Seeing Spiritual India: A Guide to Temples, Holy Sites, Festivals and Traditions
This book is one of the most complete reviews of the major holy places and temples of India, and the traditions connected with them. It describes where they are located and what you will see. This 2020 Update includes more and newer information and additional sites to see.
This travel guide is not only a great reference work, but is written especially for anyone who wants to know of the many holy sites that you can visit while traveling within India, how to reach them, and what is the history and significance of these most spiritual of sacred sites, temples and festivals. It also provides a deeper understanding of the mysteries and spiritual traditions of India. It is for both those who are new to India and those who are experienced.
India has one of the most ancient cultures on the planet that is still a living and dynamic tradition. Many of the customs and rituals that we can see today have existed for thousands of years. This is what makes this country so interesting and draws so many people to it. It is the culture of yoga, meditation, gurus, spiritual philosophy, ancient festivals, holy men and women, sacred mountains and rivers, traditional music, and offers the potential for becoming more aware of who we are and the purpose of life. This is what continues to attract people from all walks of life, and who may try to look beyond the veil of its mysteries.
This book will certainly help you find your way around India’s mysterious traditions, and the historical and spiritual significance of the major holy places, temples, and festivals that this country has.
• This book divides the country into East, Central, South, North, West, the Far Northeast, and Nepal, and describes the best itineraries to take to see the most of each area.
• It provides descriptions of the temples and their architecture, and what you will find at each place.
• It describes the significance and traditions connected with each site, the historical legends, and the spiritual merits a person acquires by visiting various locations.
• It helps you decide which places are the most interesting for you, where you want to go, and problems to avoid.
• It describes the holy places of Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, and Muslims.
• It gives insights into how to return from India with the greatest of spiritual wealth.
• Where you can go to most effectively perceive your own spiritual identity.
• How the spiritual side of India can open you to your own divine nature.
• Along with how to get the best experience you can from your visit to India, and packing list suggestions and how to prepare for your trip.
This book goes beyond the usual descriptions of the typical tourist attractions and opens up the spiritual venue waiting to be revealed for a far deeper experience on every level.
The author, Stephen Knapp, has visited practically 85% of all the places that he describes after making well over 20 trips to India, traveling across almost every state of the country, some several times. So, most of this information comes from personal experience, which you can apply for yourself. The Kindle Ebook version has links in the Contents to all sections of the book.
Stephen Knapp has studied the major Vedic texts of India and practiced yoga and the Eastern teachings for over 40 years. He has traveled throughout India and has a collection of over 18,000 slides and images of the many holy places and temples he has visited. He has authored over forty well-received books on Vedic culture and Eastern spirituality. He also regularly gives lectures at various venues both in America and in India. There is much more information about him on his website: www.stephen-knapp.com and at http://stephenknapp.wordpress.com.
