There are few places one travels to find a deeper connection with oneself & spirituality. During this summer, I decided to embark on the sacred travel through the spiritual heart of India from Jagannath Puri to Kashi to Ayodhya to Lucknow, in search of a better understanding of myself and the divine.

Jagannath Puri: The Abode of Lord Jagannath

Our journey began in Jagannath Puri, located on the eastern coast of Odisha. Known for the majestic Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham (four sacred abodes) in Hinduism, Puri is a vibrant blend of devotion and culture.

We traveled to witness the grand Rath Yatra, a chariot festival that symbolizes the journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, from their temple sanctuary to the Gundicha Temple.  With this powerful energy in the air, it sets the tone for our spiritual journey ahead.

Kashi (Varanasi): The Eternal City of Light

From the shores of Puri,  our journey continued to the ancient city of Kashi, also known as Varanasi.  Considered the spiritual capital of India, Kashi is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

Nestled along the sacred Ganges River with its narrow lanes, vibrant markets, and countless temples. It is said that Kashi is also a city for those seeking purification and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

We were mesmerized by the evening Ganga Aarti, with its mesmerizing chants, floating lamps, and divine rituals wereindeed a profound spiritual experience that left a mark on my soul.

Ayodhya: The Birthplace of Lord Rama

The next stop we took was Ayodhya, a city steeped in mythology and history. Revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya holds immense significance in Hinduism. The city is dotted with temples, ghats, and sacred sites that echo the tales of the Ramayana.

We visited the recently constructed Ram Mandir followed by a stroll along the serene banks of the Sarayu River to later visited a Hanuman Garhi, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Lucknow: The City of Nawabs 

Our last stop was in Lucknow, a city renowned for its Nawabi heritage, architectural splendor, and vibrant culture.

While not traditionally considered a site of pilgrimage, Lucknow’s syncretic culture and spiritual harmony offer a unique experience. The city’s mosques, temples, and Sufi shrines stand as symbols of India’s multicultural heritage.

Here are some of the things, I experienced during this journey:

1. Inner Reflection: It gave me the chance to take a break from daily routines, offering the opportunity for introspection, meditation, and self-reflection. It allowed me to explore my inner thoughts, emotions, and beliefs in a new environment.
2. Self-Awareness: It helped me gain a better understanding of myself, my purpose, and my values resulting in increased self-awareness and a clearer perspective on life decisions and personal development.
3. Deeper Spiritual Practices: I started engaging in meditation, prayer, & mindfulness which helped me to connect to a higher power & inner self.
4. Emotional Healing: Being in a spiritually charged or sacred place encourages emotional release and healing.
5. Breaking Negative Patterns: It assisted me in breaking away from negative patterns of thinking.
6. Cultural and Social Benefits: Exploring destinations with deep cultural backgrounds and spiritual traditions broadens my perspective and a greater understanding of different ways of life.

Spiritual travel offers a holistic approach to personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening.

By stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a spiritually nurturing environment, I found deeper meaning, clarity, and peace in my life.