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The records of over 60,000 acre of land in the name of <keyword id="6443913" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lord-jagannath" source="Orion">Lord Jagannath</keyword> will soon be digitised after the Odisha government's approval, an official said. There is 60,426 acre of land in Odisha and 395.252 acre in six other states in the name of Mahaprabhu Jagannath Bije, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) VV Yadav said after a meeting of its managing committee, chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb of Puri. Outside Odisha, the largest land parcel is in West Bengal -- 322.930 acre, while 28.21 acres is in Maharastra, 25.11 acres in Madhya Pradesh, 17.02 acre in Andhra Pradesh, 1.7 acres in Chhattisgarh and 0.27 acres in Bihar, official sources said. Yadav said the state-run Odisha Space Application Center (ORSAC) will be given the task for the digitisation of the land records. The process will be initiated after receiving the state government's approval, he said on Tuesday. The managing committee also discussed the formation of the Shri Mandir Adarsh Gurukul Society for education of children of servitors, and a housing project for them. The application for the registration of the society, which will be run by Birla Foundation, has been filed with the Inspector General of Registration (IGR). The IGR asked for certain compliances and those have been met, Yadav said. He also said the Birla Foundation will be invited to the next managing committee meeting for discussions on a master plan. The tender for the first phase of construction of the boundary wall of the housing project for servitors at Harachandi Sahi will be opened on October 6, he said. Recommendations of the Niti Sub-Committee of the temple were approved during the meeting, he said. The rituals proposed by the sub-committee for the month of Kartik have got the nod of the managing panel, he said. However, the managing committee did not take up the demand for opening the temple's Ratna Bhandar. "That was not in today's agenda," Yadav said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-smartphone-batteries-are-reportedly-swelling-up/articleshow/94498157.cms">Samsung’s batteries are reportedly swelling up – here’s everything you need to know</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/torrent-pharma-torrent-pharma-acquire-curatio-torrent-pharma-company-torrent-pharmaceuticals/articleshow/94496070.cms">Torrent Pharma to acquire Curatio for Rs 2,000 crore</a>

