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Pilgrimages and Temples of Uttar Pradesh


1. Pilgrimages and Temples associated with Sri Rama:


  1. Sri Rama Ayodhya: Ayodhya (Ayodhya district): Sri Rama incarnated, Sri Rama ruled, Sri Rama returned to abode, Sri Rama liberated residents, different forms of Hari abide, a Moksha Puri, a Divya Desam
    • Thiru Ayodhi Divya Desam [DD-65] → Ayodhya

    • Puranic References:
    ► Valmiki Ramayana (VR) → About Incarnation of Sri Rama at Ayodhya (Ayodhya)
    ► Skanda Purana - Ayodhya Mahatmya (AM) → About Ayodhya (Ayodhya Mahatmya)
    ► Period before Sri Rama 1. Lord Vishnu abides as different forms of Hari in Ayodhya (Vishnuhari, Dharmahari, Chandrahari, Chakrahari and Guptahari). (AM)
    2. Manu built the city of Ayodhya. (VR)
    ► Period before Sri Rama 1. Various kings of the Ikshwaku dynasty ruled from Ayodhya. (VR)
    ► Period of Sri Rama 1. King Dasharatha performed Ashwamedha and Putrakameshti yagnas near Ayodhya. (VR)
    2. Sage Vasishtha who is the kulaguru of Rama's dynasty, guided the various yagnas held near Ayodhya. (VR)
    3. Sage Rishyashringa presided over the Putrakameshti yagna of king Dasharatha near Ayodhya. (VR)
    4. Sri Rama incarnated in Ayodhya (Ram Janambhoomi). (VR)
    5. Bharata ruled the kingdom with Rama's padukas from Nandigrama near Ayodhya. (VR)
    6. Sri Rama ruled his kingdom for 11000 years with Ayodhya as capital (Ram Rajya). (AM)
    7. Sage Valmiki composed Valmiki Ramayana (near Ayodhya). (VR)
    8. Sons of Sri Rama, Lava and Kusha sang the Ramayana in Ayodhya. (VR)
    9. Sri Rama returned to the abode of Vishnu from Ayodhya (Swargadwara Tirtha). (AM)
    10. Sri Rama bestowed higher Lokas to the residents of Ayodhya (Gopratara Tirtha). (AM)
    ► Period of Saints 1. Tulsidas (1497/1532 - 1623 CE) composed the Ramcharitmanas in Ayodhya.

    • Sacred Geography: River Sarayu, River Tamasa
    • Stotras: Nama Ramayanam, Ramayan Manka, Saryu Aarti, Sapta Mokshapuri
    • Festivals: Rama Navami



  2. Kameshwar Dham, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh Anga: Ballia - Kameshwar Dham (Ballia district): Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva, Sri Rama visited

    • Puranic References:
    ► Valmiki Ramayana (VR) → About Sri Rama visiting Anga (Anga)
    ► Period before Sri Rama 1. Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva and made him Ananga (Bodiless). (VR)
    ► Period of Sri Rama 1. Sri Rama visited Anga with sage Vishwamitra and heard the story of Lord Shiva burning Kamadeva. (VR)

    • Sacred Geography: Confluence of River Ganga and River Sarayu
    • Hermitages: Ashrama of Shiva devotees



  3. Sri Rama and Guha Shringaverapura: Shringverpur (Prayagraj district): Sri Rama visited, Sri Rama made his hair matted

    • Puranic References:
    ► Valmiki Ramayana (VR) → About Sri Rama visiting Shringaverapura (Shringaverapura)
    ► Period of Sri Rama 1. Sri Rama visited Shringaverapura during forest exile and met Guha (Nishadraj). (VR)
    2. Sri Rama made his hair matted at Shringaverapura. (VR)

    • Sacred Geography: River Ganga
    • Stotras: Description of Ganga (near Shringaverapura)



  4. Sri Rama visiting Bharadwaja Ashrama Prayaga: Prayag (Prayagraj district): Triveni Sangama, Eternal abode of Trinity, a Shakti Peetha, Sri Rama visited Bharadwaja Ashrama, Pandavas visited Prayaga, a Place of Kumbha Mela
    • Prayaga Shakti Peetha [SP-20] → Prayagraj - Devi Alopi Temple and Prayagraj - Devi Lalita Temple

