India, with its rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted religious traditions, is home to countless sacred sites that hold immense significance for Hindus. Among these, the Saptapuri—seven of Hinduism’s holiest cities—hold a special place in the hearts of devotees.
The Seven Holiest Cities in India for Hinduism: The Saptapuri
The seven holiest cities in India (often called the Sapta Puri in Hindu tradition) are considered sacred pilgrimage sites. Visiting them is believed to help attain moksha (liberation).
- Varanasi (Kashi, Uttar Pradesh) – The spiritual capital of India, situated on the banks of the Ganga.
- Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) – Birthplace of Lord Rama, associated with the Ramayana.
- Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) – Birthplace of Lord Krishna.
- Haridwar (Uttarakhand) – Gateway to the Himalayas and a major Ganga pilgrimage site.
- Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) – Ancient city of temples, known for Goddess Kamakshi and Lord Shiva temples.
- Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) – Home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Kumbh Mela.
- Dwarka (Gujarat) – Kingdom of Lord Krishna and site of the Dwarkadhish Temple.
These seven cities are believed to be blessed by divine beings and serve as the abodes of various deities. The Saptapuri pilgrimage, or yatra, is considered the most sacred of all, with each city being a centre of unique history, legends, and revered sites that draw pilgrims from across the world.
For devout Hindus, visiting these cities is seen as a sacred duty, believed to purify the soul and lead to spiritual enlightenment, ultimately guiding one toward moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. That's why this yatra can also be called Mokshdayani Sapt Puri. Each city has an important story in Hinduism.
Many describe the journey as transformative, providing an opportunity to deepen their connection with the divine and seek blessings for a fulfilling life.
The word "Sapta Puri" means "Seven Cities" ("Sapt" means Seven, "Puri" means City)
Part of the Saptapuri is interwoven with the holy Ganga River, considered a Nitya Tirth. This place has always existed even before creation, and will always exist in each creation cycle. Bathing in the Ganga River is also a way to offer redemption for sins and achieve moksha.
Each site in the Saptapuri is considered a Tirtha on its own, a holy yatra site. Varanasi/Kashi is in itself a nitya tirtha.
1. Ayodhya
Most Important Artifacts: The Vishnu Hari inscription found in 1992, Narmadeshwar Mahadev Shivling
Most Important Samadhis: Samadhi Sthal
Most Important Sites & Temples: Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi Shrine, Ramkot Temple, Nageshwarnath Temple, Chakravarti Maharaj Dashrath Mahal
Most Important Festivals: Ram Navami, Shivratri festival, Ram Lila, Parikramas
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, is one of the most revered cities in Hinduism. Lord Rama was believed to be born in Ayodhya and ruled the kingdom of Kosala from here.
The city is mentioned in the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana, and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Rama.
The Ram Janmabhoomi, the site believed to be the birth spot of Lord Rama, is a major attraction in Ayodhya. The city is also home to various temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his consort, Sita. Housed here are also many ancient, important Hindu scriptures. The Ramayana is celebrated with great fervour in Ayodhya during the festival of Diwali.
In January 2024, a new temple known as the Ayodhya Ram Mandir was opened. Construction is expected to be completed in June 2025. It was inaugurated before completion because the date, 22/1/2024 is believed to be auspicious.
Ayodhya is situated on the Ghaghara River, also referred to as Sarayu or Sarju in its lower course, located to the east of Faizabad in the south-central part of Uttar Pradesh state.
2. Mathura & Vrindavan
Most Important Artifacts: Statues and more at the Mathura Museum, shaligram at Sri Radha Raman Mandir, shiva linga at Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple
Most Important Samadhis: Srila Prabhupad's Samadhi
Most Important Sites & Temples: Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, Shri Rambag Mandir, Banke Bihari Temple
Most Important Festivals: Janmashtami, Shivratri, Holi
Mathura and Vrindavan are neighbouring cities located in the state of Uttar Pradesh near the Yamuna River.
