Asia being the largest continent in the world itself gives you goosebumps thinking of how stunning destinations are yet to be covered. Exploring Asia is quite a difficult task but finding peaceful places which prove to be good for your soul can definitely make your travel in every hidden space of the world. Here we are to give you a quick guide and help you find your best choice for the most famous religious places in Asia.
Here is the list of 8 Most Famous Religious Temples in Asia:
1. Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Pashupati. It is the largest complex and is stretched across both banks of the Bagmati river on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal. It was built in the 5th century and has over 492 temples in Pashupatinath and shrines to Lord Shiva. Also, read: Most Famous Religious Places to See in Nepal
People believe that those who die in Pashupatinath Temple are reborn as a human, regardless of any other misconduct that could worsen their karma. Astrologers of the temple predict the exact day of their death.
If you are attracted to the places where the spirit of death can be felt, then consider Pashupatinath as your first destination. It is a place with a special atmosphere of death, death is present in almost every ritual and every corner of it.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit the Pashupatinath temple to avoid crowds is from September to November. The weather in these months can make your journey more satisfying and fantastic.
Location: Unnamed Road, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
Timing: 6.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Entry Fee: NPR 1000 for foreign nationals and all SAARC Country residents except India. Entry for Indians is free to the temple.
Services: Shiva Linga’s darshan, Chatur Mukhlinga, and witnessing Pagoda architectural style.
2. Varanasi
Varanasi the religious capital of Hinduism is known by several names like Benares, Banaras, or Kashi city. It is located on the left bank of river Ganga in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. It has 12 Churches,3 Jain Mandirs,9 Buddhist shrines,3 Sikh Shrines, and 1388 Muslim holy places.
Most Hindus visit Varanasi because it has the four Dhams in the four cardinal directions of the country namely – Badrinath in the north, Puri in the east, Dwarka in the west, and Rameshwaram in the south. Varanasi is also a junction for the three most holy rivers – the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, and the Yamuna. It is also considered the best place to perform all the rituals and all the pujas at these ghats. Read also: List of Most Famous Temples in Varanasi.
Ganga Aarti is the most popular ceremony to witness. Vishwanath temple is one of the most visited temples and is called the place of Lord Shiva. Sarnath is a famous town to witness for Buddhist pilgrims.
These are a few famous temples of the city which one must visit: Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Nepali Hindu Temple, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Maa Annapurna Temple, Kardameshwara Mahadeva Temple, Tridev Temple, and Tulsi Manas Temple, etc.
Location: B1/148 – Ward, 0008, Assi Rd, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Services: Ganga Aarti Poojan and darshan at the ghat, Vishwanath darshan, Astrology, Karmakand, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Abhishek.
3. Tiger’s Nest
Paro Taktsang popularly known as Tiger’s Nest is a Buddhist site located in Paro valley in Bhutan settled at an altitude of 3120 m above sea level. The shrine is dedicated to Padmasambhava built in the 9th century.
Tsechu, a culturally rich festival is held in honor of Guru Padmasambhava and is celebrated during March/April. Bhutanese visit this place once in their lifetime. Since a legend Guru Rinpoche was carried from Tibet to this location on the back of a tigress, thus was given a name as Tiger’s Nest.
The temple is majorly rich and mentioned for its unique style of architecture and its iconic golden roofs. Despite its remote location, the temple is remarkably famous and well known for its natural beauty and isolation. The Monks here spiritually have a conversation and meditate in the cave networks.
The best time to visit Paro Taktsang is either between October to December or March to May. During this time period, you can experience the cool winter approaches and merry springtime moderate temperatures respectively. The hike for reaching the steep takes approximately 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace to travel.
Read also: Asia’s Best Travel Spots to Visit in October
Location: F9R7+PCR, Taktsang trail BT, Taktsang trail, Paro, Bhutan.
Timing: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m , 2 p.m to 6 p.m.
Entry Fee: 500 Ngultrum for Non-Bhutanese visitors.
Services: Paro Taktsang Monastery, Statue of guru Padmasambhava, Panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains nestled above the Paro Valley.
4. Masjid Sultan
Masjid Sultan to Sultan Mosque was named after Sultan Hussain Shah. It is located at Muscat Street and North Bridge Road in Rochor district, Singapore. It has been affiliated with the Islamic religion and is designated as a National Monument of Singapore. It is one of the most fascinating historical focal points for the Muslim Community.
Masjid Sultan holds significant importance for its Indo-Saracenic architecture. It is easily recognizable by its two large golden onion-shaped domes at the top and has an excellent infrastructure including the entrances and prayer halls. The Mosque however holds a sense of brotherhood, fraternity, and communal unity amongst all. You must not miss a chance to visit this authentic view.
Do wake up early morning for a better experience of cherishing the real beauty of such a peaceful place. You may find heavy crowds in the afternoon. You can also find a local market while reaching your destination. Here you can enjoy the daily hustles of the locals.
Location: 3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833.
Timing: 10 a.m. to 12.p.m , 2 p.m to 4 p.m.
