India’s heartland, Madhya Pradesh is an amazing place with several attractions. It is also the land of varied religious hues and shades with almost all leading religious sects of India having several spots devoted exclusively to them.
Yes, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam – all of them find much support and sustenance in the spiritually charged atmosphere of Madhya Pradesh. Some of the leading religious places of MP rich with spiritual significance are: Amarkantak, Ujjain, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Khajuraho and Sanchi, among others.
Amarkantak: A pilgrim town, Amarkantak is located where the Vindhya Mountains meet the Satpura Mountain Ranges. Amply blessed by nature, Amarkantak is the source of the Narmada and Sone Rivers and has several sacred ponds, beautiful waterfalls, lofty hills, forested surroundings.
Maheshwar: Located on the banks of the Narmada River, Maheshwar--earlier called Mahismati--finds mention in Ramayana and Mahabharata. It has the wonderful Maheshwar Temple that was revived to its original glory by the Holkar Queen of Indore, Rani Ahilyabai.
Omakareshwar: Located on the banks of the Narmada and Kaveri Rivers, Omakareshwar is a holy place with one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. Shri Omkar Mandhata and Siddnath Temples are the famous temples of the holy city, which, incidentally, also has some beautiful Jain Temples.
Ujjain: Yet another sacred place of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is a very ancient city and is situated on the banks of the sacred Shipra River. It is one of the four places of India where drops of elixir had fallen when a fierce battle--for the control of the vessel containing the elixir of immortality--had taken place between the gods and the demons. Other places where drops fell down are: Haridwar, Nasik and Prayag. Bada Ganesh Ji Temple and Harsiddhi Temple of Ujjain further add to the religious importance of the holy city of Ujjain.
Khajuraho: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho has about 85 temples built by the Chandela Rajputs. Built over a period of 100 years (950-1050 AD), these temples are much famous for their many erotic sculptures. Khajuraho has a great religious significance as the temples and sculptures of the place inspire people to respect the sanctity of marriages as laid down by the religious scriptures.
Sanchi: A small village located in the Raisen District, Sanchi is 46 km away from Bhopal. It occupies a high place in the hearts of the Buddhists and other religiously inclined people due to its great Buddhist connection. Sanchi has some of the most perfect and well-preserved Buddhist stupas in India. However, the pride of the place is the Great Sanchi Stupa which is the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world.
