequencies, causing instant changes in our psyche and physical bodies.
5. If you have a malefic position of Mars in your birth chart and face delays in marriage, visit the Mangalnath Temple, which is dedicated to Mars. 

 

7. Dwarka – Where Hope and Salvation Becomes Your Guiding Principle.

No Sapta Puri tour would be complete without a visit to Dwarka. It is said to be where Lord Krishna lived after defeating King Kamsa. Dwarka is a sacred place known for bringing peace to mind.

 

It is where Krishna ruled the Yaduvansh Kingdom and where the city eventually sank into the Arabian Sea after Krishna’s passing. Dwarka also holds the story of poet Mirabai, who taught the world about the power of devotion to Lord Krishna.

 

What to do in Dwarka?

1. The place is rich in shrines and temples, including the Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Temple, and Nageshwar Jyotirling.  
2. Stroll on the Gomti River’s banks during sunset to witness the most breathtaking view and experience a profound spiritual fulfillment. 
3. You can meditate, access your Akashic Records, do Automatic Writing, or simply indulge in the serene ambiance at the Shankaracharya Mutt. 

The best time to go on a Sapta Puri pilgrimage is between November to March. That’s when the cities come alive with the jubilance of festivities, and you can fully immerse yourself in the rituals.

 

So, can you feel the magnetic pull of these majestic cities? Aren’t you curious to make that plan? Wait no more. Pack your bags and set out on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual fulfillment.