Land records of Lord Jagannath's over 60,000 acres in 7 states to be digitised

With over 900 million believers and many faithful, and innumerable ‘holy’ places, Hindu <keyword id="56253" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Temples" source="Orion">temples</keyword> are neither short of footfalls nor donations. So much so when <keyword id="419623" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tirumala-Tirupati" source="Orion">Tirumala Tirupati</keyword> Devasthanam declared that its land holdings are valued at ₹85,000 crore (modestly) across 960 properties all over India — few were surprised. After all, the <keyword id="721647" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lord-Venkateshwara-temple" source="Orion">Lord Venkateshwara temple</keyword> makes <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/siddhivinayak-hundi-rich-temple-india-demonetisation-352322-2016-11-16">$11 million a year</a> selling its ladoos alone, in addition to the thousands who queue up every day and make generous donations. <div type="image" title="Venkateshwara temple makes $11 million a year selling ladoos alone" height="900" width="1200" msid="94550183" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Venkateshwara temple makes $11 million a year selling ladoos alone&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> From the gilded era Tirupati has a long history of generous donations. A 16th century king Krishnadevaraya who ruled over erstwhile Andhra and Karnataka is known to have performed an ‘abhishekham’ with 30,000 gold coins instead of the traditional bathing with milk — in addition to other gold ornaments he donated. <div type="image" title="Tirupati temple has a long history of generous donations" msid="94550258" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Tirupati temple has a long history of generous donations&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Tirupati has been holding on to the richest temple tag for generations till it was displaced by Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, with an estimated $20 billion lying in its vaults. <div type="image" title="Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Kerala has an estimated $20 billion lying in its vaults" height="900" width="1200" msid="94550303" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Kerala has an estimated $20 billion lying in its vaults&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Some of the treasures uncovered include 1.2 metre solid gold statues studded with precious stones, crowns and countless artefacts. An <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sree-padmanabhaswamy-temple-wealth-amicus-curiae-finds-serious-lapses-wants-audit/articleshow/33963351.cms?from=mdr">amicus curiae </a>petition was filed in the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sree-padmanabhaswamy-temple-wealth-amicus-curiae-finds-serious-lapses-wants-audit/articleshow/33963351.cms?from=mdr">Supreme Court, </a>which wanted a scientific audit on the treasures. And a few vaults are still unopened, deepening the mystery of this temple’s wealth. The 12th century temple Shree Jagannath of Puri too is moving to digitise its land records and said that it possesses over <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/land-records-of-lord-jagannaths-over-60000-acres-in-7-states-to-be-digitised/articleshow/94497919.cms">60,000 acres across seven states.</a> <div type="image" title="Jagannath temple in Puri" height="900" width="1200" msid="94550358" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Jagannath temple in Puri&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Built by kings and patronised by their subjects, many Indian temples possess lands, mostly farm lands – to support their upkeep. Most old and large temples receive ample donations in cash and gold that have been filling their Hundis and coffers over the centuries. Endowment bodies are private entities and never had to reveal their wealth, few can guess the extent of cash and gold holdings. Apart from a few details that have become public, very few have ventured to estimate temple wealth. In 2016, the World Gold Council estimated that the gold lying in Indian<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/temples-hold-about-4-000-tonnes-of-gold-116032400306_1.html"> temples could be as high as 4,000 tonnes</a> — that’s over a fifth of the total gold holdings of the country. Cash, stocks or bonds? The cash that temples receive from Hundis remains enormous. Temples are known to employ large teams to sort and count them and some have even fashioned giant sieves that can sift coins. As the number of financial instruments increase, temple trusts too have expanded their ‘accounts’ to easily receive all sorts of donations. In 2015, Lord Balaji opened his own demat account to receive stocks and bonds. Following Him, are many temple trusts including Vaishno Devi temple, Swaminarayan Temple of Ahmedabad, Srinathji Temple of Nathdwara, Iskon Charities, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, to name a few. In addition to easing the process of ‘offerings’ in an increasingly cash-free society, this move also helps people turn Gods into their business partners with a small stake. Like in the case of gold, no information is proffered on how much stock trusts hold and if they are traded. What’s the wealth going to do? Legend has it that all that goes into Lord Balaji’s Hundi is used to pay off the interest for a loan that he took from Kubera, the God of wealth, and this payoff will continue till the end of Kali Yug. In reality, it’s the trustees who decide what is to be done with the wealth. And, what do temples do with the wealth? It takes a lot to maintain a temple. Large temples employ a range of staff – be it priests, security guards, cleaning staff and accountants, some temples even have a large administrative staff to manage the finances and more. Moreover, temples hold large events like Navratri festivals, pujas or annual processions like rath yatras. A few temples also cook and serve prasad like the Iskcon temple which offers an elaborate lunch-like prasad on a daily basis. <div type="image" title="Krishna Janmashtami at Iskon temple in Juhu, Mumbai" msid="94550472" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Krishna Janmashtami at Iskon temple in Juhu, Mumbai&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> A few temple trusts also run charitable organisations like schools, colleges, hospitals and even orphanages – so a lot of money goes into that too. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a few temple trusts like Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple Administration donated in cash while many others provided facilities for quarantine facilities, beds and even Oxygen tanks. All in all – trusts also contribute towards welfare activities. The temples also reserve some of its wealth for a rainy day. During the lockdown, when temples shut doors, a lot of them which depended on daily cash donations <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/08/26/1200-hindu-temples-india-will-pawn-gold-maintain-running-costs/">had to pawn their gold to maintain</a> the running costs. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages Kerala’s temples, had deposited some of its gold with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a loan after selling unused lamps and a few brass utensils. The temple and the state Temple priests, seers and Kings always maintained a healthy mutual relationship – some of the former also adorned the courts and were trusted advisors. Tensions however emerged after monarchy and the battle lines were drawn between the church and the state. The first clash occurred in the early 1800s when the East India Company (EIC) demanded a tribute from the Queen of Travancore – the royal family which is now the trustee of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. As she failed to provide ‘protection money’, the company took over the temple trusts in the region. This passed onto the British crown who later drafted a Madras Religious and Charitable Endowment Act, which later became the The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act – that controls a few hundreds of thousands of temple trusts, mutts and endowments. It is to be noted that the Madras Presidency covered large parts of Tamil Nadu in addition to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and even Kerala — till date, a few hundreds of thousands of temples are directly under government control. In fact, some of the richest trusts including Tirupati, Meenakshi temple of Madurai, Shirdi Sai Baba temple and Siddhi Vinayak <a href="https://asiaconverge.com/2020/09/indian-governments-outdid-aurangzeb-they-emasculated-hindu-temples/">fall under the government control</a>. IAS officers act <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shirdi-saibaba-trust-ias-official-4560862/">as temple trustees in many temples</a> across states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, which appointed an IAS officer to the <a href="https://theprint.in/india/nripendra-misra-modis-trusted-former-ias-officer-will-head-ram-temple-construction-panel/368134/">Ayodhya’s Ram temple trust</a>. The trust with the government There have been multiple attempts to bring more trusts under the government’s purview and a few of them have been resisting in multiple ways. The most high profile case has been that of <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/nataraja-temple-to-be-managed-by-priest-not-by-tamil-nadu-govt-114010600610_1.html">Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram Trust and the state government</a> of Tamil Nadu where the court ruled in favour of the trust. The pre-Chola temple where the statue of Shiva itself remains elusive – known as the ‘secret’ – had resisted the state government attempt to take over the trust. A similar attempt at a takeover of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple trust temple, with treasures that are worth hundreds of billions, by the state government — <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/supreme-court-sets-aside-kerala-hc-order-on-government-takeover-of-padmanabhaswamy-temple-5540371.html">was stalled by the Apex court</a>. Yet another case involves the <a href="https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/vaishno-devi-shrine-board-funds-were-used-for-iftaar-parties">Vaishno Devi temple, </a>where a petition was filed challenging the government control of the shrine. The Karnataka government however wants to do away <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/india/karnataka-to-do-away-with-government-control-over-temples-says-cm-bommai-in-budget-speech-article-89990133">with its control over temple trusts</a>, said the chief minister Basavaraj Bommai in March this year. If they do so, they would create a precedent where more endowments would seek autonomy – leaving one of India’s high-profile asset owners with more control of their vaults and all that therein.