    • Puranic References:
    ► Matsya Purana (MP) → About sage Markandeya telling Yudhisthira about Prayaga (Prayaga)
    ► Padma Purana (PP) → About sage Markandeya telling Yudhisthira about Prayaga (Prayaga)
    ► Peetha Nirnaya Tantra (PT) → About Prayaga Shakti Peetha (Prayaga Shakti Peetha)
    ► Valmiki Ramayana (VR) → About Sri Rama visiting Bharadwaja Ashrama at Prayaga (Bharadwaja Ashrama)
    ► Mahabharata (MB) → About Pandavas visiting Prayaga

    ► Ancient Period 1. Triveni Sangama: Prayaga is the confluence of River Ganga, River Yamuna and hidden River Saraswati. (MP) (PP)
    2. Lord Brahma abides in Prayaga in the north of Pratishthana. (MP) (PP)
    3. Lord Vishnu abides in Prayaga as Beni Madhava. (MP) (PP)
    4. Lord Shiva abides in Prayaga as Akshaya Vata. (MP) (PP)
    ► Period of Devi Sati 1. Prayaga Shakti Peetha: The Anguli Vrinda (Group of Fingers) of Devi had fallen here; Devi is known as Lalita and Bhairava is called Bhavah. (PT)
    ► Period of Sri Rama 1. Sri Rama visited Prayaga and met sage Bharadwaja in his hermitage. (VR)
    ► Period of Pandavas 1. Pandavas visited Prayaga during their forest exile. (MB)
    2. Sage Markandeya told Yudhisthira about the greatness of Prayaga. (MP) (PP)

    • Sacred Geography: Confluence of River Ganga, River Yamuna and hidden River Saraswati
    • Hermitages: Bharadwaja Ashrama
    • Stotras: Ganga Stotram, Ganga Aarti, Yamunashtakam, Yamuna Aarti, Shakti Peethas
    • Festivals: Kumbha Mela, Magh Mela



  5. Sri Rama in Chitrakoot Chitrakoota: Chitrakoot (Chitrakoot district): Sri Rama visited Valmiki Ashrama, Sri Rama stayed, Sri Rama met Bharata, Sri Rama visited Atri-Anusuya Ashrama, a Shakti Peetha
    • Ramagiri Shakti Peetha [SP-31] → Ramagiri - Devi Shivani and Maihar - Devi Sharada Temple

    • Puranic References:
    ► Valmiki Ramayana (VR) → About Sri Rama staying in Chitrakoota (Chitrakoota)
    ► Peetha Nirnaya Tantra (PT) → About Ramagiri Shakti Peetha (Ramagiri Shakti Peetha)

    ► Period of Devi Sati 1. Ramagiri Shakti Peetha: The Stana (Breast) of Devi had fallen here; Devi is known as Shivani and Bhairava is called Canda. (PT)
    ► Period of Sri Rama 1. Sri Rama visited Valmiki Ashrama in Chitrakoota. (VR)
    2. Sri Rama stayed in Chitrakoota in a parna shala (leaf hut). (VR)
    3. Sri Rama described the beauty of the Chitrakoota Mountain to Devi Sita. (VR)
    4. Sri Rama described the beauty of River Mandakini to Devi Sita. (VR)
    5. Sri Rama met Bharata in Chitrakoota. (VR)
    6. Sri Rama visited Atri-Anusuya Ashrama in Chitrakoota. (VR)
    ► Period of Saints 1. Saint Tulsidas had the darshan of Sri Rama in Chitrakoota

    • Sacred Geography: Chitrakoota Mountain, Chitrakoota Forest, River Mandakini
    • Hermitages: Valmiki Ashrama, Atri-Anusuya Ashrama
    • Stotras: Nama Ramayanam, Ramayan Manka, Shakti Peethas
    - Note: Chitrakoota is spread across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh



2. Pilgrimages and Temples associated with Sri Krishna:


  1. Birth of Sri Krishna Mathura: Mathura (Mathura district): Sri Krishna incarnated, Sri Krishna killed Kamsha, a Moksha Puri, a Divya Desam
    • Thiruvadamathurai Divya Desam [DD-71] → Mathura, Vrindavan and Govardhan

