Religious & Spiritual Tourism

Religious & Spiritual Sites

Madhya Pradesh is a spiritual powerhouse with ancient temples, sacred rivers, and pilgrimage centers dating back thousands of years. From the Jyotirlingas of Ujjain and Omkareshwar to the historical temples of Khajuraho and Chitrakoot, the state offers a divine experience for seekers of spirituality, history, and cultural heritage.

Here are the most important religious places in Madhya Pradesh:

 Jyotirlinga Temples – Sacred Abodes of Lord Shiva

1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Ujjain) – The Lord of Time

✅ Why Visit?

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, considered one of the holiest Shiva temples.
• Famous for the Bhasma Aarti, where ashes are offered to Lord Shiva at dawn.
• Located on the banks of the Shipra River, one of the holiest rivers in India.

 Location: Ujjain
 Best Time to Visit: Mahashivratri, Kumbh Mela

Highlight: The Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM is a must-see spiritual experience!

2. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – The Island of Om (ॐ)

✅ Why Visit?

• Situated on Mandhata Island, shaped like the sacred "Om" (ॐ).
• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, visited by millions of devotees.
• The Mamleshwar Temple, located nearby, is considered equally sacred.

 Location: Omkareshwar (Khandwa District)
 Best Time to Visit: October – March

Highlight: Take a boat ride on the Narmada River around the island for a divine experience.

 Ancient & Historic Temples

3. Khajuraho Temples – The Marvel of Indian Architecture (UNESCO Site)

✅ Why Visit?

• Built by the Chandela dynasty (950–1050 AD), known for their intricate carvings.
• The temples depict spirituality, love, and life through unique sculptures.
• Divided into Western, Eastern, and Southern groups, with Hindu and Jain temples.

 Location: Chhatarpur District
 Best Time to Visit: February (Khajuraho Dance Festival)

Highlight: The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the most stunning and artistic of all.

4. Bhojeshwar Temple – The Incomplete Wonder

✅ Why Visit?

• Home to a gigantic Shiva Lingam (7.5 ft high), one of the largest in India.
• Built by Raja Bhoj, but left incomplete after his kingdom fell.

 Location: Bhojpur (Near Bhopal)
 Best Time to Visit: Mahashivratri

Highlight: A unique temple with no roof, adding to its mystical charm.

5. Chausath Yogini Temple – The Oldest Yogini Shrine

✅ Why Visit?

• A circular temple with 64 shrines, dedicated to Goddess Durga’s 64 forms.
• Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bhedaghat’s Marble Rocks.

 Location: Jabalpur
 Best Time to Visit: October – March

Highlight: Believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament House!

 Sacred Rivers & Pilgrimage Sites

6. Amarkantak – The Origin of the Narmada River

✅ Why Visit?

• One of the most sacred sites, where the Narmada River originates.
• Home to Narmada Kund, Kapil Dhara Waterfall, and ancient ashrams.

 Location: Anuppur District
 Best Time to Visit: October – March

Highlight: The Narmada Aarti at Narmada Kund is a peaceful and divine experience.

7. Chitrakoot – The Land of Lord Rama

✅ Why Visit?

• Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent 11 years of exile here.
• Visit Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, and Sati Anusuya Ashram.
• Famous for the Chitrakoot Ramayana Festival.

 Location: Satna District
 Best Time to Visit: Ram Navami, Diwali

Highlight: Boat rides at Ramghat, where devotees light diyas in the river.

 Spiritual Towns & Religious Centers

8. Ujjain – The City of Mahakal & Kumbh Mela

✅ Why Visit?

• One of the four sacred cities of Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years.
• Apart from Mahakaleshwar, visit Kal Bhairav Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, and Sandipani Ashram.

 Location: Ujjain
 Best Time to Visit: Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Mahashivratri

Highlight: The Kal Bhairav Temple is known for its offering of liquor to the deity.

9. Hoshangabad – The Land of the Narmada River Aarti

✅ Why Visit?

• Famous for the Hoshangabad Narmada Aarti, similar to Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti.
• Pilgrims take holy dips in the Narmada River for spiritual cleansing.

 Location: Hoshangabad District
 Best Time to Visit: Kartik Purnima, Narmada Jayanti

Highlight: The Narmada Parikrama Yatra begins from here.

10. Maihar – The Temple of Goddess Sharda

✅ Why Visit?

• Home to Sharda Devi Temple, a major Shakti Peetha.
• Pilgrims climb 1,063 steps or take a ropeway to the temple.

 Location: Satna District
 Best Time to Visit: Navratri

Highlight: Famous for Ustad Allauddin Khan, the legendary musician of Maihar Gharana.