SIMPLY PUT: Gods must be wealthy but how wealthy are they?

Puri, Mar 10 () As the finance committee of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) approved a Rs 202 crore annual budget for 2021-22 fiscal, the temple authorities on Wednesday said they have set a target to enhance the corpus fund to Rs 1,000 crore by 2023. This was stated by SJTA Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar after presiding over the finance committee meeting here. He said the temple's earning has declined to a low this year for which efforts should be made to enhance the income. The temple presently has a corpus fund of Rs 650 crore which need to be enhanced to meet the expenditures. He said other measures like putting donation boxes (hundis) at airports, railway stations and other important places will be undertaken. This apart, temple's several stone quarry should be auctioned for mining which could fetch a good revenue, the SJTA chief administrator said. Kumar said about Rs 10 crore could be generated in the current year by granting stone quarry leases. It has been planned to enhance the amount of corpus fund to Rs 750 crore in the next year and set a target to augment the amount to Rs 1000 crore by 2023, he said. In regard to the finance sub-committee's approval of Rs 202 crore for the next fiscal, Kumar said the Temple Management Committee headed by Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, will give final approval to the 2021-22 budget. Referring to the budget provisions for the 2021-22, he said the servitors and their family members will be getting financial assistance for critical illness like heart and kidney-related illness. The scheme will be implemented on the lines of Odisha State Treatment Fund (STF), he said. An indicative amount of Rs 50 lakh has been earmarked for the purpose which may be revised later once the guidelines are prepared, he said, adding that Rs 5 crore is earmarked for the servitors welfare fund. The amount will be used for the welfare of servitors including medical expenses. This apart, Kumar said provisions have been made for the proposed Adarsh Gurukul to be set up on around 17 acres of land here. The construction work is likely to begin next year. Replying to a question, Kumar said: "The draft budget includes allocation of Rs 11 crore for 2021 Ratha Jatra". The meeting also disused on increasing the donation for the temple to meet all expense like daily rituals, Lord's ornaments, attire and others. Construction of Dharmasala for Habisyalis and a Bhakta Niwas has almost been completed and will be made available to devotees from the next Financial Year. Another Bhakta Niwas will be developed for which officials have been asked to identify land," he added. Meanwhile, BJP's Odisha unit President Samir Mohanty and two party MLAs - Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra (Brahmagiri) and Jayant Sarangi (Puri), on Wednesday donated Rs 50,000 each for the development of the temple. Earlier, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had donated Rs 1 lakh to the temple, sources said. COR AAM RG RG