    • Puranic References:
    ► Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) → About deeds of Sri Krishna at Mathura (Mathura)
    ► Period of Sri Krishna 1. Sri Krishna incarnated in Mathura as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki. (SB)
    2. Shakti Yogamaya took birth as the daughter of Nanda at Gokula. (SB)
    3. Sri Krishna inspired Vasudeva to exchange him with the daughter of Nanda at Gokula. (SB)
    4. Shakti Yogamaya manifested as goddess Durga when Kamsha tried to kill her. (SB)
    5. Sri Krishna came back to Mathura much later from Vrindavana. (SB)
    6. Sri Krishna showed the vision of Lord Vishnu to Akrura. (SB)
    7. Sri Krishna captivated the residents of Mathura. (SB)
    8. Sri Krishna broke the sacrificial bow of Kamsha. (SB)
    9. Sri Krishna killed elephant Kuvalayapida. (SB)
    10. Sri Krishna killed the wrestlers of Kamsha. (SB)
    11. Sri Krishna killed Kamsha. (SB)

    • Sacred Geography: River Yamuna
    • Stotras: Satya Sanatana Sundara Shyam, Krishnaya Vasudevaya, Sapta Mokshapuri
    • Festivals: Krishna Janmashtami



  2. Sri Krishna stealing butter Gokula (Mahavana): Gokul (Mathura district): Sri Krishna grew up, Sri Krishna performed childhood pranks with Gopis, Sri Krishna slayed demons of Kamsha, a Moksha Puri, a Divya Desam
    • Thiruvaipadi Divya Desam [DD-72] → Gokul

    • Puranic References:
    ► Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) → About deeds of Sri Krishna at Gokula

    ► Period of Sri Krishna 1. Sri Krishna appeared as the son of Yashoda in Gokula. (SB)
    2. Sri Krishna killed demoness Putana and gave her a place in the higher abode. (SB)
    3. Sri Krishna overturned a handcart during the utthana ceremony (Shakatasura). (SB)
    4. Sri Krishna appeared extremely heavy to mother Yashoda. (SB)
    5. Sri Krishna killed demon Trinavarta. (SB)
    6. Sri Krishna showed mother Yashoda the whole universe inside his mouth. (SB)
    7. Sage Garga performed the naming ceremony of Sri Krishna secretly in the cow-shed. (SB)
    8. Sri Krishna performed various childhood pranks (stole butter, curd and milk). (SB)
    9. Sri Krishna ate mud and showed mother Yashoda the entire universe within his mouth. (SB)
    10. Sri Krishna allowed mother Yashoda to bind him with a rope. (SB)
    11. Sri Krishna liberated Nalakuvara and Manigriva from the curse of becoming Arjuna trees. (SB)
    12. Sri Krishna allowed him to be completely in the control of the Gopis. (SB)
    13. Sri Krishna made a woman fruit-seller rich. (SB)

    • Sacred Geography: River Yamuna
    • Stotras: Satya Sanatana Sundara Shyam, Krishnaya Vasudevaya, Sapta Mokshapuri



  3. Sri Krishna Rasa Leela Vrindavana: Vrindavan (Mathura district): Sri Krishna performed Rasa Leela with Gopis, Sri Krishna slayed demons of Kamsha, Sri Krishna humbled Lord Brahma, Sri Krishna humbled serpent Kaliya, a Moksha Puri, a Divya Desam, a Shakti Peetha
    • Thiruvadamathurai Divya Desam [DD-71] → Mathura, Vrindavan and Govardhan
    • Vrindavana Shakti Peetha [SP-32] → Vrindavan - Devi Uma Temple

    • Puranic References:
    ► Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) → About deeds of Sri Krishna at Vrindavana
    ► Padma Purana (PP) → About Forests of Mathura Mandala (Forests of Mathura Mandala)
    ► Peetha Nirnaya Tantra (PT) → About Vrindavana Shakti Peetha (Vrindavana Shakti Peetha)

    ► Period of Devi Sati 1. Vrindavana Shakti Peetha: The Keshajaala (the tresses of Hair) of Devi had fallen here; Devi is known as Uma and Bhairava is called Bhutesha. (PT)
    ► Period of Sri Krishna 1. Sri Krishna left Gokula and went to Vrindavana. (SB)
    2. Sri Krishna killed a demon who had assumed the form of a calf. (SB)
    3. Sri Krishna killed demon Bakasura. (SB)
    4. Sri Krishna killed demon Aghasura. (SB)
    5. Sri Krishna humbled Lord Brahma. (SB)
    6. Sri Krishna played with the cowherd boys. (SB)
    7. Sri Balarama killed demon Dhenukasura at Talavana. (SB)
    8. Sri Krishna freed river Yamuna from the poisonous serpent Kaliya. (SB)
    9. Sri Krishna swallowed the forest fire. (SB)
    10. Sri Krishna's presence made the summer season of Vrindavana like spring. (SB)
    11. Sri Balarama killed demon Pralamba. (SB)
    12. Sri Krishna swallowed the forest fire. (SB)
    13. Sri Krishna played in the Vrindavana forest; Rainy season and Autumn season arrived. (SB)
    14. Sri Krishna's flute captivated the Gopis; Autumn season in Vrindavana. (SB)
    15. Sri Krishna stole the garments of the Gopis; Winter season in Vrindavana. (SB)
    16. Sri Krishna praised the Trees for their unselfish acts. (SB)
    17. Sri Krishna asked food from the Brahmanas to test them. (SB)

