A trip to spiritual India, rich in traditions and rituals, offers many opportunities for those seeking spirituality and awareness. You will enhance your spiritual experience by visiting popular sacred places of various faiths. There are many temples and ashrams spread throughout India. You will never fall short of destinations to explore.
RYK Yoga and Meditation journeys to India annually. This group travel opportunity has helped many people who have joined, enjoy a spiritual experience like no other. Traveling with Cosmin Mahadev Singh, fellow travelers get to see not only the most popular spiritual centers in India but also the quiet spots he has discovered after many annual visits to this magical land.
Spiritual Destinations on this group adventure to India include:
- New Delhi
- Amritsar
- Rishikesh
- Dharamsala
Spiritual Destination #1 -New Delhi – The Old and New City
First on the list, New Delhi, the capital of India, is one of the most diverse and fascinating cities to visit. Rich with history, this city is also the site of many beautiful archaeological ruins, untouched nature, and unique shopping experiences that blend the old and new.
New Delhi is filled with vibrant, popular tourist destinations that provide a glimpse into a culture that is clearly dedicated to spirituality and maintaining ancient rituals.
Some of the New Delhi’s most recognizable spiritual destinations:
- Lotus Temple – One of the most recognized structures in the city. Built entirely out of white marble.
- Humayun’s Tomb – A beautiful red sandstone, Persian-style structure that is on Unesco’s World Heritage list.
- Akshardham Temple – The perfect example of traditional Hindu culture and architecture.
- Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest Spice Market.
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple – Dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and protector of the universe.
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa – Also known as the World Peace Pagoda, it is a Buddhist shrine and traditional Japanese garden symbol of universal peace.
Spiritual Destination #2 – Amritsar – “Sir Harmandir Sahib,” the Golden Temple
Secondly, founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, Amritsar is the spiritual capital of the Sikhs, named after the body of water around the Golden Temple. It looks stunning at night when lit up, with its imposing illuminated pure gold dome.
The energy at this location is fantastic. It feels like it’s not of this world. The cumulative energy of the tens of thousands of daily pilgrims or the energy left behind by the Sikh Gurus makes it feel like you are not on Earth.
You can spend the entire day visiting:
- The Sikh Museum
- The 3 Holy trees
- The Gurdwaras
- The Baba Deep Singh Shrine
These are great places to plan a meditation. The energy of the Golden Temple is ever-present. The people are loving and giving and show that through their many gestures of kindness.
Near the Golden Temple, a small Gurdwara is dedicated to one of the greatest yogis to walk the Earth: Baba Sri Chand, a reincarnation of Lord Shiva.
In addition, there is a sacred fire pit and a powerful meditation cell to experience. This area is quiet and perfect for spending time relaxing in the yard or practicing Kundalini yoga and meditation.
The well of 84 steps at the Goindwal Sahib is in a nearby town. Most of the pilgrims in this location are local or from India. The devotees believe that reciting Japji Sahib and dipping into the sacred well clears karma. Furthermore, believers say that Each step will clear 100,000 life cycles from the 8.4 million reincarnations we go through. Pilgrims come to this spiritual location daily to recite prayers and dip into the water.
Spiritual Destination #3 – Dharamsala – Home of the Dalai Lama
Thirdly, Dharamsala is the home of the Tibetan exiled community and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Located in the western Himachal Pradesh state in northwestern India, it is on the lower slope of the Himalayas. On the way, you can see impressive sights such as white, snow-covered peaks. But then, the scenery changes completely, and you are absolutely surrounded by beautiful hills, green forests, and fresh, powerful air charged with “Prana”. (meaning breath, considered a life-giving force)
The Namgyal Monastery, known as the “Dalai Lama’s Temple”, is unquestionably one of the most popular venues with tourists, you can enjoy circumambulating the temple while turning the golden prayer wheels as you chant the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum.
Some of the most interesting monasteries include:
- Palpung Sherabling
- Tashi Jong Monastery
- Gyuto Monastery
Palpung Sherabling is an impressive complex of stupas, retreat centers coupled with monastic schools, and a Mandala Temple. The whole complex, surrounded by a pine forest, is perfect for quiet and inspiring walks where you can become one with your surroundings. Thus, many travelers find this destination an attractive place to visit.
While visiting the Tashi Jong Monastery, you might be able to experience the privilege of seeing and being blessed by the Togdens. These are highly realized Tibetan yogis. This is an infrequent occurrence because they are usually in meditation for years at a time practicing secret, advanced Tibetan yogic practices. The younger, more playful monks can be witnessed at times roaming through the large courtyard.
Another beautiful Monastery is the Gyuto, the temporary residence of the 17th Karmapa. The head of the most ancient lineage in Tibetan Buddhism.
Monks fill up the space with their famous deep-voiced chants. You can only imagine hearing hundreds of monks chanting! The feeling is fantastic! Inside the Monastery, as well as in the foothills of the Himalayas, you can feel the energy from the chants, much like the power felt at the RYK Yoga and Meditation Center Las Vegas.
Temple Baijinath
Baijinath, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is over 1,000 years old. Many believe the water in this place contains medicinal properties.
Dharamsala has many other unique spiritual places to discover. However, this experience will just remain a vision in your mind unless you decide to see it for yourself!
Spiritual Destination #4 – Rishikesh – The World Capital of Yoga
Finally, Rishikesh. Regarded as a sacred city, it has existed as a dwelling place of many saints and sages. Located in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain range, Rishikesh is filled with temples and ashrams near the bank of the Ganges
The Triveni Ghat is where three holy rivers named the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati combine. It is the revered sacred bathing spot in Rishikesh. A bath here is said to have the power of purifying & clearing away all of one’s sins and freeing one from the cycle of rebirth.
While visiting this spiritual destination, you can enjoy the day shopping for souvenirs from local merchants. The town slows down in the evening. The sadhus and pilgrims must prepare for the nightly Ganga Aarti. A Divine Light ceremony filled with chanting, prayer rituals, and a real sense of the Divine. If you find yourself in Rishikesh you can look forward to experiencing the sunsets, the majesty of the Himalayas, and the beauty of the Ganges. People describe experiencing a deep sense of bliss and reverence here, as well as a deep spiritual connection.
Must see spiritual destinations in Rishikesh include:
- Lakshman Jhula –the famous hanging bridge across Ganga
- Parmarth Niketan, “a true spiritual haven” – the largest local Ashram.
- Ganga Aarti – the devotional ritual offered to the Holy Ganges: a play of Kirtan, prayers, flowers, and fire as a thank you to the Divine
- Triveni Ghat – a pilgrimage destination where many believe the water has the power to wash away the sins and purify the soul.
- Shopping Centers – a fun and a unique experience.
- Meditation at Vasishta Guha – the cave of one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages), the teacher of God Rama
- Meditation at Jesus Cave – where Christ is believed to have spent time through his sojourn in India during the lost years.
RYK Yoga and Meditation Annual Group Trip to India.
RYK Yoga and Meditation has traveled annually to each of these locations. The group adventure is an easy way to experience spiritual India. This pre-planned, highly organized 2-week journey will take place Oct 25th – Nov 6th, 2022. If you would like more information about this group trip, visit us online at www.rykyoga.com.
Learn more about traveling to India on their official website.