SJTA finance committee approves Rs 202 budget of Puri Jagannath temple

India, often referred to as the land of <keyword id="15246" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festivals" source="Orion">festivals</keyword>, boasts a diverse tapestry of celebrations that showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people. Among the multitude of <keyword id="20672365" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festivals-celebrated-across-the-country" source="Orion">festivals celebrated across the country</keyword>, there are some truly unique ones that stand out for their distinctiveness and regional significance. Let's take a journey through India to explore some of these extraordinary festivals: <keyword id="20672363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lathmar-holi" source="keywords">Lathmar Holi</keyword> (Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh) Lathmar Holi is a playful and boisterous festival celebrated in the town of Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. Unlike traditional Holi celebrations where people joyously splash colors on each other, Lathmar Holi has a unique twist. Here, women playfully chase and "beat" men with sticks, reenacting the legendary love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. The festival is marked by laughter, music, and camaraderie, making it a truly memorable experience. <keyword id="86993" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jallikattu" source="Orion">Jallikattu</keyword> (Tamil Nadu) Jallikattu is an ancient bull-taming sport celebrated primarily in the state of Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival. Brave participants attempt to tame ferocious bulls by grabbing their humps and horns. The event symbolizes courage and valor and is deeply ingrained in Tamil culture, attracting spectators from far and wide. <keyword id="2741872" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hemis-Festival" source="Orion">Hemis Festival</keyword> (Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir) The Hemis Festival is a vibrant Buddhist celebration held annually at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival is characterized by colorful masked dances, traditional music performances, and the unveiling of sacred thangkas (religious tapestries), attracting devotees and tourists alike. <keyword id="851515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hornbill-Festival" source="Orion">Hornbill Festival</keyword> (Nagaland) The Hornbill Festival is a cultural extravaganza held in Nagaland, showcasing the diverse traditions and customs of the Naga tribes. Named after the Indian hornbill bird, the festival features indigenous music, dance performances, art exhibitions, and culinary delights, providing a glimpse into Naga heritage and way of life. <keyword id="78069" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rann-Utsav" source="Orion">Rann Utsav</keyword> (Gujarat) Rann Utsav is a vibrant festival celebrated in the vast expanse of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The festival highlights the unique landscape, culture, and craftsmanship of the region, with activities such as camel safaris, cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, and traditional folk dances, making it a mesmerizing experience for visitors. Rural Olympics (Punjab) The Rural Olympics, also known as the Kila Raipur Sports Festival, is a unique event held in the village of Kila Raipur in Punjab. It showcases traditional rural sports and competitions, including bullock cart races, tractor races, kabaddi matches, and wrestling bouts, attracting participants and spectators from all over the country. <keyword id="44513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rath-Yatra" source="Orion">Rath Yatra</keyword> (Odisha) Rath Yatra, celebrated primarily in Puri, Odisha, is a grand procession where massive chariots carry idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra to their temple. It attracts millions of devotees, symbolizing the journey of the deities to visit their aunt's temple. These festivals, each unique in its own right, offer a glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of India, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate and rejoice in the spirit of unity and harmony. From the colorful streets of Barsana to the tranquil valleys of Ladakh, these festivals showcase the vibrant mosaic of traditions and customs that make India truly special. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

