| Unity in diversity is what the people of India represent | | | | incarnations are worshipped in the holy temples of |
| and this diversity in customs and traditions followed by | | | | Tirupati and Rameshwarm in southern India, Jagannath |
| Indians since ages have contributed significantly in | | | | Puri temples in eastern coast and their presence is |
| shaping up Hinduism and various Hindu rituals. | | | | welcomed in the temples of Badrinath, Haridwar and |
| Prolonged interaction among the diverse groups led to | | | | Vridanban in North. Considered to be sanctified by |
| the advent of "Vedism" which introduced the worship | | | | Lord Shiva, Kedarnath and Amarnath are also among |
| of gods of rain, fire and the sun. Over the ages there | | | | popular places of Hindu pilgrimage. The Vaishno Devi |
| had been a number of changes observed in the broad | | | | cave has gained its holiness from Goddess Vaishno |
| minded Hinduism philosophy where the simple worship | | | | also known as Maa Shakti. Balaji is another popular |
| of natural forces is now replaced by complex rituals. | | | | destination for pilgrims who believe in Lord Hanuman |
| The curious amalgamation of the animistic approach | | | | and sing his praise through Hanuman Chalisa. |
| and following of rituals can be seen in all the Hindu holy | | | | Gangotri and Yamunotri are also among the most |
| places. Presence of nature's best gifts like astounding | | | | sought after Hindu religious destinations frequented by |
| caves, lush green forests, flowing rivers etc at the site | | | | pilgrims where they can enjoy bathing in the holy |
| of Hindu pilgrimages reflects its association with the | | | | waters of river Ganga and Yamuna. To complete the |
| philosophy of animism. On the other hand, observance | | | | circle of visit to all the holy destinations of Hindus the |
| of rigorous and complex rites at the places of | | | | trip must be planned to capital of all religious places |
| pilgrimage signifies its ritualistic approach. | | | | Varanasi followed by a visit to 4 maths of Sri |
| The modern Hindu religious beliefs center on three | | | | Shankracharya, Nava Graha Sthalas, enjoy amazing |
| major Hindu gods cults - worship of Shiva, Vishnu and | | | | beauty of all the major holy rivers, Pancha bhutha linga |
| Shakti. Accordingly, all the places of pilgrimage have | | | | temples and last but not the least the Shakti Pitha |
| acquired sanctity from their association with one of | | | | temples. |
| these three Gods. Lord Vishnu and his various | | | | |