They are associated with Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism. Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, while Vrindavan is considered the place where he spent his childhood and performed various divine leelas, or playful acts.
The cities are filled with temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and are visited by devotees throughout the year - there are about 5500 temples in Vrindavan alone! The Krishna Janmasthan Temple in Mathura and the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan are among the most popular temples in the region. The Holi festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mathura and Vrindavan, attracts tourists from all over the world.
Mathura boasts a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC. It was once a flourishing center of art, culture, and religion. The city is home to numerous temples, including the iconic Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
3. Haridwar (Maya or Gaya)
Most Important Artifacts: Brahma Kund, Parad Shivlinga
Most Important Samadhis: Sri Anandamayi Ma Samadhi, Shri Lahiri Mahasaya Samadhi
Most Important Sites & Temples: Chandi Devi Temple, Tirupati Balaji Mandir, Maya Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri Ghat, Bharat Mata Mandir
Most Important Festivals: Somvati Amavasya Mela, Ganga Dashara, Gughal Mela, Kumbh Mela
Haridwar, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is considered the gateway to the gods. It is believed that taking a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges River in Haridwar can wash away one's sins and grant salvation. According to legend, the elixir of immortality called Amrita is believed to have fallen from the heavens down to Haridwar.
The city is famous for its Kumbh Mela, a grand gathering of millions of devotees who come to cleanse their souls in the sacred river. Kumbh Mela takes place every three years in a rotation of four locations, so it only happens in Haridwar once every twelve years.
The Har Ki Pauri ghat (steps) is the most important bathing ghat in Haridwar and is believed to be the spot where Lord Vishnu left his footprint. The city is also home to numerous ashrams and temples, making it a popular destination for spiritual seekers.
It is said that Lord Shiva released the sacred river from his locks in Haridwar, marking the beginning of its earthly journey. The river then flowed through the other cities, purifying them and bestowing blessings upon all those who bathed in its waters.
Within Haridwar, there is a small yatra called the Panch Tirth, which consists of Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi).
4. Varanasi (Kashi or Banaras)
Most Important Artifacts: Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Most Important Samadhis: Trailanga Swami Samadhi, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Kabir Chaura Math Varanasi for Saint Kabir, Lahiri Mahasaya Samadhi
Most Important Sites & Temples: Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Bharat Mata Mandir, Sankat Mochan Mandi
Most Important Festivals: Mahashivaratri, Ram Lila, Ganga Aarti ceremonies, Holi, Dev Deepavali
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is regarded as the spiritual capital of India, as it holds great importance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike. It's one of the most important holy cities for Hindus.
As one of the oldest inhabited cities in India, it is believed to be the holiest of all the seven cities and is considered the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi is a city steeped in tradition and spirituality.
The ghats, or steps, leading to the river are the focal point of religious activities, where pilgrims gather to perform rituals, take holy dips, and offer prayers to the river. The city is dotted with numerous temples, each with its own significance and legends. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most revered temples in Varanasi and attracts devotees from all over the world.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is a renowned Hindu temple and one of the most worshipped Shiva temples in Hinduism. It is mentioned in the Puranas, including the Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana.
5. Kanchipuram (Kanchi)
Most Important Artifacts: Kailasanathar Linga
Most Important Samadhis: Jayendra Saraswathi’s Samashi at The Kanchi Math
Most Important Sites & Temples: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar temple, Sri Varadarajar Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple
Most Important Festivals: Brahmachavam, Garudotsavam, Devadhiraj Mahotsavam, Naynar Uryavan Festival
Kanchipuram, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is known as the city of a thousand temples, including 108 Shaiva temples and 18 Vaishnava temples. The numerous temples are devoted to numerous deities, mostly Lord Shiva and Goddess Kamakshi.
The Kamakshi Amman Temple and the Ekambareswarar Temple are the most famous ones. The temples in Kanchipuram showcase exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, making it a paradise for art and history enthusiasts.