Services: Queries for Ustaz, Tahnik Service, Nikah/Solemnisation, Rental of facilities, legal counseling, Korban/Aqiqah, Zakat/Fidyah.
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5. Bali
Bali also known as the “island of the gods” is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. Balinese are fond of performing integral religious rituals and fulfilling the true purposes of their worships. Bali perhaps is world-famous for its wide variety of natural wonders in its cultural and spiritual charm.
Besakih temple situated on the slopes of Mount Agung is a supremely holy place to visit. It comprises 18 temples in all. It is believed that the temple was built by a Hindu devotee from Indua named Rsi Markandeya and hence plays a vital role in the life of all Hindu beings. Besakih temple is the center of all the religious happenings.
Every temple holds a unique mythological story in it. The locals have never let their almighty down. Here are a few more amazing temples worth your travel : Lempuyang Luhur Temple, Ulun Dary Batur Temple, Tirta Empul Temple, Beji Temple, Sakenan Temple, Pura Kehen, Batu Karu Temple and Pura Penatarn Sasih.
Location: Besakih Great temple, Jl. Gunung Mas No. Ds, Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia.
Timing: 8 a.m to 6.p.m
Entry Fee: IDR 60,000 per person for adults and IDR 30,000 per person for kids.
Services: Pura Pentaran Agung, Pura Kiduling Kretek, Pura Batu Madeg, The Panca Dewata. Additionally, you can also visit Kintamani Volcano and the waterfall.
6. Domaine de Marie Church
Domaine de Marie is a Catholic convent in Da Lat, Vietnam. The church was built in the 17th century with a combined form of French and Vietnamese architecture. This can be showcased by the statue of a Vietnamese woman Virgin Mary designed by a French architect Jonchure.
Locals have given the church a sobriquet of “Cherry Church”. The church provides elementary education and schooling for local children and has also developed to help the homeless. Visitors must pay attention to the round rose-shaped pattern right in the center of the Church’s triangle constructed. Its traditional red-brown tiled roofs higher the simplicity of the church and makes it more beautiful to watch.
The large garden in the middle of the campus is daily taken care of. There are nuns in the back of the Church selling tourist goods for charity. Last but not the least, Domaine de Marie is a hyper-exclusive place for your best shot candids and enhancing the calmness within you.
Location: 1 Ngô Quýěn, Phúóng 6, Thành phô Đà Ląt, Lâm Đông 670000, Vietnam.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: 350,000 VND/person
Services: Pink Church, Roman Catholic Nuns on the mission of Charity and sightseeing.
7. Beijing
China is officially an atheist state and hence the economic census of legally approved religious sites of the country has included 72887 churches, temples, and mosques. Beijing, the capital of China has remarkable setbacks for its ancient sites and imperial places to visit.
One of the holiest places for the entire country is the Temple of Heaven located in the southern part of Beijing. If you go to the Temple of Heaven in the morning, you can see several groups of people practicing Kung Fu and Taiji.
Secondly, Dongtang Cathedral also known as St. Joshep’s Church or Wangfujing Church is also one of the most religious places. It is located on Wangfujing Street. The Niujie Mosque is the oldest mosque in Beijing and occupies a wide landscape. Its architecture is a beautiful blend of Han Chinese Culture and Islamic influences.
The huge diversity and variety of the city attract loads of people for different purposes. Beijing unfolds different religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc. Beijing Lama Temple, White Cloud Taoist Temple, Tanzhe Temple, Fayuan Temple, Jietai Temple, Confucian Temple are a few more must-visits in Beijing.
Location: Temple of Heaven, 1 Tiantan E Rd, Dongcheng, China -100061.
Timing: 6.a.m to 8 p.m.
Entry Fee: $3.99 for children and $7.99 for adults.
Services: Historic sites, Good Harvests inside the prayer hall, Panorama of three main halls, and the surrounded park.
8. Angkor Wat
Temple city – Angkor Wat is one of the finest religious structures molded on the form of a temple. It is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and was founded in the early 12th century. It is also been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known by an alternative name of Nokor Wat.
It has a high classical style of Khmer architecture and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Angkor Wat played an essential role in the conversion of Cambodia into a Buddhist nation. According to Hindu Mythology, the central tower of Angkor Wat symbolizes the dwelling place of gods.
You can reach the temple by passing three galleries and speculate the high-quality sculptures of Hindu Gods, ancient Khmer scenes, and scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Angkor Wat was rediscovered in 1863and currently stands to be the most important pilgrimage shrine for tourist attractions.
Travel Tip: Best time to visit Angkor Wat is from November to March when there is little rain. Even though these months seem to be cool and winter approached, the atmosphere there is quite suitable and warm.
Location: Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Timing: 7.30 a.m to 5.30 p.m.
Entry Fee: US$37 for a 1-day pass which is valid for one day before 5 p.m from the date of issue. US$72 for a
7-day pass which is valid for one month from the date of issue.
Services: Mekong discovery and renowned Sculptures and art.
Also, read the following articles:
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