Top 5 Pilgrimage Places in Jammu & Kashmir

The natural beauty of the valley of Kashmir makes it famous worldwide. But the spiritual aura of the vale is no less. The myriad temples, mosques, and monasteries dotting the valley give it such a spiritual magnitude that devout pilgrims from different corners of the globe are drawn to the vale to bask in its spiritual splendor. To know about the top 5 pilgrimage places of Kashmir, read on-

Kashmir is better known as a paradise on Earth for tourists who want to see nature at its resplendent best. It is also a pilgrimage destination with two of the holiest pilgrimage sites here: Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Caves. Along with these two, there are other destinations like the Kheer Bhavani Temple, the Martand Sun Temple, and monasteries in Ladakh so beloved by Buddhist pilgrims. Kashmir is a land where religious sentiments co-exist peacefully as you will find when you set out.

Mata Vaishno Devi

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is atop the Trikuta Mountains at a height of 5000 feet. The shrine is a dedication to Goddess Durga who manifested in the form of Vaishno Devi represented by a natural rock formation called Pindies and it is believed that anyone who prays here has his wish fulfilled. Since it is at a lower altitude the shrine remains open throughout the year. Jammu is the nearest airport, about 62 km away and it is also a railhead. From here you travel by road to Katra, a distance of 48 km. You can outfit yourself with boots, gloves, and coats at Katra and then set out by foot or hire a pony for the 14 km trek to the shrine over a rocky and steep path. The scenery will keep you engaged as you arrive at Ban Ganga and then walk onwards to Charan Paduka and then to Adhkunwari and Bhavan before finally arriving at the shrine. Once at the cave, you have to stop and wade through water for the darshan.

Amarnath Caves

Amarnath Cave

Amarnath is located at the far end of the Lidder Valley at the height of 5486 meters and the shrine to Lord Shiva is inside a cave where the Lord manifests in the form of a unique ice lingam with his consort Parvati and son Ganesha by his side, also in the form of ice lingams. Pilgrims make a beeline for Amarnath during the holy month of Shravan falling in August and the full moon day sees hordes of people thronging the cave. Amarnath is about 145 km from Srinagar and 45 Km from Pahalgam. You reach Panchtarni by road and from here it is an arduous 6 km trek to the cave over a steep path. Some find it more convenient to hire ponies or palkis for the Amarnath Yatra.

Kheer Bhavani Temple

Kheer Bhawani Temple

This holy destination is located in Tullamula with the temple dedicated to Goddess Ragyna Devi. This is a beautiful location with the temple surrounded by flowing streams of water and tall Chinar trees around the complex. According to mythology Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Ragyna and shifted her from the original location to Tullamula. You would have to fly to the airport in Badgam, about 25 km from Srinagar, or travel by road. Jammu is about 300 km away and the place to arrive if you travel by train. The day-long journey by road takes you across some scenic places and inside the Jawahar Tunnel before you arrive here for the darshan.

Martand Sun Temple

Martand Sun Temple

Martand Sun temple is one of the few temples dedicated to Surya dev to be found in the country. It is near Anantnag and sits on top of a plateau. King Lalitaditya is believed to have built this beautiful structure with 84 columns, partly in ruins now, but still indicative of the exquisite art of those times. Travel from Srinagar to Anantnag and hire a taxi or join a tour to visit this temple set amid scenic surroundings.

Monasteries in Ladakh

Phuktal Monastery

From the charming and verdant valleys of Kashmir to the desolate and craggy heights of Ladakh is a far cry but even here you have places of pilgrimage. The monasteries in Ladakh number 38 and you may not have time to visit all. The majority of these still follow ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions and are a world within themselves as you will find when you visit the famed Hemis Monastery. Whether it is the Hemis or the Karma Dupgyud, the Matho, Rangdum, or Lamayuru monastery, what is striking is the typical architecture and the air of peaceful calm pervading the atmosphere. You cannot but feel a sense of peace when you visit them. The Thikse Gompa should not be missed since it is easy to access on the Leh Manali Highway and has the throne of the Dalai Lama.