Kristen Finlayson

The uniqueness of Hinduism and Hindu practices has its root in the ethno-cultural diversity of the people of India and a myriad of customs practiced by them for centuries.

Interaction between the members of different ethnicities resulted in creation of "Vedism" which believes in worshipping the trinity of Rain, Sun and Fire Gods. Over the ages there had been a number of changes observed in the broad minded Hinduism philosophy where the simple worship of natural forces is now replaced by complex rituals.

This interesting co-existence of two approaches has left its impact on Hindu pilgrimages. The sites of Hindu pilgrimage are associated with river, lake, mountain, forest and cave, reflecting its animistic approach.

On the other hand, observance of rigorous and complex rites at the places of pilgrimage signifies its ritualistic approach.

The modern Hindu religious beliefs center on three major Hindu gods cults - worship of Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti. Hindu sacred places are often linked with the blessings of this trinity worshipped by the majority of devotees. Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations are worshipped in the holy temples of Tirupati and Rameshwarm in southern India, Jagannath Puri temples in eastern coast and their presence is welcomed in the temples of Badrinath , Haridwar and Vridanban in North. Kedarnath and Amarnath derived their sanctity from their holy connection with the supreme Hindu God Lord Shiva.

Maa Vaishno Devi, incarnation of shakti has been associated with the sanctity of Vaishno Devi Shrine. Another popular Hindu God, Hanuman, whose praise is sung through the poem known as Hanuman Chalisa, is also associated with several pilgrimages including Balaji in Rahasthan.

Two other famous Hindu Pilgrimages sites are the places of origin of holy river Yamuna and Ganga , known as Gangotri & Yamunatri. To complete the circle of visit to all the holy destinations of Hindus the trip must be planned to capital of all religious places Varanasi followed by a visit to 4 maths of Sri Shankracharya, Nava Graha Sthalas , enjoy amazing beauty of all the major holy rivers , Pancha bhutha linga temples and last but not the least the Shakti Pitha temples.