Sravana Masam 2024
Sravana Masam, also known as Sawan or Shravan month, is a significant period in the Hindu calendar, celebrated during the monsoon season. This auspicious month is dedicated to worshiping various deities, and many devotees embark on pilgrimages to temples across India. While Shiva temples are often highlighted during this period, there are several other remarkable temples dedicated to different deities that are worth visiting. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best temples to visit in India during Sravana Masam 2024, excluding Shiva temples.
Also Read: Must Visit Shiva Temples During Sravana Masam
1. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Located in the Trikuta Mountains, the Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. Dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, this temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year.
- Location: Katra, Reasi District, Jammu and Kashmir
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The trek to the temple is an experience, with scenic views and the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
- Things to Do: Trekking, offering prayers, and exploring nearby attractions like Bhairon Temple.
Katra is well-connected by road to various parts of Jammu and Kashmir and neighboring states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Jammu, which is about 50 km away. Regular Katra bus services are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other cities to Katra. Here are some of the most travelled bus routes by people to reach Katra:
- Delhi to Katra bus booking
- Jaipur to Katra bus booking
- Ghaziabad to Katra bus booking
- Noida to Katra bus booking
2. Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna. The temple is famous for its grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), which attracts thousands of devotees.
- Location: Puri, Odisha
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The temple’s grand architecture and the annual Rath Yatra festival are major attractions.
- Things to Do: Witness the Rath Yatra, explore the temple’s architecture, and enjoy the prasad (sacred food).
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) operates regular bus services to Puri. You can easily book Puri bus tickets on AbhiBus and attend the Rath Yatra 2024. Here are some of the most traveled bus routed by people to reach Puri.
- Kolkata to Puri bus booking
- Asansol to Puri bus booking
- Durgapur to Puri bus booking
- Kharagpur to Puri bus booking
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishwanath, a form of Lord Shiva, but its historical and cultural significance makes it a must-visit during Sravana Masam. The temple is situated on the banks of the Ganges River.
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The temple is known for its golden spire and the sacred Ganges River.
- Things to Do: Participate in Ganga Aarti, take a dip in the Ganges, and explore the nearby ghats.
4. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
The Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (an incarnation of Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (a form of Shiva), is an architectural marvel in Madurai. The temple’s vibrant sculptures and carvings make it a prominent destination.
- Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The temple’s grandeur, especially the intricate carvings and the golden lotus tank, is noteworthy.
- Things to Do: Explore the temple’s architecture, attend the evening ceremonies, and visit the temple museum.
Madurai is well-connected by a network of national highways, making it easily accessible by road. You can easily book Madurai bus tickets on AbhiBus. The bus stand in Madurai is located near the Periyar Bus Stand, which is a major transportation hub in the city. Here are some of the top bus routes travelled by people to reach Madurai
5. Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. It is renowned for its stunning architecture and the peaceful ambiance created by the surrounding sarovar (holy tank).
- Location: Amritsar, Punjab
- Timings: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The temple’s gold-plated exterior and the serene atmosphere of the sarovar.
- Things to Do: Participate in the Langar (community meal), explore the temple complex, and visit the museum.
Amritsar ISBT has a robust network of buses connecting it to various cities in Punjab and neighboring states such as Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
- You can easily book Amritsar bus tickets on AbhiBus from your city and travel, here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Amritsar
- Jaipur to Amritsar bus
- Delhi to Amritsar bus
- Gurgaon to Amritsar bus
- Noida to Amritsar bus
6. Guruvayur Temple, Kerala
The Guruvayur Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Kerala. It is known for its rich traditions and vibrant celebrations.
- Location: Guruvayur, Thrissur District, Kerala
- Timings: 3:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The temple’s exquisite carvings and the unique deity of Lord Krishna.
- Things to Do: Participate in the daily rituals, explore the temple’s surroundings, and enjoy local cuisine.
- Guruvayur is well-connected by a network of state-run and private buses. Regular bus services are available from major cities in Kerala and neighboring states. You can easily do Guruvayur online bus booking on AbhiBus and travel hassle-free. Here are some of the most traveled bus routes to Guruvayur on AbhiBus.
- Payyanur to Guruvayur bus booking
- Nileshwaram to Guruvayur bus booking
- Cheravathur to Guruvayur bus booking
7. Rameswaram Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Rameswaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is an important pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the island of Rameswaram and is known for its sacred significance in the Ramayana epic.
- Location: Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The temple’s sacred wells and its connection to the Ramayana.
- Things to Do: Visit the sacred wells, explore the temple complex, and enjoy the scenic views of the island.
- Rameswaram is well-connected by road to major cities like Madurai, Chennai, and Coimbatore. You can take a state-run or private bus to reach Rameswaram. Bangalore to Rameshwaram, Chennai to Rameshwaram, and Coimbatore to Rameshwaram are some of the most travelled bus routes by people to reach Rameshwaram.
8. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
The Siddhivinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of the most famous temples in Mumbai. It attracts numerous devotees, especially those seeking blessings for new ventures and endeavors.
- Location: Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The temple’s beautiful Ganesha idol and the bustling atmosphere.
- Things to Do: Offer prayers, explore the temple premises, and experience the local ambiance.
9. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi
The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Delhi is known for its grand architecture and detailed carvings. It is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and showcases the rich cultural heritage of India.
- Location: Noida Mor, Akshardham Setu, Delhi
- Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: Free (fees apply for exhibitions)
- Highlights: The temple’s intricate carvings, the large central dome, and the musical fountain.
- Things to Do: Explore the exhibitions, enjoy the musical fountain show, and visit the surrounding gardens.
10. Birla Mandir, Hyderabad
The Birla Mandir, situated on a hilltop in Hyderabad, is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. The temple offers panoramic views of the city and is known for its stunning white marble architecture.
- Location: Hilltop, Naubath Pahad, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Highlights: The temple’s white marble structure and the view of Hyderabad from the hilltop.
- Things to Do: Enjoy the scenic views, participate in rituals, and explore the temple’s surroundings.
Conclusion
Sravana Masam 2024 provides an excellent opportunity for devotees to visit temples dedicated to various deities and experience the spiritual and cultural richness of India. While Shiva temples are often highlighted during this period, exploring these other significant temples offers a broader understanding of India’s diverse religious heritage. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace or simply looking to experience the grandeur of India’s sacred sites, these temples are sure to provide a memorable journey during Sravana Masam.