    • Sacred Geography: River Yamuna
    • Sacred Geography: The 12 principal forests of Mathura Mandala:
    (1) Bhadravana (2) Shrivana (3) Lohavana (4) Bhandiravana (5) Mahavana (6) Talavana (7) Khadiravana (8) Bakulavana (9) Kumudavana (10) Kamyavana (11) Madhuvana (12) Vrindavana
    • Stotras: Satya Sanatana Sundara Shyam, Krishnaya Vasudevaya, Krishna and Vrindavana Forest, Twelve Forests of Mathura Mandala, Sapta Mokshapuri, Shakti Peethas



  4. Sri Krishna lifts Govardhan Hill Govardhana: Govardhan (Mathura district): Sri Krishna told elders to worship Govardhana Hill, Sri Krishna lifted Govardhana Hill, Moksha Puri, Divya Desam
    • Thiruvadamathurai Divya Desam [DD-71] → Mathura, Vrindavan and Govardhan

    • Puranic References:
    ► Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) → About deeds of Sri Krishna at Govardhana

    ► Period of Sri Krishna 1. Sri Krishna told the elders to worship the Govardhana Hill instead of worshipping Indra deva. (SB)
    2. Sri Krishna lifted the Govardhana Hill to save the people of Vrindavana from the fury of Indra's rains. (SB)

    • Sacred Geography: Govardhana Hill
    • Stotras: Satya Sanatana Sundara Shyam, Krishnaya Vasudevaya, Sapta Mokshapuri



3. Pilgrimages and Temples associated with Lord Shiva:


  1. Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Kasi, Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh Kashi: Kashi (Varanasi district): Lord Shiva created, a Moksha Puri, a Jyotirlinga, a Shakti Peetha
    • Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga [JL-7] → Kashi - Vishwanath Temple
    • Varanasi Shakti Peetha [SP-23] → Kashi - Devi Vishalakshi Temple
    • Others: Annapoorna Temple, Kalabhairava Temple

    • Puranic References:
    ► Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda (SK) → About Kashi
    ► Shiva Purana (SP) → About Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga (Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga)
    ► Peetha Nirnaya Tantra (PT) → About Varanasi Shakti Peetha (Varanasi Shakti Peetha)

    ► Period of Creation of Kashi 1. Lord Shiva created Kashi through Purusha and Prakriti (Vishnu and Shakti) during the start of creation. (SP)
    2. Lord Vishnu: When Lord Vishnu (as Purusha) was performing tapas for creation, a mani (gem) from his ear fell and the Manikarnika Tirtha was created. (SP)
    3. Lord Brahma: Thereafter Lord Vishnu, through Lord Brahma created the fourteen lokas. (SP)
    4. Lord Shiva himself created the Avimukteshwara Linga in Kashi for liberating people from their karmas (Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga). (SP)
    ► Since Ancient Period 1. Lord Shiva liberates anyone dying in Kashi by reciting the Taraka Mantra in his ear. (SK)
    2. Lord Kalabhairava abides in Kashi as its kotwal (guardian angel).
    3. Devi Annapoorna, the bestower of food, abides in Kashi.
    4. Lord Shiva holds Kashi on his trident during dissolution (and Kashi does not get destroyed). (SP)
    ► Period of Devi Sati 1. Varanasi Shakti Peetha: The Kundala (Ear-Ring) of Devi had fallen here; Devi is known as Vishalakshi and Bhairava is called Kalabhairava. (PT)
    ► Period of Sages 1. Sage Agastya had an hermitage in Kashi
    ► Period of Saints 1. Saint Trailanga Swami (1607 - 1887 CE) lived in Kashi
    2. Saint Baba Lokenath (1730 - 1890 CE) visited Kashi

    • Sacred Geography: River Ganga, River Varana, River Asi
    • Hermitages: Agastya Ashrama
    • Stotras: Vishwanath Ashtakam, Kalabhairava Ashtakam, Annapoorna Stotram, Sapta Mokshapuri, Dwadasa Jyotirlingani, Shakti Peethas



