Sacred Journeys: Pilgrimage Sites Across India
Trains to Divinity, India’s Spiritual Rail Routes
Since ancient times, Indians have undertaken sacred journeys to temples, shrines and holy sites. The advent of railways made these pilgrimages easier and more accessible. Today, millions embark on spiritual sojourns aboard trains to experience India’s rich cultural heritage.
Char Dham Yatra by Rail
Do you know the iconic Char Dham Yatra covering the holy sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri can be done by train? Devotees arrive at Haridwar station before venturing into the Himalayas.
Shockingly, nearly 3 lakh pilgrims visit each of these remote shrines annually! Indian Railways has special Doon Express trains to ferry devotees.
Not only that, there are retiring rooms at Haridwar station for overnight halts. Talk about divine train travel experiences.
On the Kashi Trail
Varanasi or Kashi, is among the holiest pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Rail routes from across North India ferry thousands here daily to experience its sacred ghats.
Special trains like the Shaktipeeth Express from Kolkata bring devotees to Varanasi. Many opt for the convenience of reaching the Kashi Vishwanath Temple directly from the station.
The Dwarka Route
Believed to be Lord Krishna’s birthplace, Dwarka in Gujarat welcomes hordes of devotees aboard direct trains. The Delhi-Okha Express, Mumbai-Dwarka Express and Dwarka-Somnath Express are popular services.
You’ll be amazed to know platforms are extended to accommodate the huge rush during festivals like Janmashtami! The Dwarkadhish Temple beckons ardent Krishna bhakts from across India.
Jyotirlingas and Sacred Sites
Beyond the major pilgrimages, innumerable sacred journeys connect devotees to jyotirlingas, temples and shrines nationwide. The Chennai-Rameshwaram Express takes travelers to the revered RamNathaswamy Temple.
Trains like the Sampark Kranti Express connect Ayodhya to other spiritual centers. The Telangana Express links Mumbai and Chennai to the famous Bhadrachalam Temple.
With their convenience and affordability, Indian Railways have emerged as vital facilitators of spiritual travel and cultural continuity across our nation’s sacred geography.
Source:
– Mishra, V.B. (2004). Buddhist Hindu Pilgrimage Sites and Tour Circuits of Gujarat. New Delhi: APH Publishing.
– Shinde, K. (2007). Pilgrimage and the Environment: Challenges in a Pilgrimage Centre. The Case Study of Pandharpur. Teri Press.
– Rajan, K.V.A. (2011). Pilgrimage, Tourism & Mythology: Multidisciplinary Perspectives. Tamil Nadu: Kumaran Book House.
– Shackley, M. (2001). Managing Sacred Sites: Service Provision and Visitor Experience. UK: Cengage Learning EMEA.
– Kumar, R. (2014). Rail Travel Facilitating Millions of Pilgrims. Yojana: A Development Monthly.
– Bharadwaj, K. (2003). Domestic Tourism in India. New Delhi: Indraprastha Prakashan.
– Kumar, V. (2020). Indian Railways and Religious Tourism. RailNews Media.
– Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (2018). Spiritual Circuit: Myths Explored.
– IRCTC (2023). Special Tour Packages – Chardham, Amarnath, Buddhist Circuits. Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation.
– Railway Board (2012). Guidelines for Facilitation of Rail Travel for Pilgrims. Ministry of Railways.