India: A Diverse Spiritual Hub

The Diwali Festival is an annual Hindi celebration honoring the triumph of good over evil

India is well known as the largest population of people who believe in Hinduism. As a diverse populous, there are other faiths that are practiced in addition to Hinduism. According to the Pew Research Center, the top 5 major religions in India are:

1. Hinduism

2. Islam

3. Christianity

4. Sikhism

5. Buddhism

For those interested in enhancing their spiritual development, traveling to India is an excellent place to visit. Here are 5 well-known temples and spiritual centers in India that will support your spiritual growth:

1. Vaishno Devi Temple - Katra, India

Vaishno Devi Temple honors the Hindu goddess Shakti who represents divine feminine energy

One the most visited Hindu temples is Vaishno Devi. Located in the mountainous region of Trikuta near Katra, visiting this temple is a holy pilgrimage for Hindus. This temple was built in honor of goddess Shakti, who is considered a primordial goddess representing divine energy and responsible for creation and the protective mother of the universe. This site is considered important by Hindus as it helps humans achieve 4 objectives of life: Dharm (righteousness), Arth (Material Pursuits), Kaam (Contentment) and Moksh (Enlightenment).

If you want to visit the temple, you need to register with Yatra at least 60 days before your pilgrimage. Registration can happen online or Yatri Registration Counter (YRC) near Bus Stand Katra. To get to the Vaishno Temple, you can travel by airplane and then take a train or car. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India offer non-stop flights to Jammu Airport, the closest airport to the temple. You can take flights from Delhi and Mumbai airports.

Once arriving at Jammu Airport, you can travel by train or car to Katra. Train takes approximately 1.5 hours from Jammu Airport to Katra Railroad Station. To take car, it takes approximately 5 hours.

Once arriving in Katra, you have the option to trek or take a helicopter. Trekking is approximately 15km (around 9 miles) and is considered a moderate ascent with a paved, sheltered pathway. You can also take a helicopter to Sanji Chhat which lasts around 5 minutes. From Sanji Chhat, a trek of 2.5km (1.6 miles) will take you to the shrine (you can also take a pony/palki ride). There are 2 helicopter companies that can take you to Sanji Chhat helipad, Global Vectra and Himalayan.

For more information about Vaishno Devi Temple, visit this link.

2. Ajmer Sharif - Rajasthan, India

Visiting Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan is considered an important Pilgimage for Islam

For those who believe in Islam, traveling to Ajmer, Rajasthan to visit Ajmer Sharif is of great value. Formerly called the Ajmer Sharif Dargah or the Shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, people visit the dargah for blessings from Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint who preached Islam in India during the 13th century. Khwaja is said to have created the Chishtiyya order in Sunni class.

This is a highly popular site to visit in India with thousands of people journeying on the pilgrimage to offer prayers and seek blessings from the saint. The dargah offers several services including food and clothing to people in need. For more information, visit this site.

3. Golden Temple - Punjab, India

The Golden Temple is considered a testament to the Sikh faith

For those who believe in Sikhism, a pilgrimage to the Golden Temple is an important journey. Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, this temple is considered the most significant shrine for Sikhists and teaches egalitarianism and humility. The shrine also provides food to thousands of people every day from its community kitchen Guru ka Langar and is welcoming to all.

There are several places you can visit at the Golden Temple including Central Sikh Museum, Guru Granth Sahib Research Centre, Victory on Red Fort and Tourist Information Center. You can also book accommodations with 7 Niwas Asthans, or inns, for pilgrims. To reach the Golden Temple, airplane, bus or train provide transportation from Amritsar.

Visit the Golden Temple site here.

4. Mahabodhi Temple - Bihar, India

The Mahabodhi Temple is said to be the place where Buddha attained enlightenment

One of the most important destinations to visit for those who believe in Buddhism is the Mahabodhi Temple. This temple is said to be the site of where Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, reached enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Siddhartha was a prince who saw the suffering humans experienced and wanted to do something to end suffering. He renounced his royal life in his late 20s and became a wandering ascetic. For years, Siddharta meditated and lived a life of mendicancy and asceticism and reach nirvana around 6 years after giving up his royal title. After reaching enlightenment, Buddha started educating people on 2 major aspects of the Dharma (truth/reality), the "Middle Way" and "teaching the Dharma by the middle" which incorporates philosophical and practical teachings to reach spiritual awakening.

The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO site and is renowned for its architectural and artistic greatness. It was originally built by Mauryan emperor Ashoka and is one of the oldest brick temples in India.

To reach the temple, the closest airport is Gaya International Airport, approximately 7km from the temple. Train can be taken to Gaya Railroad Station as well was bus, car, taxi, tongas and rickshaws. For more information, visit this link.

5. Mateer Memorial Church - Kerala, India

The Mateer Memorial Church originated upon the arrival of Reverend John Cox

For Christians, the Mateer Memorial Church has a rich history. The church was founded by Reverend John Cox and is one of the oldest churches in South India. It was dedicated on the 1st of December in 1906 and continues to offer services to believers. The church offers women's and senior citizen’s fellowship groups, bible study classes including a group specifically for teenagers, prayer groups, choir and Sunday school. They provide baptism services as well as social activities and events for members.

Find out more about Mateer Memorial Church here.