NEW DELHI: In a bid to promote the spiritual and heritage destinations of India, the Ministry of Tourism has been undertaking several initiatives. Recently, the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Development of North-Eastern Region, G Kishan Reddy, revealed that the ministry is providing financial assistance under the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme.
The PRASHAD Scheme aims to develop and integrate identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations across India, in consultation with the respective state governments and union territories. The scheme seeks to provide holistic development of the destinations and promote tourism.
Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism has also been providing financial assistance under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for the development of tourism infrastructure. The scheme’s primary objective is to identify sites for development, subject to availability of funds and adherence to scheme guidelines, among others.
As part of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the SD 2.0 initiative for the development of sustainable and responsible tourist destinations. The ministry has selected Dwaraka, Gujarat, for development under the SD 2.0 initiative.
The Ministry of Tourism has been promoting the Saptha Moksha Puri, the Seven Liberation destinations of India, which include Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Kashi (Varanasi), Kanchi Avantika (Ujjain), Puri (Odisha), and Dwaravati (Dwaraka, Gujarat). The ministry has been undertaking promotional campaigns through electronic, print, and digital media, including its official website and social media handles.
With these initiatives, the Ministry of Tourism is seeking to boost tourism across India and promote the country’s spiritual and heritage destinations.
India’s Saptha Moksha Puri, also known as the Seven Liberation destinations, are a group of seven important Hindu pilgrimage sites that are believed to grant liberation or Moksha from the cycle of birth and death. The seven destinations covered under Saptha Moksha Puri are:
Ayodhya: Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The city is home to the famous Ram Janmabhoomi temple and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Mathura: Mathura is associated with the birthplace of Lord Krishna, another important deity in Hinduism. The city is home to several ancient temples, including the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple.
Maya (Haridwar): Haridwar, located on the banks of the river Ganges, is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. The city is known for the Kumbh Mela, a major pilgrimage and festival held every 12 years.
Kashi (Varanasi): Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism. The city is home to several ancient temples and is known for its famous ghats, where devotees perform rituals and offer prayers.
Kanchi Avantika (Ujjain): Ujjain is home to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The city is also associated with the legendary king Vikramaditya and is home to several ancient temples and historical sites.
Puri (Odisha): Puri is home to the Jagannath Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Dwaravati (Dwaraka, Gujarat): Dwaraka is associated with Lord Krishna and is believed to have been his kingdom during his lifetime. The city is home to several ancient temples, including the Dwarkadhish Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
The Saptha Moksha Puri pilgrimage is an important journey for many Hindus, and visiting all seven destinations is believed to provide spiritual liberation and enlightenment. These destinations hold immense importance in Hindu mythology and are revered by millions of devotees around the world.
