Religion and devotion to the almighty are remarkable aspects of the culture and traditions of Central India. People of all faiths and beliefs visit revered pilgrimage sites to seek the blessings of the divine. With its great temples and shrines, each having its own local legend, along with numerous spiritual centres and maths, it is evident that the land of Central India is truly spiritual. Due to this rich diversity and the presence of so many holy places, pilgrimage tourism is one of the most preferred forms of travel for many Indians.
Famous Pilgrimage Destinations are:
Ujjain
Ujjain is one of the holiest cities for Hindus and one of the seven sacred cities. It is known as the land of Shiva and is dotted with numerous temples that form a major part of its tourist attractions. The biggest festival hosted here is the Kumbh Mela. The most famous temple in Ujjain is the Mahakaleshwar Temple, dedicated to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The bathing ghats, apart from their religious significance, are fascinating places for a leisurely walk. Other attractions in Ujjain include Harsiddhi Temple, Kalideh Palace, Gomti Kund, Bhartruhari Caves and more.
Amarkantak
Amarkantak is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. It is also known as Teerthraj, or the King of Pilgrimages, and is the source of the Narmada and Sone rivers. According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas are believed to have resided here for a long period.
Omkareshwar
This sacred island, shaped like the holy symbol Om, is home to one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Shiva. There are two main temples here—one dedicated to Omkareshwar and the other to Amareshwar. The exquisite temples are fine examples of Brahminic culture and Indo-Nagara style architecture. Omkareshwar Mahadeo, Siddhnath Temple, Satmatrika Temples and the Kajal Rani Cave are key attractions worth visiting.
Bhoramdeo Temple
The Bhoramdeo Temple, often called the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh, is famous for its captivating 11th-century Lord Shiva temple complex. Other nearby attractions include Madwa Mahal and Cherki Mahal. Apart from the architectural beauty, the abundance of erotic sculptures makes these temples distinctive. A visit during the Bhoramdeo Mahotsav is highly recommended for a fascinating cultural experience.
Dongargarh
Dongargarh is a major pilgrimage centre in Chhattisgarh. The temple here is dedicated to Mata Bambleshwari, also referred to as Badi Bambleshwari. This shrine is located atop a hill at a height of 1600 ft. The most visited periods are during the Navaratri of Kavar and Chaitra, when the temple remains open throughout the day. During this time, a day-and-night fair is also organised within the temple complex.
