Spiritual places refer to locations that hold significance, sacredness, or a deep spiritual essence for individuals or communities. These places are often associated with religious beliefs, cultural practices, or historical events that have shaped the spiritual or mystical identity of a particular group of people.
Hidden deep in Jharkhand’s forests, the Ugratara Temple is not a spectacle but a pause in time. Here, rituals wait for the Goddess’s consent, centuries-old manuscripts guide worship, and faith crosses religious boundaries. Visited in quiet stillness, Ugratara reveals how devotion, memory, and humanity continue to breathe together, long after the road bends away and the forest closes behind pilgrims.
I recently visited Patna Saheb Gurudwara, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, and was deeply moved by the spiritual richness of Sikhism. The grandness of the entrance, the serenity inside the temple, and the community's commitment to service left me feeling renewed and inspired. The experience emphasized the power of faith and love.
Our final day in Darjeeling was filled with exploration, starting at Ghum Railway Station, the highest in India. We visited the Old Ghum Monastery and Batasia Loop, marveling at their histories. The day culminated in the vibrant Chowrasta square before dining at Glenary's, leaving us with cherished memories of this enchanting region.
The author recounts a three-day New Year adventure. Beginning in Ranchi, the author and his wife embark on a motorbike road trip to Ghatshila, Jharkhand, visiting several picturesque sites, experiencing local culture, and overcoming challenges such as poor road conditions, wounds, and extreme cold. Highlights include Dharagiri Falls, Phuldugri Hill, Ratmohana River Bridge and Rankini Mandir. The trip concludes with a newfound eagerness for future adventures.
Varanasi, a timeless city on the sacred Ganga, captivates visitors with its historic ghats and temples. A trip included a visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple and an evening cruise on the Ganga aboard the Alaknanda luxury liner, offering breathtaking views and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. The experience also encompassed exploring Ravidas Ghat and witnessing the city's rich cultural heritage. The day ended with a memorable Ganga Aarti and a peaceful float of a Floating Diya. The Alaknanda Cruise provided a unique perspective of Varanasi's iconic ghats, offering a tranquil escape from the lively streets, concluding with shopping, a temple visit, and a delightful dinner before departing for Ranchi.
A drive undertaken for remembrance turned into a moment of revelation. With my son beside me, the road led us — unexpectedly — to Maa Tara Chandi. Maa Tara Chandi came to us not as a plan, but as a pause — and in that pause, the road changed its meaning.
The Nalateshwari Temple is situated in the Nalhati town of Birbhum district in West Bengal. The town Nalhati is named after Nalateshwari temple, one of the 51 Sakti Peethas. It is around 25 km from Tarapith. The Shakti Pitha (Sanskrit: शक्ति पीठ) are significant shrines and pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism, the goddess-focused Hindu tradition. This temple is believed to be erected at the spot where the ‘Nala’, (Vocal chord with part of the tracheae), the throat of Goddess Sati (Sakti) had fallen. In Bengali, the larynx is known as 'Nala'. This is the source from which the deity is known as Maa Nalateswari and the place is also named Nalhati, for the shrine.
The sacred groves of Jharkhand, known as Sarna or Sarna sthal, are revered sites within Adivasi culture. These forested areas, rich with sal trees, embody the spiritual essence and ecological wisdom of the indigenous tribes. Sarnas serve as temple groves for various tribes, reflecting a blend of tribal and Hindu traditions. These groves are not only cultural and religious sites but also vital hubs of biodiversity, requiring preservation for future generations.
The rain cancelled our plans in Dumka—temples unseen, meetings deferred, intentions paused. What began as a practical journey, even a hopeful one for our son’s future, dissolved into stillness. Then came Tarapith. Not as an alternative, but as an answer—quietly reminding us that some paths are chosen for us, not by us.
Hidden in the tranquil village of Bongabar, Jharkhand, **Tuti Jharna Mandir** is a mystical Shiva temple where water eternally flows from the idol of **Goddess Ganga** onto the **Shivalinga**. Discovered in 1925, this sacred site defies explanation—its unending stream a living symbol of faith, divinity, and the timeless harmony between nature and the divine.