6. Ujjain (Avantika)
Most Important Artifacts: Mahakaleswar Jyotirlinga
Most Important Samadhis: Pir Matsyendranath Samadhi
Most Important Sites & Temples: Mahakal temple, Harsiddhi temple, Kal Bhairav temple, Chintaman Ganesh temple, Mangalnath temple, Ram Mandir Ghat, Gomti Kund
Most Important Festivals: Bhasma Aarti, Kumbh Mela, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Navratri
Ujjain, located near the Shipra River in Madhya Pradesh, is known for being the abode of Lord Shiva and is famous for its grand ceremonies and festivals that take place throughout the year, including Kumbh Mela every twelve years.
The city is home to numerous temples and sacred sites that hold immense religious and historical significance. The most prominent among them is the Mahakaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Devotees gather here in large numbers to witness the daily ritual of Bhasma Aarti, where sacred ash is applied to the deity as a symbol of purity and devotion.
7. Dwarka (Dwaraka or Kushasthali)
Most Important Artifacts: Nageswar Jyotirlinga
Most Important Samadhis: Devaki Devi (mother of Krishna)
Most Important Sites & Temples: Dwarakadheesh Temple (Jagat Mandir), Gomti Ghat, Rukmini Devi temple
Most Important Festivals: Janamashtami
Dwarka, located on the western coast of India in Gujarat, is believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna, who built the city himself. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna established his capital in Dwarka after leaving Mathura. It’s said that the city was submerged in the Arabian Sea at one point, after the death of Lord Krishna and the beginning of the Kali Yuga.
The city is mentioned in the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, and is also part of the Char Dham Yatra. The Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is the main attraction in Dwarka and is visited by thousands of devotees. The city also has other important temples and archaeological sites that offer glimpses into its glorious past.
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The Most Popular Hindu Pilgrimage Sites
Other than seven cities, there are many other popular and religiously important sites for Hindus to visit.
Katra, in Jammu & Kashmir
The Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and features The Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi which contains ions of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.
Badrinath, in Uttarakhand
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Temple is the most important site in the Char Dham Yatra. It is closed during the harshest part of winter since the weather makes visiting the temple impossible.
Kedarnath, in Uttarakhand
Near Badrinath, Kedarnath Temple, is also part of the Char Dham Yatra. It’s also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it one of the top temples for pilgrims.
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There are dozens of different Yatras in India, but the most popular are: Sapta Puri, Char Dham, 12 Jyotirlingas, 51 Shakti Pithas, the Rama circuit, and the Krishna circuit.
The Most Important Religious Festivals in India for Hinduism
Regardless of where you visit, there are many Hindu festivals that are celebrated across the country each year. Here are some of the most important ones.
Kumbh Mela
This festival celebrates redemption by way of bathing in a holy body of water, namely the Ganga. The location for the festival changes on a rotating twelve-year schedule and is held once every three years. The four cities that take turns hosting the festival are Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
Holi
Holi is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. People throw brightly coloured powders at each other as a reference to the fabled game that Lord Krishna played with his consort Radha and the gopis involving colours.
Vaisakhi
This festival is particularly celebrated in Punjab. It is celebrated on the 13th of April every year and marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is also commemorated as the day when Guru Gobind Singh formed the Khalsa Panth.
The festival is celebrated with people participating in processions, singing devotional songs, and performing traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. On this day, devotees visit temples, chant hymns, and recite passages from epic texts like the Ramayana.
Diwali
The ‘Festival of Lights’ is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his exile and victory over Ravana, the demon king. The festival is celebrated by lighting oil lamps, bursting firecrackers, exchanging gifts, and feasting on delicious sweets and savouries. Offerings and prayers are also given to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Whether you are a devout Hindu seeking spiritual enlightenment or a curious traveller interested in exploring the religious diversity of India, the Saptapuri pilgrimage is sure to leave a lasting impression on your soul. Exploring the many holy sites and holidays in the Hindu culture is a fascinating and exciting prospect. Now that you know a little more, you can have more confidence if you ever participate in a yatra!
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