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c.smith
02 September 2006, 02:37 PM
Hi All,

I will be travelling to India the first two weeks of October - visiting New Delhi and Agra - and am hoping that suggestions can be made as to what MUST be seen, especially in the Temple and religious arenas. I am a devotee of Ganesha and Shiva and hope to be able to visit temples dedicated to those deities. I've heard that not all Temples will allow foriegners and some won't allow non-hindus or hindus without an Indian name. I don't have a legal Indian name and I'm from the U.S. so I'm a little concerned about not being able to see some of the things that I'd like to.

Any suggestions would be helpful. This will be my first trip to India and I hope to make it an anual event. Thanks for your input!

Bhakti Yoga Seeker
02 September 2006, 07:39 PM
Namaskaar. Good to hear that you have decided to take such an interesting trip! Two weeks in my opinion may be cutting it a bit short. I would push for three weeks if possible. You will also get more of your money's worth out of it. While it is true that some temples won't allow non-Hindus or non-Indians, these are very few and far between. Chances are that people will be delighted to see a foreigner taking interest in any temple or religious experience. I would not worry about that part too much as the same basic rules apply there as here such as leaving shoes outside and not disturbing the peace. I can't remember the names of the temples in those areas but I will try to find out because there are a lot of temples worth seeing.

Also, does your entire trip just consist of Delhi and Agra? If you are doing this mostly for religious or spiritual purposes, I would venture out farther. Haridwar and Rishikesh are great places to visit and if you are going to be going to Agra, I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to visit Mathura and the surrounding holy places. Although these are focused more on Krishna, I believe you would find a lot of value from going there. As to Agra, I assume that the main purpose there is to see the Taj Mahal. It is a great monument but I don't think Agra is a nice place to live in or stay at for any amount of time. Let any of us know if you have any other questions. Since you are going to be doing this the first time it sounds like, make sure to make the most out of your trip. That is why I am suggesting venturing out toward some of the more holy cities and towns such as Haridwar, Mathura, etc. Good luck. :) ~BYS~

P.S. If you don't have your Visa yet, please get it immediately. Government stuff like this can take time. I barely got mine in time myself when I went last.

saidevo
02 September 2006, 08:21 PM
Namaste Smith,

Since Delhi was long under the rule of Islamic kings, you would find a less number of temples in Delhi than in other regions. The following links might help:

http://www.shubhyatra.com/delhi/temples-in-delhi.html
http://www.indiantemplesportal.com/delhi-temples.html
http://www.tourism-delhi.com/temples-in-delhi.html
http://www.indiatravelroute.com/delhi-india-tour/arts-crafts-delhi.htm

You are probably aware that Taj Mahal was earlier an Hindu palace where there was a Shva temple. When you visit this monument, you may perhaps be interested in looking for the Hindu symbols there. For details visit:

www.stephen-knapp.com/index.html

Shuba Yatra.

sarabhanga
02 September 2006, 08:58 PM
Namaste,

Delhi is perhaps required for international transit, and the city will surely introduce you to India, but the only remaining Tirtha is the Yamuna River, and most western senses will probably be disappointed by the almost total neglect of Her sacred waters. There are many interesting monuments and ancient ruins around Delhi, but anything ancient and also Hindu or Jaina is either abandoned and in ruins or has long ago been reassembled into a Mosque, or a military command-post for the British, or some such.

Likewise in Agra, where the English language signs promoting “Clean Green Agra” have no real meaning ~ but everyone visits the Taj Mahal (which has to be closed one day a week for cleaning to stop it from being dissolved by the acidic pollution) on their first trip to India. :rolleyes:

If you visit Agra, then you will be close to Mathura, and the auspicious Govardhana:

http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showpost.php?p=6219&postcount=27

http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showpost.php?p=6274&postcount=29