Hindu Temples, Hindu Sacred Sites & Hindu Pilgrimages in India
Following is an overview of major Hindu sacred sites and pilgrimages in India. Click on an image or link for more photos and information.
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Allahabad A holy city and pilgrimage site at the confluence of three sacred rivers. One of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela. |
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Badrinath The most important of the four Char Dham pilgrimage destinations, featuring a brightly painted temple. |
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Char Dham Pilgrimage A pilgrimage circuit in the Indian Himalayas that encompasses Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. |
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Elephanta Caves Seventh-century cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, just a short ferry ride from Mumbai. Includes a famous sculpture of a three-headed Shiva. |
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Ellora Caves Tenth-century cave temples near Aurangabad; some Hindu, some Jain, some Buddhist. A UNESCO World Heritage site. |
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Gangotri The source of the sacred Ganges River and the seat of the goddess Ganga. One of the four stops on the Char Dham pilgrimage in the Indian Himalayas. |
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Kedarnath Holy city where a form of the god Shiva is venerated as one of the 12 jyotirling (linga of light). One of the four sites of the Char Dham pilgrimage. |
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Varanasi (Benares) Holy city sacred to Shiva, but also the most sacred place in Hinduism regardless of denomination. It is believed that bathing in the Ganges or dying in the holy city of Varanasi will end the cycle of rebirth. |
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Vrindavan Temples and religious institutions based on the connections with Krishna's childhood. The most important Vaishnava place of pilgrimage. |
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Walkeshwar Temple and Banganga Tank, Mumbai A Shiva temple built next to a sacred freshwater spring created by Rama's arrow. The tank's waters are believed to have healing powers. |
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Yamunotri The source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the goddess Yamuna. One of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage. |