From Lathmar Holi to Jallikattu: India's most unusual festivals

In a land as diverse and culturally rich as India, spirituality is deeply ingrained in the fabric of everyday life. From ancient temples to revered pilgrimage sites, the country boasts a myriad of <keyword id="18506795" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spiritual-cities" source="Orion">spiritual cities</keyword> that offer solace, enlightenment, and a profound connection to the divine. Join us as we embark on a spiritual journey through the top 10 <keyword id="18506794" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="spiritual-cities-in-India" source="Orion">spiritual cities in India</keyword>, each with its unique significance, history, and reasons to visit. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Varanasi: City of Eternal Enlightenment" comment="subhead" text="Varanasi: City of Eternal Enlightenment"><keyword id="6357203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Varanasi" source="Orion">Varanasi</keyword>: City of Eternal Enlightenment</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Varanasi" msid="102975337" hostid="261" sizebytes="78620"></div>Nestled along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It holds immense significance for Hindus, who believe that bathing in the holy river washes away sins and grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death. History: Varanasi has been a center of learning and spirituality for over 3,000 years. It's renowned for its ancient temples, the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, and its role as a hub of knowledge and culture. Why Visit: Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, explore the labyrinthine streets, and immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of this ancient city. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rishikesh: Gateway to the Himalayas" comment="subhead" text="Rishikesh: Gateway to the Himalayas"><keyword id="47181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rishikesh" source="Orion">Rishikesh</keyword>: Gateway to the Himalayas</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Rishikesh" msid="102975439" hostid="261" sizebytes="74028"></div>Rishikesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, is renowned as a hub of yoga and meditation. It's believed that meditation in Rishikesh leads to self-realization and inner peace. History: The city has been a retreat for sages and yogis for centuries. The Beatles' visit to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram in the 1960s brought international attention to Rishikesh's spiritual essence. Why Visit: Partake in yoga and meditation retreats, witness the Ganga Aarti, and seek solace in the serene natural surroundings. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Amritsar: Abode of the Golden Temple" comment="subhead" text="Amritsar: Abode of the Golden Temple">Amritsar: Abode of the Golden Temple</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Amritsar" msid="102975542" hostid="261" sizebytes="149628"></div>The Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. It symbolizes equality, humility, and unity, and offers a spiritual haven for people of all faiths. History: Built in the 16th century, the Golden Temple stands as a testament to Sikh resilience and devotion. Its reflective pool, known as the Amrit Sarovar, holds immense spiritual significance. Why Visit: Witness the breathtaking Golden Temple, volunteer at the langar (community kitchen), and embrace the sense of community and service. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Puri: Land of Lord Jagannath" comment="subhead" text="Puri: Land of Lord Jagannath"><keyword id="4903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Puri" source="Orion">Puri</keyword>: Land of Lord Jagannath</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Puri" msid="102975627" hostid="261" sizebytes="172382"></div>Puri is home to the revered Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna). The annual Rath Yatra, where deities are taken out in grand chariots, is a major attraction. History: The temple's history dates back over a thousand years, and it holds a special place in Hindu mythology. The temple's kitchen, which feeds thousands daily, is also noteworthy. Why Visit: Witness the grandeur of the Rath Yatra, explore Puri's pristine beaches, and savor the local delicacies. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Madurai: The City of Temples" comment="subhead" text="Madurai: The City of Temples">Madurai: The City of Temples</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Madhurai" msid="102975700" hostid="261" sizebytes="134972"></div>Madurai is synonymous with the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a marvel of Dravidian architecture. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and Lord Shiva. History: With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, the Meenakshi Temple is a cultural and spiritual landmark. Its intricate carvings and vast complex are awe-inspiring. Why Visit: Admire the temple's intricate architecture, attend the nightly ceremony, and explore the bustling markets of Madurai. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Haridwar: Gateway to Salvation" comment="subhead" text="Haridwar: Gateway to Salvation"><keyword id="6355106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Haridwar" source="Orion">Haridwar</keyword>: Gateway to Salvation</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Haridwar" msid="102975861" hostid="261" sizebytes="200688"></div>Haridwar is another gateway to the Ganges and is believed to be the place where the river leaves the mountains to flow into the plains. The Kumbh Mela, a massive spiritual gathering, is held here. History: Haridwar's history is intertwined with Hindu mythology and legends. The city's ghats and temples attract pilgrims and seekers alike. Why Visit: Take part in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, visit the temples, and experience the profound spirituality of the Kumbh Mela. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bodh Gaya: Attaining Enlightenment" comment="subhead" text="Bodh Gaya: Attaining Enlightenment">Bodh Gaya: Attaining Enlightenment</cmsannotation><div type="image" title="Bodh Gaya" msid="102975924" hostid="261" sizebytes="90520"></div>Bodh Gaya is where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple complex stands as a tribute to this event. History: The birthplace of Buddhism, Bodh Gaya has been a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. The serene atmosphere and historic significance attract seekers of inner wisdom. Why Visit: Meditate under the Bodhi Tree, explore the Mahabodhi Temple complex, and embrace the teachings of compassion and mindfulness. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pushkar: Mystical Desert Gem" comment="subhead" text="Pushkar: Mystical Desert Gem">Pushkar: Mystical Desert Gem</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Pushkar" msid="102975995" hostid="261" sizebytes="120904"></div>Pushkar is famed for its holy lake and the Brahma Temple, dedicated to Lord Brahma. The city holds a special place in Hindu mythology. History: Pushkar's origins are shrouded in myth, and it's considered one of the most ancient cities in India. The annual Pushkar Camel Fair adds vibrant cultural allure to the town. Why Visit: Witness the ethereal beauty of the Pushkar Lake, explore the bustling bazaars, and participate in the unique Camel Fair. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tiruvannamalai: Mount of the Divine" comment="subhead" text="Tiruvannamalai: Mount of the Divine">Tiruvannamalai: Mount of the Divine</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Tiruvannamalai" msid="102976073" hostid="261" sizebytes="133968"></div>Tiruvannamalai is home to the sacred Arunachaleshwarar Temple and the revered Arunachala Hill, believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. History: The town's spiritual roots date back centuries, attracting seekers and devotees to its ancient temples and the serene presence of Arunachala Hill. Why Visit: Embark on a circumambulation of Arunachala Hill, visit the Arunachaleshwarar Temple, and engage in introspective meditation. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Dharamshala: Abode of the Dalai Lama" comment="subhead" text="Dharamshala: Abode of the Dalai Lama">Dharamshala: Abode of the Dalai Lama</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Dharamshala" msid="102976184" hostid="261" sizebytes="92600"></div>Dharamshala, especially McLeod Ganj, is the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and a hub of Tibetan Buddhism. It exudes a unique blend of spirituality and cultural diversity. History: Following the Tibetan diaspora, Dharamshala became a sanctuary for Tibetans in exile. The Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang Complex are central to the spiritual atmosphere. Why Visit: Attend teachings by the Dalai Lama, explore Tibetan culture, and find solace in the picturesque landscapes of the Himalayas. India's spiritual cities are more than just destinations; they are gateways to profound introspection, cultural immersion, and a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. From the ancient rituals along the Ganges to the tranquil abode of the Dalai Lama, each city offers a unique spiritual experience that resonates with seekers from all walks of life. Whether you're a pilgrim or a yogi you must visit these cities for spiritual awakening. <h3>SEE ALSO:</h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/8-indian-bridges-showcasing-beauty-and-architectural-excellence/articleshow/102951028.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">8 Indian bridges showcasing beauty and architectural excellence</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/taste-the-best-indian-cities-known-for-their-irresistible-food/articleshow/102950307.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Taste the best: Indian cities known for their irresistible food</a>