  2. Kameshwar Dham, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh Anga: Ballia - Kameshwar Dham (Ballia district): Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva, Sri Rama visited

    • Puranic References:
    ► Valmiki Ramayana (VR) → About Sri Rama visiting Anga (Anga)
    ► Period before Sri Rama 1. Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva and made him Ananga (Bodiless). (VR)
    ► Period of Sri Rama 1. Sri Rama visited Anga with sage Vishwamitra and heard the story of Lord Shiva burning Kamadeva. (VR)

    • Sacred Geography: Confluence of River Ganga and River Sarayu
    • Hermitages: Ashrama of Shiva devotees



4. Pilgrimages and Temples associated with Devi:


  1. Devi Alopi, Prayagraj, Prayagraj district, Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh Prayaga Shakti Peetha: Prayagraj - Devi Alopi Temple (Prayagraj district)
    • The Anguli Vrinda (Group of Fingers) of Devi had fallen here. The Devi is known as Lalita and the Bhairava is called Bhavah. (PT)

    Part of Prayaga Kshetra. Refer to Prayag.



  2. Devi Lalita, Meerapur, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh Prayaga Shakti Peetha: Prayagraj - Devi Lalita Temple (Prayagraj district)
    • The Anguli Vrinda (Group of Fingers) of Devi had fallen here. The Devi is known as Lalita and the Bhairava is called Bhavah. (PT)

    Part of Prayaga Kshetra. Refer to Prayag.



  3. Devi Vishalakshi temple, Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh Varanasi Shakti Peetha: Kashi - Devi Vishalakshi Temple (Varanasi district)
    • The Kundala (Ear-Ring) of Devi had fallen here. Devi is known as Vishalakshi and Bhairava is called Kalabhairava. (PT)

    Part of Kashi Kshetra. Refer to Kashi.



  4. Devi Annapoorna temple, Kashi, Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh Kashi - Devi Annapoorna Temple (Varanasi district)

    Part of Kashi Kshetra. Refer to Kashi.



  5. Chitrakoot Dham, Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh Ramagiri Shakti Peetha: Ramagiri - Devi Shivani (Chitrakoot district)
    • The Stana (Breast) of Devi had fallen here. Devi is known as Shivani and Bhairava is called Canda. (PT)


    Part of Chitrakoota Kshetra. Refer to Chitrakoot.



  6. Devi Uma, Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh Vrindavana Shakti Peetha: Vrindavan - Devi Uma Temple (Mathura district)
    • The Keshajaala (the tresses of Hair) of Devi had fallen here. Devi is known as Uma and Bhairava is called Bhutesha. (PT)

    Part of Vrindavana Kshetra. Refer to Vrindavan.



  7. Devi Shakambhari Saharanpur - Devi Shakambhari Temple (Saharanpur district): Famous Temple of Devi Shakambhari

    • Puranic References:
    ► Devi Bhagavatam (DB) → About Devi Shakambhari (Shatakshi Mahatmyam)

    1. Shakti: Devi as Shakambhari or Shatakshi, the bestower of Fruits and Vegetables

    • Stotras: Shakambhari Mahatmyam



5. Other Pilgrimages and Temples:


  1. Naimisaranya Naimisaranya: Naimisaranya (Sitapur district): A Swayam Vyakta Kshetra and a Divya Desam
    • Thiru Naimisaranyam Divya Desam (DD-66)

    • Puranic References:
    ► Mahabharata (MB) → About Suta narrating the Mahabharata in Naimisaranya

    ► Period of Mahabharata 1. Suta narrated the Mahabharata in Naimisaranya. (MB)

    • Sacred Geography: Naimisaranya Forest


Bharatavarsha - The Land of Gods and Sages:

1. Stotras
2. Scriptures
3. Pilgrimages
4. Festivals
5. Saints: Ramakrishna - Vivekananda - Ramana
6. Sadhana
7. Sanskrit
8. Nature

Meditation on Earth and Life: >>



Om, May there be Peace in Heaven,
May there be Peace in the Sky,
May there be Peace in the Earth,

(Shanti Mantra of Upanishad)


Preserve Nature,
And Nature will preserve Us,
Simplify Life,
And help Nature thrive,
Plant Trees,
And make our planet Green.

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Green Message: The Evergreen Messages of Spirituality, Sanskrit and Nature

Last updated on Jul-2023

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