Saptapuri- The 7 Sacred Cities in Hinduism & Their Divine Importance

The seven holy cities of India, or Saptapuris, are a group of cities that Hinduism has long regarded as lifetime temples of spirituality. These cities, mentioned in holy books such as the Mahabharata and the Garuda Purana, are believed to offer moksha (liberation) to those who visit them. They are beautifully listed in the well-known passage from the Garuda Purana: 

“Ayodhyā mathurā māyā kāśī kāñcī hy avantikā | purī dvāravatī caiva saptaitā mokṣadāyikā ||”

This translates to: Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar (Maya), Varanasi (Kashi), Kanchipuram, Ujjain (Avanti), and Dwarka, cities that hold immense divine importance in Hindu pilgrimage.

Each city is associated with a deity: Ayodhya with Lord Rama, Mathura with Krishna, Kashi with Lord Shiva, Kanchipuram with Goddess Kamakshi, Ujjain with Mahakaleshwar, and Dwarka with Krishna’s kingdom. Together, these seven sacred cities form the spiritual heart of Hinduism.

For centuries, saints, sages, and pilgrims have travelled across these holy lands, seeking divine blessings and liberation. Even today, the Saptapuri cities list remains a guide for spiritual seekers, symbolizing the eternal connection between faith, culture, and a sacred geography of holy cities in India.

Exploring the seven sacred cities ‘Saptapuris’

Saptapuri boasts a rich history, many temples, and interesting stories, making these cities the heart of India. Here’s the Saptapuri cities list every pilgrim should know: 

1. Ayodhya- Birthplace of Lord Rama

2. Mathura- Land of Lord Krishna’s birth

3. Haridwar- Gateway to Gods

4. Varanasi (Kashi)- City of Lord Shiva

5. Kanchipuram- The city of a thousand temples

6. Ujjain- The city of Kalbhairav

7. Dwarka- Lord Krishna’s kingdom

All together these seven sacred cities are not just destinations but spiritual experiences, attracting millions of seekers who wish to connect deeply with the roots of Hindu pilgrimage cities.

1. Ayodhya

The birthplace of Lord Rama (the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu), Ayodhya, holds a timeless place in the Ramayana and Rama's birth, childhood, vivaha, and 14 years of vanavasa, representing devotion, dharma, and justice. Located in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Sarayu river, it’s thought to be over 9,000 years old and was formerly the capital of King Dasharatha. 

The Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, built at the birthplace of Lord Rama, stands as the ultimate centre of devotion. Equally significant is Hanuman Garhi, where devotees seek blessings from Lord Hanuman before visiting Ram Lalla.

Things to do: Visiting temples and ghats are not the only things to do in Ayodhya. You can enjoy Ram Leela from September to October, and Ram Navami Mela in April.

2. Mathura

The land where Shri Krishna was born, and a part of the Krishna circuit, Mathura, Krishna Janmabhoomi, is the birthplace of Shri Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. This city in Uttar Pradesh, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, is known for its ancient ghats, colourful architecture of temples, and vibrant markets that tell the divine stories of Krishna’s childhood and leelas. 

Vishram Ghat is where Lord Krishna is said to have rested after defeating Kansa. During festivals like Janmashtami and Holi, Mathura turns into a living canvas of devotion and joy.

Things to do: Attend evening aarti at Vishram Ghat, explore Dwarkadhish Temple, and shop for local sweets and handicrafts.

Also Read: Top 10 temples to visit in Ayodhya: A spiritual pilgrimage experience through Sri Ram Janmabhoomi

3. Haridwar

Hari ka Dwar, or a gateway to Lord Vishnu, Haridwar, is the entry point for Char Dham Yatra, where millions of devotees take a ritual bath in the holy Ganga. According to Hindu sculptures, King Bhagirath’s penance brought the River Ganga to earth at Har Ki Pauri, making it the most revered ghat.

Witnessing evening Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri is a divine experience, with thousands of lamps floating on the river, and pandits chanting mantras. The grand Kumbh mela, held every 12 years in this city, attracts devotees from all across the world.

