Sharanam

On top of Nilanchal Hill in Guwahati lies one of the most revered shrines of Ma Kali in India - Kamakhya Devi Temple. It is one of the oldest Shakti Peeths and according to a legend, is named after Kamadeva. Kamakhya Devi Temple celebrates the power and divinity of womanhood. In this episode of Sharanam, Juhi Chawla talks about the divine energy that pulls the faithful into its holy embrace.

The Somnath Temple is not just a symbol of faith but a historical, religious and cultural beacon that has stood the test of time. Located in Saurashtra, Gujarat and believed to be created out of gold by Soma, it is regarded at the 1st Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Discover more about this revered holy shrine visited by lakhs of devotees and hear their moving soliloquies with Juhi Chawla.

The undying faith in the love of a mother is what drives devotees to the Church of Velankanni, Tamil Nadu. Hailed as the "Lourdes of the East" it's here at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, that the faithful seek solace and offer homage to Mother Mary. The hope of a miracle, cure of an ailment or a heartfelt prayer, this sacred shrine provides answers to all who bow at its doorstep.

Nestled in the Kangra Ghat in HP is the magical temple of Jwala Devi. Famous as one of the 51 Shakti peethas, it does not have an idol placed inside, rather an eternally burning flame. Soft and serene yet strong and intense, the flame represents a mother's love. Devotees staunchly believe that a glimpse of the burning flame will put an end to their struggles and pave the way for happier days.

Within the peaceful premises of the Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara in Amritsar, widely known as the Golden Temple, devotees have claimed to find the real meaning of the "greater being". The continuous chant from the verses of Guru Granth Sahib adds up to the existing sanctified atmosphere. The focus of the Golden Temple is the famous Amrit Sarovar and its sacred water is known to have healing powers.

Thousands of pilgrims throng the Sai Baba Temple with the hope of freedom from worldly pain. Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi literally means the "foot of prosperity" and it's here that pilgrims believe that their Sai beckons them with open arms. Nurtured by a belief that anyone who visits Shirdi never returns empty-handed, Sai Baba is faith and divinity epitomized in one.

In the peaceful town of Ajmer lies one of the holiest Muslim shrines in India, where thousands of pilgrims congregate to pay respect to Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, the revered Sufi saint of the Chistiya order and a prominent figure among the spiritual healers of the world. It's said that nobody returns from the dargah empty-handed and its doors are open for anyone who visits with faith and prayer.

About 60 km away from Mangalore is the peaceful hamlet, Udupi. Located here is a quaint matha of Lord Sri Krishna, a holy place where devotees shower love on their favorite lord. Swathed in garlands and gold-lined garments, the idol of Lord Krishna casts a spell of happiness the minute you see it. Devotees who visit the Sri Krishna Matha, believe that faith gets redefined in this ashram.

Considered to be as sacred as the Shakti peethas, the Saptushrungi Devi Temple near Nashik is a sight to behold. The almost 10 feet high idol of Mata blesses the thousands of devotees who visit here. Coated with Sindoor and decorated with ornaments, one cannot miss Saptashrungi Mata's striking bright eyes that seem to dive deep into one's soul and lighten it with faith from within.

Just minutes away from Nashik city in Maharashtra, is the pious town of Trimbak, a place that finds its mention in the powerful Maha Mritunjaya Mantra. Mystical, powerful and enigmatic, the Jyotirlinga here has three faces that symbolize Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahesh. Lush green mountains encircling the temple, lend a beatific atmosphere to the devotees who come here seeking peace.

Sikar is witness to an enigma of devotion in the form of the Khatushyam Temple. A manifestation of Barbarik, the warrior was blessed by Lord Krishna to be worshiped as Shyam forever. Devotees believe that the solution to all their problems lies in the darshan of Shyam Baba. With tales of folklore about the temple's establishment, the spirituality surrounding the deity never ceases to amaze.

At the dargah of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, all differences of caste, creed and religion surrender to love and peace. To escape from the frantic city life, people from all walks visit the Nizamuddin Dargah to seek solace. It is here one will find peace and tranquility filled in everyone's heart and love for one of the greatest sufi saints of India - Nizamuddin Aulia.

Udvada boasts of one of the most important fire temples of the Parsi community - Udvada Atash Behram. Literally meaning "the victorious fire" the Atash Behram attracts thousands of Zoroastrian pilgrims from all over the world. With folded hands and bowed heads, devotees throng here to connect with their spiritual selves. In addition to providing solace, it shows divinity in its all its grandeur.