Divine destinations: 10 spiritual cities in India you must visit

Due to restrictions related to COVID-19 pandemic, the number of <keyword id="554586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="foreign-tourist-arrivals" source="Orion">foreign tourist arrivals</keyword> in India during 2021 decreased to 1.52 million, an over 44 per cent fall from the corresponding figures in 2020, according to a report released by the Union Tourism Ministry on Tuesday. As per the report titled 'India Tourism Statistics 2022' released by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on World Tourism Day at an event here, Taj Mahal in Agra was among the 10 most popular centrally-protected ticketed monuments for domestic visitors in 2021-22, while Group of Monument at Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu ranked on top among the 10 most popular centrally-protected ticketed monuments for domestic visitors for the same period. India's ranking in the global Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) was 54th in 2021, it said. Dhankhar also presented the main National Tourism Awards 2018-19 at Vigyan Bhawan here during the event. The annual award ceremony took place after a gap of two years due to the Covid outbreak in India in early 2020. "Due to restriction related to COVID-19, the number of foreign <keyword id="6377475" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourist" source="Orion">tourist</keyword> arrivals (FTAs) in India during 2021 decreased to 1.52 million as compared to 2.74 million in 2020, registering a negative growth of 44.5 per cent," the report said. The Vice President in his address said the last two years were "very tough" due the pandemic and the tourism sector was impacted heavily. But, in retrospect, one can say that India knows the way, and the country is "out of the difficult period", he said. The 'India Tourism Statistics 2022' report also said while FTAs experienced a "negative growth rate" in 2021, non-resident Indians (NRIs) and international tourist arrivals (ITAs) experienced "positive growth". Arrivals of NRIs increased by 52.6 per cent from 2020 to 2021. In comparison to 2020, there was a 10.6 per cent increase in yearly international tourist arrivals in India in 2021, it added. International tourism included both inbound and outbound tourism. Also, in 2021, the top 15 source markets for FTAs in India were the US, Bangladesh, the UK, Canada, Nepal, Afghanistan, Australia, Germany, Portugal, France, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, Iraq, and the Netherlands. In 2021, the top 15 nations accounted for approximately 80.9 per cent of total FTAs in India, the report stated. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/land-records-of-lord-jagannaths-over-60000-acres-in-7-states-to-be-digitised/articleshow/94497919.cms">Land records of Lord Jagannath's over 60,000 acres in 7 states to be digitised</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-smartphone-batteries-are-reportedly-swelling-up/articleshow/94498157.cms">Samsung’s batteries are reportedly swelling up – here’s everything you need to know</a>

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Divine destinations: 10 spiritual cities in India you must visit

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