India is a country of tradition, culture, and heritage. In different eras, this country was invaded by several outsiders. But, she has engulfed all their cultures while keeping her uniqueness in everything. In the land of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Lord Buddha, India has lots of hidden gems behind her sleeves.
This is the country where devotion has designed the bricks of some places. Take the example of Varanasi. Being the land of Lord Shiva, it is one of the holiest cities of India where the essence of incense sticks, the continuous chanting of Vaidik mantras, and the glorious scenes of ‘Aarti’ can keep you spellbound.
Not only the countrymen, but the tourists from foreign lands also astonished to see how these cities have sustained the ancient touch of holiness, culture, and beliefs to make people stronger and more religious.
Here are India’s 7 holiest cities you should visit once in your lifetime
Among so many holy places in India, 7 cities are considered the holiest. These cities are known as ‘Sapta Puri’ and all these are mentioned in the ancient scriptures of India. It is believed that if a person takes a trip to all these seven cities in one lifetime, he/she will get salvation. So, today we are going to discuss these seven holy cities in India. Read on to know more-
1. Varanasi
Considered the most sacred city in India, Varanasi can turn the atheist into a believer. Actually, it is the ambiance that brings out a sense of respect, belief, and devotion from every people who visits the city. Lots of myths and lore are associated with Varanasi, the City of Light.
It is believed that Lord Shiva created this city while Lord Brahma is believed to be the creator of the universe. That’s why this city is as ancient as its creation. Varanasi has also been mentioned in the epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. As those are believed to be dated back 5000 years ago, you can get how old the city is. Read Also: List of Most Famous Temples in Varanasi.
With more than 2000 temples and 81 Ghats, this city always throbs with the continuous chanting of shlokas and mantras. This is the city where Lord Shiva speaks to the soul. It only depends on the believers whether they can listen to it or not. Also, read Ganga Aarti Varanasi Complete Travel Guide.
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Highlights: One of the oldest living cities, situated on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its ghats and temples.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Activities: Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and exploring the narrow lanes of the old city.
Tips: Early morning boat rides offer a serene experience. Respect the local customs and dress modestly. Be cautious of touts and scams.
Additional Info: Participate in the Subah-e-Banaras program for morning yoga and classical music on the ghats. Try the famous Banarasi paan and local street food.
2. Ayodhya
To enlist the seven holiest cities in India, this is the one that has its own significance. Located in Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of River Sarayu, this holy city is the birthplace of Lord Rama. So, it holds immense importance to the devotees.
Due to this fact, Ayodhya is also addressed as ‘Ram Janmabhoomi’ to the Hindus. But, that is not the only holy connection of this city. It is believed that this city was created 9000 years ago by Manu, the first man on the earth as per the Vedas.
With more than 100 temples, this city will make you feel serene and calm when you are here. Among so many temples, you should visit the Kala Ram Temple and the Kanak Bhavan. The deities of Lord Ram and Sita will not only bring out the purest of your soul, but the architectural work of those temples will mesmerize you.
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Highlights: The birthplace of Lord Rama, known for its temples and historical significance.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Activities: Visiting Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and exploring the ghats on the Sarayu River.
Tips: Check the current situation and guidelines for visiting Ram Janmabhoomi. Wear comfortable footwear as you’ll be walking a lot.
Additional Info: Attend the Ram Navami festival for a vibrant cultural experience. Explore the local markets for traditional crafts and souvenirs.
3. Mathura
If Lord Rama has made Ayodhya so fascinating among the devotees, it is Lord Krishna who has made Mathura one of the holiest cities of India. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and lots of stories have made this place worth visiting for pilgrimage.
Not only in the era of Lord Krishna (Dwapara Yuga), Mathura has also been mentioned in the Ramayana, the oldest epic (belongs to the Treta Yuga). It is so fascinating that the Keshav Dev Temple, which you can visit now, has been built on the same site where the previous one was built by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, 5000 years ago! This is the main temple where you can find deities of Radha-Krishna, Balarama, Subhadra, etc. Read Also: List of Most Popular Temples in Mathura.
