As we all know India is the land of diverse cultures, traditions, and ethnicities, yet inspite of such diversity, what binds the people here is their faith in that one supreme power that dwells in different forms.
While the pilgrimage sites of Northern and Southern are very popular but many are not aware of the fact that even North-eastern part of India has a rich treasure of religious places hidden in its store.
So if you are a travel enthusiast or a pilgrim planning for a spiritual journey then get off the track of time and embark on a pilgrimage journey to the North-east part of India.
1. Mahakal temple, Darjeeling:
Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling is a reflection of the peaceful co-existence of two religions. https://t.co/lHVobGN4jN pic.twitter.com/d8JK25vAlc
Bidisha (@BidB18) September 25, 2016
This temple is situated in the observatory hills in Darjeeling. It represents a unique amalgam of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. This temple stands where the original Dorjeling monastery was situated in olden times before it got destroyed and got shifted to another place with a new name later.
Mythological facts:
- The three Shiva-lings representing Shiva. Vishnu and Brahma manifested themselves at this site in 1782.
How to reach: You can avail of car rental in Siliguri to reach the temple located at a distance of 62 kilometers.
2. Samdruptse Hill, Sikkim:
Samdruptse Hill is home to the world's largest statue of the Buddhist Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the patron saint of Sikkim. The name Samdruptse Hill literally translates to the 'Wish Fulfilling Hill', as the hill is revered by many local monks, who worship the Hill. pic.twitter.com/z9mZgIeko9
anika.chowdhary (@AnikaChowdhary) August 14, 2018
This pilgrimage destination is popular for its tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the world at 120 feet.
The shimmering copper and bronze statue sitting in its mesmerizing glory against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Kanchenjunga range provides an awe-inspiring sight, captivating the hearts of the visitors.
Mythological fact:
- It is also known as a 'wish-fulfilling hill' as it is said that the monks used to go to the top of the hill for offering prayers to keep the volcano calm.
How to reach: Rent a car from NJP to Gangtok to reach the Hill at a distance of 84 kilometers.
3. Kamakhya Temple, Assam:
At Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati.#SwachhBharat #Sanitation #Water #adventure #Mountaineering #Everest #Climbing #Author #Manyeverests #Motivationalbook #IAS #GovernmentofIndia #UP #Bihar #Sikkim pic.twitter.com/YybSeRMx4u
Ravindra Kumar IAS (@IASEverester) September 13, 2018
This temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites of global fame. This temple is situated in the Nilachal Hill of Guwahati, Assam. It is the abode of Goddess Kamakhya and is one among the 51 Shakti peeths present in the whole of India.
Mythological fact:
- As a mythological fact, Sati's vagina and womb fell on this part of India when her corpse was scattered by Lord Shiva.
How to reach: After reaching Assam you can travel to Kamakhya temple located at a distance of 177 kilometers.
4. Parsuram Kund, Arunachal Pradesh:
What a lovely click! ❤#Repost @DevDC Rode through Parsuram Kund, holy shrine for the Hindus. A long standing dream being fulfilled. Don't miss the colour of the river. 🙂🙂❤#parsuramkund #arunachalpradesh #ridetolight2018 pic.twitter.com/gRppFmbUkK
RIDE TO LIGHT (@ridetolight) February 14, 2018
The Parsuram Kund is situated in the lower banks of the Lohit River in Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh is a famous pilgrimage site in North-east India.
Being a significant religious site, pilgrims in huge numbers come to this place to take a dip in the holy river.
This place is no less than a heaven as it is covered with hills, virgin forests, and is blessed with magnificent beauty.
Mythological fact:
- This was the place where Lord Parsuram dipped his hands to wash away all his sins of killing his own mother which made it sacred since then.
How to reach: After reach Arunachal Pradesh you can drive to Parsuram Kund at a distance of 464 kilometers.
5. Unakoti Hill Temples, Tripura:
Lost temple of Unakoti hill - #Tripura #NortheastIndia #BoutIndia #travel #tourindia #temples #ancientmythology pic.twitter.com/ETtyishfU1
BOUT INDIA (@BoutIndia) May 2, 2016
This temple is a famous tourist attraction and also a popular Hindu pilgrimage site in the Northeastern state of Tripura.
Tourists and worshippers travel from far-off places to this temple to worship and admire the huge rock images of Hindu pantheons carved on these hills.
Along with these marvelous carvings, the mountain scenery and picturesque waterfalls add a mystical charm.
Mythological fact:
A sculptor and devotee of Lord Shiva requested the Lord and his wife, Parvati to take him to Kailash with them. But Lord kept a condition in front of him to make 1 crore statues of him in one night. The sculptor worked all night but in the morning when it was counted it was one less than a crore and hence it was given this name as 'Unakot'.
How to reach: After reaching Agartala you can travel for 178 kilometers to reach the temple at Tripura.
6. Nartiang Durga Temple, Meghalaya:
A 5000 year old Durga Temple in Nartiang, India will probably be declared a heritage site ! #incredibleindia #navratri #unesco pic.twitter.com/RfxGFx10jl
GoUNESCO (@GoUNESCO) October 5, 2017
Nartiang Durga Temple is the most famous temple in Meghalaya and is one of the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga.
The temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti of Hinduism which is located in the district of Jaintia Hills.
Mythological fact:
- Devi's left thigh has been fallen at this site while her body was taken by Lord Shiva.
How to reach: After reaching Meghalaya you can reach the temple located at a distance of 149 kilometers.
7. Govindajee Temple, Manipur:
Shree Govindajee Temple is considered as one of the major temples of Manipur state #SMTDimphal #SoMuchToDo pic.twitter.com/cFm9W1U0DR
Amit (@hate_amit) September 11, 2017
This temple is located in Manipur is a major tourist attraction and also the famous Vaishnavite temple. The temple is the abode of Lord Govindajee who was the manifestation of Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha.
Mythological fact:
- It was said that Maharaja Jai Singh was a true devotee of Lord Krishna who received a dream of Lord advising him to build a temple and hence it was carved.
How to reach: After reaching Manipur you can reach the temple located at a distance of 19 kilometers.
A trip to attain spirituality
The pilgrimage tours not only embark you on a journey but also bring you closer to nature and its creations. And at such a unique place like North-east India, a religious excursion is a unique experience in itself.