The unique state of Uttar Pradesh consists of numerous magnificent heritage sites that date back to the ancient ages. From its incredibly opulent architectural styles to some of the most marvelous sights depicting the rich bygone era, Uttar Pradesh is a grand mosaic of cultures and traditions. Apart from this, uttar Pradesh is also known for its mythological and historical relevance. Replete with churches, monasteries and temples, this place represents the incredible mixture of various cultures and religions.
If you want to have a wholesome spiritual experience here then here are a few pilgrimage destinations that you cannot afford on missing out on:
Known across the subcontinent for being the birth place of the great ruler Ram this place is known for being one of the oldest and one of the most ancient cities in the world. Lord Ram is known for being one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped everywhere in India. The temple is built on top of the exact spot where ram is believed to have taken birth.
Temple timings –open 24 hours
As the name suggests this temple is built exactly on the place which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, another avatar of Lord Vishnu. This place holds incredible significance to the followers of Lord Krishna ever since the 6th century. This elaborately decorated temple has a history of being destroyed and rebuilt over a long period of time. The entire region of Mathura is filled with an impressive collection of temples that are dedicated to the life and times of Lord Krishna.
Temple timings –5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9:30 pm
Also popularly known as Neemsar, this ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is famous for being 1 of the 108 holy and ancient divya desams in India and can be visited by availing a Naimisharanya tour package. This temple is steeped in incredible and interesting historical and mythological instances. The place is believed to have been explored by sage Narada, and contains some of the holiest waters from all the rivers in india.
Temple timings –5 am to 6 pm
This ancient temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most significant jyotirlingas in India, this temple holds immense significance ever since the ancient ages. This temple is also one of the most incredible hubs for religion and spirituality. Ever since its creation the temple has been visited by great personalities like Adi Shankaracharya, Gurunanak, Swami Vivekananda, Tulsidas, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati among others.
Temple timings –3 am to 11 am and 12 pm to 7 pm
Built during the 3rd century BC and located in close proximity to the holy city of Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha and is also an important part of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. This is the exact place where Buddha is believed to have delivered his very first sermon after attaining his enlightenment. Every day this place witnesses a vast throng of visitors from far and wide along with the stupas located in its vicinity.
Temple timings –8 am to 6 pm
Built on the spot where Gorakhnatji is believed to have practiced his austerities this temple holds incredible significance among the devout Hindus. The Gorakhnath temple pans over an area of 52 acres the idol sitting inside the temple is symbolic to Lord Shiva in a deeply meditative state. People visit this temple to perform their puja to the charan paduka here and almost every day thetemple witnesses a huge turnout of devotees.
Temple timings –3 am to 10 pm
This Buddhist temple and an important part of the Buddhist circuit, is one of the holiest of all the Buddhist temples in the world. This is the place where Lord Buddha is said to have attained his mahaparinirvana and to depict it the presiding deity is presented in the form of a reclining Buddha. This temple is regularly visited by numerous devout Buddhists who visit this place with an aim of completing their Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
Temple timings –6 am to 8 pm