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Highlights: The birthplace of Lord Krishna, filled with temples and religious sites.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Activities: Visiting Krishna Janmasthan Temple, and Dwarkadhish Temple, exploring the ghats of Yamuna River, and attending Holi celebrations.
Tips: Participate in local festivities for a unique experience. Keep your belongings safe, as it can get crowded, especially during festivals.
Additional Info: Explore Vrindavan, located nearby, which is also rich in Krishna-related sites. Don’t miss the evening aarti at the Banke Bihari Temple.
4. Haridwar
Located in Uttarakhand, Haridwar is believed to be the ‘Gateway to Lord Vishnu’ as the name suggests. Lots of myths are associated with this city that has made the place the holiest. It is situated on the western banks of River Ganga where it has landed on the plain. It is believed that if someone takes a dip into the River Ganga here, he/she can get ‘Moksha’ after death. Read More: 12 Best Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Haridwar.
Legend says a drop of Amrit, the elixir of eternity fell on the ground while Gaduda was carrying the vessel. From then, all souls become eternal if died here. Every 12 years, the world-famous Kumbha Mela is organized which is a sight to visit. An event with innumerable devotees, praying together and having the ‘Maha-Snan’ (the great bath in River Ganga to wipe off all sins), is something out-of-the-world to experience. Also, read Best Time to Visit in Haridwar – Weather, Temperature & Season.
Location: Uttarakhand
Highlights: A major pilgrimage site on the banks of the Ganges, known for the Kumbh Mela and Ganga Aarti.
Best Time to Visit: October to April.
Activities: Taking a dip in the holy Ganges at Har Ki Pauri, attending the evening Ganga Aarti, visiting Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples.
Tips: Avoid visiting during peak pilgrimage times if you prefer less crowded conditions. Respect local customs and maintain cleanliness.
Additional Info: Take the cable car ride to Chandi Devi Temple for panoramic views. Explore the local cuisine, especially the kachoris and jalebis.
5. Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is another holy city of ‘Sapta Puri’ of Tamil Nadu, located on the banks of River Vegavathy. This place is famous for Kamakshi Amman Temple, the most ancient one in the city as it is associated with Adi Shankaracharya.
This place is sacred as Goddess Shakti worshipped Lord Shiva here to become his consort. There are more than 108 temples of Lord Shiva and 18 temples of Lord Vishnu. For the Saivaites and Vashnavites, this place is the holiest. Not only from the religious point of view, but Kanchipuram is also famous for its historical significance. It was the capital of the Pallava Dynasty from the 6th to 8th Centuries. Read Also: 10 Most Popular Temples to Explore in Tamil Nadu.
Location: Tamil Nadu
Highlights: Known as the “City of Thousand Temples”, famous for its silk sarees and ancient temples.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Activities: Visiting Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, shopping for Kanchipuram silk sarees.
Tips: Wear modest clothing and be prepared to remove your shoes frequently when visiting temples. Explore local markets for authentic silk sarees.
Additional Info: Visit the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, an important Hindu monastic institution. Try the local South Indian cuisine, including dosas and idlis.
6. Dwarka
Once you are here, the refreshing ambiance will whisper to your ears. Listen carefully and you will hear the stories of Lord Krishna and his effort to build his kingdom here after coming from Mathura. This city has a history of 5000 years to tell its visitors. Read More: Dwarkadhish Temple Dwarka – Things to Know Before you Go
Not only this city belongs to ‘Sapta Puri’, but it is also in the group of places you have to visit while making, ‘Char Dhaam Yatra’, a pilgrimage to four holy places (Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Puri, and Dwarka). With so many temples of Lord Krishna and one for his consort, Rukmini in Bet Dwarka, this is one of the holiest places in India. Also, check the Essential Guide to Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
Location: Gujarat
Highlights: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, associated with Lord Krishna.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Activities: Visiting Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka, taking a dip in Gomti River.
Tips: Check temple timings in advance as they can vary. Dress modestly and respect local traditions. Use local guides for a better understanding of the history.