Things to do: Take a dip at Har Ki Pauri, attend Ganga Aarti, visit Mansa Devi Temple, explore Bharat Mata Mandir, and enjoy its spiritual aura.

Also Read: 8 important temples to visit in Haridwar, here’s your guide to the City of Gods

4. Varanasi

Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi, is the city of Lord Shiva, and a crown jewel among the Saptapuri cities list. Considered the spiritual capital of Hinduism, it is believed to have been personally created by Lord Shiva. The city is known as Shiv ki Nagari, often called the oldest living city in the world. 

The city is home to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and nearly 20,000 other temples scattered across its lanes. Pilgrims also seek blessings at the sacred Ganga ghats, where rituals of life and death unfold daily. The belief that dying in Varanasi grants moksha (salvation) makes it a city of eternal peace.

Things to do: Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, take a spiritual boat ride on the Ganga, visit ancient temples, sample world-famous chats, and explore the bustling lanes.

Also Read: Kashi Vishwanath Temple- A symbol of spirituality

5. Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, situated on the banks of the River Vegavathi, is often called the city of a thousand temples and the city of gold. Revered for its divine shrines, Kanchipuram is home to around 108 Shaiva temples and 18 Vaishnav temples; the famous Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati in her most powerful form, is the treasure of this city. 

Kanchipuram is also celebrated for its world-renowned Kanchipuram silk sarees. The great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya once spread the Advaita philosophy here, enhancing its importance in Hindu spiritual history. Just 75 km from Chennai, this city attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year.

Things to do: Visit ancient temples, shop for Kanchipuram silk, explore heritage sites, and experience the city’s divine aura.

Also Read: Spiritual journey in Kanchipuram: exploring 8 must-see temples

6. Ujjain

Situated on the banks of the holy Kshipra River, Ujjain is one of the oldest and holiest living cities of India, renowned for the Mahakaleshwar Shiva Jyotirlinga, as it’s a Swayambhu (self-manifested) and the only south-facing Jyotirlinga, believed to destroy fears of time and death. It is said that Kaal Bhairav, the aggressive form of Lord Shiva, guards this city with full awareness.

Another significant aspect of Ujjain is that the Kumbh Mela, also known as Simhastha, is held here every 12 years. Millions of devotees and saints gather to take a holy dip in the Kshipra River, seeking salvation and spiritual upliftment.

Things to do in Ujjain: Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple, take part in the evening aarti, explore Sandipani Ashram, Ram Ghat, and Gopal Mandir for a deep spiritual journey.

Also Read: Mahakaleshwar, Kal Bhairav, and more; here are 10 popular temples of Ujjain that you must visit once

7. Dwarka

The Sapta Puri circuit is incomplete without visiting Dwarka, as it’s the kingdom and birthplace of Lord Krishna, and the place where Krishna ruled after shifting the Yaduvansh capital from Mathura. People say this holy city has eventually submerged into the Arabian Sea after Krishna’s departure, making it a site of immense spiritual importance in the Saptapuri.

The 2,500-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, stands as the hidden gem of the city. Dwarka is also a major pilgrimage centre and forms an important part of the Char Dham Yatra.

Things to do: Attend the grand aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple, visit Gomti Ghat, explore Rukmini Devi Temple, and experience peace by the Arabian Sea.

Also Read: 8 iconic temples to explore during Dwarka, Gujarat tour

Saptapuri in scriptures

The Garuda Purana and Skanda Purana describe Sapta Puris as a getaway to moksha, while the Mahabharata praises their eternal holiness. One who visits these holy cities in India is free from the cycle of birth and death. From Kashi to Dwarka, they are celebrated as eternal abodes of dharma, spirituality, and salvation for all devotees.

Also Read: You’re definitely missing out on something if you haven’t visited these 10 temples of Varanasi

Plan your journey to experience the divine seven cities of Saptapuri. For more updates, dial +918510007751.