What is kshetram?

Kshetram is a Sanskrit word that literally means "sacred place" or "holy spot". In Hinduism, it refers to any place of pilgrimage or spiritual importance. These can be natural sites like mountains, rivers, and forests, or human-built structures like temples, shrines, and ashrams.

Kshetrams are believed to be imbued with divine energy and are often associated with specific deities or legends. For example, the temple town of Varanasi is considered a kshetram to Shiva, while the city of Dwarka is a kshetram to Krishna. Pilgrimage to these sites is considered an important aspect of spiritual practice and is believed to grant blessings, purify the soul, and bring good fortune.

There are thousands of kshetrams throughout India, each with their own unique history and significance. Some of the most famous include the Char Dham Yatra in the Himalayas, the Kumbh Mela festival held every twelve years at four different kshetrams, and the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir.