Holy to Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist, Madhya Pradesh is one of the foremost pilgrimage destinations in India. The eternal state is the place where religion is an integral part of the daily life, has drawn poets, sages and pilgrims through the ages. For all its importance in Indian mythology and history, Madhya Pradesh looks more of a relaxing state that has plenty to offer in terms of spiritual tours & holidays.
Soaked in every bit of spirituality, Madhya Pradesh can be a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Especially for those who want to surrender themselves in the arms of nature. In short, Madhya Pradesh is a sacred state that bears historical significance.
Interesting Facts
- Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is called 'City of Temples.' One of the 12 Jyotirlingas - Mahakaleshwar Temple, is in Ujjain.
- Ujjain is the place where Lord Krishna, along with Balarama and Sudama, received his education from Maharshi Sandipani.
- The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India.
- Ujjain is one of the India's seven sacred cities of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela.
Famous Pilgrimage Destination in Madhya Pradesh:
| Omkareshwar |
Maheshwar |
Ujjain |
Bhopal |
Amarkantak |
Sanchi |
Chitrakoot |
Temples in Madhya Pradesh:
All thanks to its temples, ghats, and small and peaceful towns, Madhya Pradesh is known as one the seven most sacred sites for Hindus in India. Madhya Pradesh tourism endearingly appeals to the tourists as it houses some of the most significant pilgrimage spots. Amarkantak, Orchha, Omkareshwar and Chitrakoot are the most important religious centres in Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain, the temple city of Madhya Pradesh, is famous for celebrating Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world. The city of Maheshwar, located in Khargaon district of Madhya Pradesh, is called 'Varanasi of Central India', as just like Varanasi, it has got temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the banks of holy river Narmada. Madhya Pradesh is simply a land of sanctity and an important place for Hindus.
Famous Temples in Madhya Pradesh:
| Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain |
Siddhanath Temple Omkareshwar |
Narmada Udgam Temple Amarkantak |
| Bharat Milap Temple Chitrakoot |
Mangalnath Temple, Ujjain |
Rajarajeshwara Temple |
| Shri Gopal Temple, Ujjain |
Satmatrika Temple |
Navgraha Temple, Ujjain |
| Karkoeshwar Mahadev Temple, Ujjain |
Harsiddhi Ma Temple, Ujjain |
Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho |
| Gadkalika Mandir, Ujjain |
Gauri Somnath Temple, Omkareshwar |
Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar |
| Karna Math Mandir,Amarkantak |
Chausath Yogini Temple, Bhedaghat |
Sati Anasuya Temple, Chitrakoot |
|
Bada Ganesh Temple, Ujjain |
Temple of Kalbhairav, Ujjain |
Javari Temple, Khajuraho |
Mosques in Madhya Pradesh
Mosques are beautiful sacred places, and with Islam as the fastest growing religion, they can be found in practically every nook and corner of Madhya Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh, there are numerous mosques to worship immensely. Most mosques in Madhya Pradesh are architectural wonders and have diverse finishing. Taj-ul-Masjid in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh is the finest example finest art and culture. This grandiose mosque is surmounted by three white domes and flanked by two eighteen storeyed minarets. The ambiance of the mosque is majestic rather than beautiful. Next to the Taj-ul-Masjid is the famed Jama Masjid. To the south of the Jama Masjid is another mosque, the Moti Masjid. With its striped dome and tapering sandstone minarets, the Moti Masjid looks like the smaller version of Jama Majid in Delhi.
Famous mosques in Madhya Pradesh:
| Jama Masjid |
Taj-ul-Masajid |
Moti Masjid |
Buddhist Temples in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is blessed with the facts that Buddhist oldest monuments and world heritage site, the Great Stupa of Sanchi is located on its humble ground. There are many destinations in India that have Buddhist influences and amongst them Sanchi Stupa holds a great significance amongst the devotees. The stupa was built in the year 262 BC when Mauryan king, Ashoka decided to embrace Buddhism. Today, this remarkable monument is counted as one of the India's official entry in UNESCO world heritage sites. Many eminent Buddhist spiritual leaders have meditated here and achieved supremacy.
Earlier Sanchi was nothing more than a hotspot for the traders. Presently, the stupa houses some of the oldest Buddhist relics that belong to different dynasties. The place serves as an excellent destination for spiritual tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Monastery 45, 47, temples no 18 and Stupa 1,2 and 3 are some of the famous tourist attraction of Stupa. Tourists can also visit the nearby archeological museum that has on display are artifacts from Sanchi and its nearby sites like Vidisha, Gyraspur, etc.
Gurudwara in Madhya Pradesh
Gurudwara, the shrine of Sikhs, is derived from two words – 'Guru' and 'Dwar' – meaning the gateway to guru. There are many Gurudwara's in Madhya Pradesh that has a rich connect with the past. With more than hundred's of Gurudwara established in Madhya Pradesh, these are some of the cleanliest, organized and calmest place of worship in Madhya Pradesh. Gurudwara of Madhya Pradesh springs back to life during the festive seasons especially during Lohri, Baisakhi, Gurpurab, etc. The uniqueness of these Gurudwara that allows it to stand out amongst church, mosque and temples is that people from every religion can come to worship here. All these Gurudwaras gives insight into how the Sikhism has sustained in Madhya Pradesh.
Famous Gurudwara in Madhya Pradesh:
- Gurudwara Shri Badi Sangat Patshahi Dasvin Sahib in Burhanpur
- Gurudwara Shri Data Bandichod Sahib in Gwalior
- Gurudwara Shri Charan Kamal Sahib in Burhanpur
- Gurudwara Shri Gwarighat Sahib in Jabalpur
The soundtrack of hymns, the muezzin's calls and shofar, sound of Mantras chanted by Monks, a trip to Madhya Pradesh is a sensory and spiritual experience like no other. One of Hinduism's holiest state; Madhya Pradesh draws travellers from around the world seeking spiritual peace. From North to South, East to West, many shrines are sprinkled in the length and breadth of Madhya Pradesh. On a spiritual trip to Madhya Pradesh, immerse yourself in its cultural heritages. Experience the holy soul of India by paying a visit to the shrines of Madhya Pradesh.
