Knowledge Bank

Importance of effort in spirituality

The Ganga cannot descend to earth unless a great ascetic like Bhagirath, with intense penance and unwavering determination, invites her with utmost devotion. Similarly, rainfall does not grace the earth until Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, releases the waters withheld in the skies. This highlights that without sincere effort and readiness, one cannot attain the Self (Atman). The Atman chooses only those who genuinely seek it and are prepared to strive for it.

Which are some of the most important holy teerthas?

Kashi (Varanasi), Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dwarka, Puri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Rameswaram.