Saptpuri: 7 sacred cities of India | Bharat Mata
You must have heard about the seven sages (Saptrishi). But are you familiar with the concept of “Saptpuri”? In our country, there are seven sacred cities, which are considered pilgrimage sites for attaining moksha (liberation). These seven cities are collectively known as “Saptpuri.” According to religious beliefs, the seven holy cities of India that make up Saptpuri are Ayodhya, Mathura, Dwarka, Varanasi, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Kanchipuram.
‘अयोध्या मथुरा माया काशी कांची अवंतिका
पुरी द्वारावती चैव सप्तैते मोक्षदायका।।’
These seven cities not only represent the spiritual essence of India but also symbolize the unity and integrity of the country. According to the sacred scriptures, visiting these cities is believed to end the cycle of birth and death, granting moksha (liberation). Each of these cities is associated with different cycles and the emotions that manifest there.
The journey of Saptpuri begins with Haridwar.
Haridwar
The sacred city of Maya, also known as Haridwar, is associated with the Muladhara Chakra, which is located at the base of the spine. This chakra is where both inertia and enthusiasm manifest, and it is when enthusiasm arises that one begins their journey. The word “Haridwar” means “Gateway to God’s Abode,” and it is from here that an individual starts their spiritual journey. Haridwar is situated on the banks of the Ganga River in Uttarakhand. It also serves as the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage that leads to the holy Kailash Mountain.
Kanchi
The second sacred city is Kanchi, which corresponds to the Swadhisthana Chakra, located behind the genital area. The presiding goddess of this chakra is Kamakshi, the goddess of desire or “Kama.” Kanchi, also known for its many temples, remains a significant spiritual site for Hindus. Located in South India, the city is famous for the Kamakshi Amman Temple and Kanchipuram silk. With its rich historical past, Kanchi also boasts several historical sites. Some of the prominent temples in Kanchipuram include the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and many others.
The holy City of Ayodhya, The Birthplace of Lord Rama.
Ayodhya is associated with the Manipura Chakra, located in the navel area. This chakra is where the emotions of joy, generosity, greed, and jealousy are expressed, all of which are connected to Ayodhya. Ayodhya was founded by Manu, the creator of Hindu philosophies. It is situated on the banks of the Saryu River in Uttar Pradesh. Many religious and literary texts mention the city of Ayodhya, and the most famous story is the epic of Lord Rama, who ruled over Ayodhya. Today, Ayodhya is one of the major sacred destinations for Hindus and is an integral part of the Saptpuri pilgrimage.
The City of Lord Krishna — Mathura
Mathura is the fourth sacred city and is associated with the Anahata Chakra, located in the heart area. The heart chakra is primarily linked to three emotions: love, fear, and hatred. Mathura symbolizes the love and devotion of the Gopis for Krishna, as well as the fear and hatred of the evil king Kans. Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The city is home to numerous temples and is close to other cities like Vrindavan and Govardhan, where it is believed that Krishna spent his childhood. Mathura is famous for the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Keshav Dev Temple, the Birla Temple, and many other temples.
Ujjain
The fifth sacred city is Avantika, also known as Ujjain, which is associated with the Vishuddhi Chakra, located in the throat area. This chakra is where we experience the emotions of sorrow and gratitude. According to sacred scriptures, the origin of Ujjain is linked to the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a tale of battle between the gods and demons. Ujjain is also referred to as the “City of Temples” and is thus considered a significant holy site for Hindus.
Varanasi, The City of Lord Shiva
The sixth sacred city, Kashi, also known as Banaras or Varanasi, is associated with the Ajna Chakra, located in the forehead, also known as the “Third Eye” or “Eye of Knowledge.” Varanasi is a city of scholars and pundits and has always been a center of wisdom and Vedic knowledge. It is believed that if a person dies in this city, they attain moksha (liberation). The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is the most famous temple here, among many others.
Dwarka
The final sacred city, Dwarka, is associated with the Sahasrar Chakra, the crown chakra located at the top of the head. Dwarka is considered the first capital of Gujarat and is the place where Lord Krishna established the city after leaving Mathura, over 5,000 years ago. Many stories from Lord Krishna’s life are linked to Dwarka. Today, it is famous for the Dwarkadhish Temple and many other temples. Therefore, it is one of the seven major Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.
Bharat Mata is working to ensure that the significance of these sacred Vedic sites reaches every individual.
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