Spiritual Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Sometimes all what one desires is to let their hair down, pray and seek blessings of the divine. One such place where tourist can drench themselves in holy spirits is Himachal Pradesh. The moment of tranquillity tourist undergoes on their religious tour to Himachal Pradesh is simply rejuvenating. Himachal Pradesh is acknowledged as the 'Dev Bhoomi' (or the abode of Gods and Goddesses), probably one of those states which possess the power to make anyone meet their spiritual and enigmatic side. The aura surrounding the celestial land takes every tourist back to an era where Dharma, Karma and forgiveness where the three main maxims of life.

Himachal Pradesh is a deified land of god's saints, preachers, devotees and goddesses. The state is famous for its delightful temples and serene monasteries. Right from Hindu temples to Christian churches, from Sikh Gurudwaras to Buddhist monasteries, all these things define the religious side of the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh is a place where one can feel the presence of the almighty. Around 95% of the population are Hindus, and there are more than 2000 temples in Himachal Pradesh. Journey to these pious temples of Himachal Pradesh is considered as the lifetime achievement and endows the pilgrims with peace of mind and mental strength. On a tour to Himachal Pradesh, tourist must visit the seven temples dedicated to Goddess Durga namely Mata Chamunda Devi, Mata Jwala Ji, Maa Kangra Devi, Maa Chintpurni Devi / Mata Chhinnamastika Dham, Mata Naina Devi, Mata Mansa Devi, and Mata Kalika Devi. All these temples are considered as important identities of Goddess Durga.

Other important temples located in the vicinity of Himachal Pradesh are Baba Balak Nath Temple, Brijeshwari Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Shringi Rishi Temple, Rewalsar Temple, Shikari Devi Temple, Jakhu Temple, Bhagsu Nag Shiva Temple. Even the Manimahesh Lake attracts devotees from around the world. The place is considered as the abode of Tridev i.e., Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.

One can see traces of Buddhism dating back to the early 8th century in Himachal Pradesh. The land is home to the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, who is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He has his "capital in exile" at McLeod Ganj in close vicinity to Dharamshala. The calm and serene monasteries of Himachal represent the origin of Buddhism. Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur are some of the other places where one can see a huge chunk of the Buddhist community. The land of Himachal is so pure that it keeps everyone in contact with the supreme power that dwells in the different forms. The sacred land alias Devbhumi is revered by Sikhs and Christians as well. One can see churches as old as 150 years in the vicinity of Himachal Pradesh.