Additional Info: Explore the Dwarka Beach and Lighthouse for a scenic experience. Visit the Rukmini Devi Temple located nearby.
7. Ujjain
Where Mahakaleshwar is present with all his blessings, which place else can be the holiest? One of the twelve Jyotirlingam, the temple of Mahakaleshwar is a must-visit when you are here. On the banks of the Kshipra River, the Kumbh Mela every 12 years is highly significant to the devotees and pilgrims. This city has immense significance in mythologies.
It is believed that Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripura in Ujjain. Also, this is the holy place where Lord Krishna and his elder brother Balarama took lessons from Rishi Sandipani. Apart from the Mahakaleshwar temple, there is also the Gopal temple with silver idols of Lord Krishna and Balarama. Rishi Sandipani is also commemorated here with devotion. Read Also: 10 Most Popular Pilgrimage Destinations in Madhya Pradesh.
Location: Madhya Pradesh
Highlights: One of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism, known for the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Activities: Visiting Mahakaleshwar Temple, attending the Bhasma Aarti, exploring Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Ghat on the Shipra River.
Tips: Attend the early morning Bhasma Aarti for a unique experience. Book accommodations in advance during festivals like Maha Shivaratri.
Additional Info: Explore the historical observatory, Jantar Mantar. Try the local Malwa cuisine, including poha and jalebi.
So, these are the seven holiest places in India that you should visit once. The country is blessed to have so many sacred cities that are still throbbing with ancient culture, myths, stories, and traditions. How do you know that these places have a calming effect on you? Spend some time on the ghats of Varanasi or at the temples of Dwarka. You will feel the divinity inside you. That is the holy thing on the earth to feel God inside you.
Also, read more details about temples in India:
- Barsana Best Destinations to Visit and Important Temples
- List of Religious Places and Temples in Haryana
- Punjab List of Religious Places and Temples
- 8 Most Temples Temples in Pondicherry
- Religious Places and Temples in Rajasthan
- Top 20 Most Famous Temples in North India
- 20 Most Popular Temples of South India
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the 7 holiest cities in India?
The 7 holiest cities in India, known as Sapta Puri, are Varanasi, Haridwar, Ayodhya, Mathura, Dwarka, Kanchipuram, and Ujjain.
2. Why is Varanasi considered one of the holiest cities in India?
Varanasi is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, offering moksha (liberation) to those who die there.
3. What is the significance of Haridwar in Hinduism?
Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places where drops of Amrit (elixir) fell during the churning of the ocean, making it a site for the Kumbh Mela.
4. Which city is considered the birthplace of Lord Rama?
Ayodhya is considered the birthplace of Lord Rama, an important figure in Hindu mythology.
5. What makes Mathura a holy city?
Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and holds significant importance in Hinduism.
6. Why is Dwarka one of the seven holy cities?
Dwarka is believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
7. What is the importance of Kanchipuram?
Kanchipuram is known for its ancient temples and is considered the cultural and religious center for Tamil Hindus.
8. What makes Ujjain a sacred city?
Ujjain is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and is a major pilgrimage site for the Kumbh Mela.
9. What are the seven moksha-puris in India?
The seven moksha-puris, where attaining moksha is believed to be easier, are Varanasi, Haridwar, Ayodhya, Mathura, Dwarka, Kanchipuram, and Ujjain.
10. Which are the most famous temples in these holy cities?
Some famous temples include Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Kedarnath in Haridwar, Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, Dwarkadhish in Dwarka, Kamakshi Amman in Kanchipuram, and Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain.
11. Why is Rameswaram a significant pilgrimage site?
Rameswaram is one of the Char Dham and is believed to be the place where Lord Rama built a bridge to Lanka to rescue Sita.
12. What is special about the Jagannath Temple in Puri?
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the Char Dham and is famous for the annual Rath Yatra festival.
13. What is the significance of the Brahma Temple in Pushkar?
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma and is a major pilgrimage site.
14. How many Char Dham are there in India?
There are four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India: Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram.
15. Which city is known as the holiest city in India?
Varanasi is often referred to as the holiest city in India due to its religious significance and ancient history.
