Thousands of people visit India so that they can experience Indian spiritually. But many of them who visit the country do not know that other than Hinduism there are other religions that also exist in India. This means that there are non-Hindu religious places that can also be visited and can provide spiritual upliftment.
So let’s look at some of the other religions of India! Other popular religions include Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism which are collectively known as the Indian religions or simply those that started in India. Other major religions of the world that has significant following in India include Islam and Christianity. In fact, India has the second largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia comprising of about 15% of India’s population. Christianity is India’s third most popular religion with over 24 million followers.
Sikhism is another India’s religions most popular in the state of Punjab. If you are planning to visit Punjab then the Golden Temple is a must visit. Here are some excellent photos of the Golden Temple that was sent to me by a friend. People from all over the world visit this holy shrine. In addition, the world’s newest religion, the Baha’i Faith has a lovely temple called the Lotus Temple in Delhi. It is considered as an architectural marvel.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Delhi
Some Indians also claim to be following Judaism. Initially, it was dismissed as people who simply wanted to immigrate to Israel but it is now accepted that they are one of the lost Jewish tribe called “Bene Israel”. It is the only country in the world where they have not been prosecuted by any incidences of anti-Semitism.
Here’s an exciting book on the various religions of India. This is a marvellous book that explains the religions of Indian in simple language. Although designed for children but it can read by all. So if you are considering visiting India on a religious tour then you might consider buying this book on Amazon. You can download them on Amazon USA and Amazon UK.
Now that you know that there are other religions, here are the 5 top religious places in India you might like to visit.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Also known as Banaras and Kashi. Thousands of people visit this place every month; it is one of the best places to experience Hinduism in its raw form. I consider myself lucky to have spent half of my childhood in the holy city of Banaras.
Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
Bodh Gaya in Bihar (where I come from) where Buddha used to live, preach and mediate. It is said that he found enlightment under the famous Bodhi Tree. This is one of the best places for those interested in Buddhism.
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)
The Balaji Temple in Tirupati (known as Tirumala) in South India is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. It’s a very popular religious destination for South Indians. North Indians and foreigners also visit this place in large numbers.
Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab)
Built by the fifth Guru Arjun known as the Sri Harmandir Sahib, it is the most famous temple of the Sikhs. People from all walks of life and all religious denominations visit this place.
Read about Manuela’s experience at the Golden Temple
Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer (Rajasthan)
The dargah of Moinuddin Chishti in the Rajasthani city of Ajmer is a very popular Muslim pilgrim site but indecently Hindus and Sikhs also visit this place in large numbers. It is said that if you ask for a wish, it will come true. If you happen to be visiting Rajasthan you might consider visit this Muslims shrine.
Basilica of Bom Jesus (Goa)
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNECSO Word Heritage Site and is considered a landmark in Indian Christianity is the oldest church in India.
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