According to Hindu scriptures, there exist seven sacred cities known as “Sapta Puri”, pilgrimage sites believed to facilitate the attainment of Moksha, or Salvation. Moksha signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and death, leading to Nirvana. Visiting these cities is believed to offer profound spiritual peace. The Sapta Puri include Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Kasi (Varanasi), Kanchi(Kanchipuram), Avantika(Ujjain) and Dvaravati(Dwarka). Every one of them is worshipped as a major holy Hindu Teerth for each has a great association with Hindu gods. Ayodhya is revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram, while Mathura is celebrated as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Make a pilgrimage to these heavenly cities in India and be immersed in their peaceful atmosphere.
Ayodhya
The city of Ayodhya is a holy place in India’s history, traditions, and spirituality where the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ram was born, Ayodhya has been an important part of Uttar Pradesh’s economic, political and historical scene. It was known to be King Dashrath’s capital which had its origin almost 9 thousand years ago.
Ayodhya has more than seven hundred temples making it one among the holiest cities in India. Some of these landmarks include Kanak Bhawan, Sita ki Rasoi, Hanumangarhi, Gular Bari, Dashrath Bhawan, Nageshwarnath Temple, Treta ka Thakur etc. These sites are flocked by devotees and sightseers that give them glimpses of Hindu mythologies as well as stories that bound these memories with Ayodhya streets.
Also Read – Top 10 Best Must Visit Tourist Places To Visit In Ayodhya
Mathura
Mathura is found near Vrindavan and Goverdhan hill in Uttar Pradesh. This is where Krishna was born, often referred to as the “City of Gods,” holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality. It has beautiful temples with a lot of colors during Janmashtami, the day that marks Krishna’s birthday. Mathura also boasts of magnificent Buddhist art from the ancient Indian civilization.
Varansi
The City of Shiva is said to be the oldest city in India and this city is called Varanasi. This city is considered as the spiritual capital of India since it has almost 20,000 temples wending through its streets. Legend says it was Lord Shiva who made himself and turned it into a scared city thereby making it one of those pilgrimage sites which are regarded with much respect because that place as believed by many people there is where salvation can be achieved (Moksha). The serene view of Ganga can be seen on Varanasi’s sacred Ghats. Some famous attractions include Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedha Ghat, Pancha-Ganga Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple.
Haridwar
Haridwar stands for Gateway of Lord Vishnu; thus, it is significant for beginning Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. Here Hindus take holy bath in River Ganges; One of the highlights of Haridwar is the Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat on the banks of the holy river Ganges. It is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprint on the stone wall of the ghat, hence the name “Har Ki Pauri” (Footsteps of the Lord). Har ki Pauri being the point at which Bhagirath’s prayers to Lord Shiva brought Ganga down to earth for human welfare since she first touched land here according to Hindu scriptures. Devotees gather here to take holy dips in the Ganges, seeking purification and spiritual blessings.
Ujjain
Ujjain, one of India’s seven sacred cities, lies on the banks of Kshipra River. It is said that in the ancient times Samudra Manthan or churning of the ocean took place and this city emerged as a holy city. One of twelve Jyotirlingas, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is housed in Ujjain. Ujjain has ties with Lord Krishna who is said to have received education from Muni Sandipani here along with his brother Balram. In Gopal Temple in Ujjain, there are silver statues of Lord Krishna, Balram and Muni Sandipani.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram aka Konchi popularly known as one of India’s seven sacred cities where one finds divine temples. Found at the edge of Vegavathi river stream, it is called City of Thousand Temples and City of Gold (Hinduism Guide). Adi Shankara spread Advaita philosophy in this place (IndiaNetzone). Being just 75 km away from Chennai which serves Tamil Nadu as its capital city makes Kanchipuram an important spiritual center for many people (TripAdvisor). The town boasts about 108 Shaiva temples and 18 Vaishnava temples. Some notable ones include Ekambareswarar, Varadharaja Perumal, Kailasnathar and Kamakshi.
Dwarka
Your Sapta Puri tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Dwarka, where Lord Krishna lived after defeating King Kansa. This holy city offers mental peace and tells the story of Krishna’s life, including the relocation of his kingdom’s capital and its eventual submersion into the Arabian Sea. Dwarka is also the birthplace of poetess Mirabai, who spread Krishna’s teachings. In India, where faith is strong, visiting these holy cities brings eternal peace.
Raecently Prime Minister Visit Dwarka for Darshan Under The Water by offering peacock feathers, representing Lord Krishna. He performed an underwater puja at the submerged site off the coast of Gujarat, known for its ties to Lord Krishna. Dwarka, once bustling, is now underwater, and scuba diving near Beyt Dwarka island lets people explore its remains. Photos of PM Modi diving into the water to pray at this historic and spiritual spot quickly spread on social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his divine experience in Dwarka, expressing a deep connection to its ancient spiritual aura. He inaugurated ‘Sudarshan Setu’, the country’s longest cable-stayed bridge, linking Beyt Dwarka island to mainland Okha in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district.
