There’s nothing like starting the first day of your year on a positive note and the best places to do so are temples, mosques, gurudwaras and other popular places of religious beliefs and sentiments. A good number of people look forward to seeking the blessings of the almighty on their special occasions. Hence, if you too wish to stay peaceful, happy and prosperous all year round, then begin the year 2018 on an optimistic and pleasing note then visit these top spots on the first day of the New Year.
Hemkund Sahib in Uttrakhand
Situated at a height of 4329mts, Hemkund Sahib in Uttrakhand is one of the most popular pilgrimage spots for Hindus and Sikhs. Surrounded by astounding glaciers, the gurudwara is the ideal spot for seeking the blessings of the 10th Sikh Guru “Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji” on the first day of New Year. The stupendous views of the Hemkund Lake coupled with the spectacular mountain views will fill you up with positive energy from top to bottom.
Shirdi Sai Baba
If you’re a Sai baba devotee, then you ought to visit the Shirdi Sai Baba temple on the very first day of the New Year 2018. Sai baba is a popular spiritual saint, satguru, fakir and Lord Shiva’s incarnation who is worshipped by both the Muslim as well as Hindu devotees around the world. While, there are many Sai Baba temples across the country and even worldwide, the one located at shirdi in Maharashtra has a special significance for devotees from all walks of life. Many individuals believe that it is the ideal spot for seeking baba’s blessings, especially when they need to fulfill their wishes or require miraculous healing.
Golden Temple in Amritsar
Amritsar’s Golden temple is another religious place where you can seek both solace and spirituality and initiate your New Year on a peaceful note. Although Golden temple (Sri Harmindir Sahib) is a popular place for the Sikh community, devotees from other religious backgrounds, caste as well as creed also throng to the gurudwara to listen to the famous Gurbani kirtan and also for seeking the blessings of the Akal Takhat Sahib. Golden Temple is also known as the Ath Sath Tirath that implies ‘Shrine of 68 pilgrimages’.
Ajmer Sharif, Rajasthan
Ajmer Sharif, the dargah of Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer is located at the Taragarh Hill’s foot and is visited by more than 150000 pilgrims on a daily basis. The shrine encompasses the saint’s tomb and attracts both the Muslim as well as the Hindu population. Regarded as the holiest shrines of Muslims in the country, the place is ideal for gaining spiritual vibrations and energy on the first day of the New Year.
Shree Siddhivinayak, Mumbai
Located in Mumbai, Shree Siddhivinayak temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha the elephant headed God. The 2 century old temple was originally built to fulfill the wishes of the barren females. However, over the years, devotees of all class and creed frequent the temple for wish fulfillment as well as to seek the blessings of the lord. Visit the temple on the New Year’s Eve or the day after and get your wishes fulfilled by making offerings to the Lord in the form of flowers and ladoos.
Tirupati Balaji
Located on the Tirumala hills in the district of Chitoor in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati Balaji, also known as the Sri Venkateshwara Swami temple is the wealthiest temple on the planet. It receives donations and contributions from devotees around the world and is visited by devotees from every nook and corner. It is also popularly known as the ‘Temple of Seven Hills’ and is dedicated to Venkateshwara, the incarnation of Vishnu. It is widely believed that devotees who seek the lord’s blessings and savor the prasadam served within the temple premise attract good fortune into their lives. Pay a visit to the temple along with your family on the first day of 2018 to give a fresh start to the year.
-Puja Bhardwaj
